Indonesia, Bali

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum.

The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics.

Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Balinese womanBeduluDesawarnanaElephant CaveElephant RiverGoa GajahHaritiHindu epicsHindu priestsIndonesianJavaneseKala headMen BrayutShiva lingumSungai PetanuTshapedUNESCOWorld Heritage Siteanimalsasceticsbalibathingbuddhistcarvedcreaturesdemonicdemonsearringselephantentanglingentranceexcavatedfacadefestivalsgaping mouthhuman shapesindonesiainteriorislandleavesmenacingmonstrousocean wavespoemprivate ceremoniesreliefrockhewn caverockssanctuarystatuestoriestemplethousands templesubudward off evil spiritswoman

Local children at the The Ubud Monkey Forest which is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. It houses over 200 Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Ubud.

Bali is an Indonesian island with the provincial capital at Denpasar. Lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, the island is home to the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. What's interesting is that while Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, on the island of Bali, 93% of the population is Balinese Hindu and one can find Hinduism in each and every aspect of the life and living.

Balinese HinduHindu epicsHinduismIndonesianRamayanabalibarisbarongchildrendancedenpasarfestivalsgong keybarhighly developed artshinduindonesiaislandjavakecakkutaleatherlegonglombokmetalworkingmonkey dancemonkey forestmusicpaintingpendetperforming artsprivate ceremoniespublic showsreligionrenownedsanursculpturestoriesthousands templestopengtourist destinationubud

Local children at the The Ubud Monkey Forest which is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. It houses over 200 Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Ubud.

Bali is an Indonesian island with the provincial capital at Denpasar. Lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, the island is home to the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. What's interesting is that while Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, on the island of Bali, 93% of the population is Balinese Hindu and one can find Hinduism in each and every aspect of the life and living.

Balinese HinduHindu epicsHinduismIndonesianRamayanabalibarisbarongchildrendancedenpasarfestivalsgong keybarhighly developed artshinduindonesiaislandjavakecakkutaleatherlegonglombokmetalworkingmonkey dancemonkey forestmusicpaintingpendetperforming artsprivate ceremoniespublic showsreligionrenownedsanursculpturestoriesthousands templestopengtourist destinationubud

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum.

The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics.

Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Balinese womanBeduluDesawarnanaElephant CaveElephant RiverGoa GajahHaritiHindu epicsHindu priestsIndonesianJavaneseKala headMen BrayutShiva lingumSungai PetanuTshapedUNESCOWorld Heritage Siteanimalsasceticsbalibathingbuddhistcarvedcreaturesdemonicdemonsearringselephantentanglingentranceexcavatedfacadefestivalsgaping mouthhuman shapesindonesiainteriorislandleavesmenacingmonstrousocean wavespoemprivate ceremoniesreliefrockhewn caverockssanctuarystatuestoriestemplethousands templesubudward off evil spiritswoman

Children at Goa Gajah perform a Hindu ritual ceremony.
Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum.

The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics.

Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Balinese womanBeduluDesawarnanaElephant CaveElephant RiverGoa GajahHaritiHindu epicsHindu priestsIndonesianJavaneseKala headMen BrayutShiva lingumSungai PetanuTshapedUNESCOWorld Heritage Siteanimalsasceticsbalibathingbuddhistcarvedcreaturesdemonicdemonsearringselephantentanglingentranceexcavatedfacadefestivalsgaping mouthhuman shapesindonesiainteriorislandleavesmenacingmonstrousocean wavespoemprivate ceremoniesreliefrockhewn caverockssanctuarystatuestoriestemplethousands templesubudward off evil spiritswoman

Entrance to the bathing area of Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

Pura Tirta EmpulThe Holy SpringsTampak SiringTemple Tirta Empulpondcure sicknessBalinesemiraculoushealing powerswaterbathmanuscriptevil kingMaya DenawaGodhinduBhatara IndrapoisonedwarriorsdeadHindu God IndraspringAmertainscriptionsking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewafestivalceremonymany people bathingpancuranpurify sinstempleislandbaliUbudBedulusanctuarycarvedindonesiaIndonesianstoriesHindu epicsthousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremonies09062500

Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Praying at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

Pura Tirta EmpulThe Holy SpringsTampak SiringTemple Tirta Empulpondcure sicknessBalinesemiraculoushealing powerswaterbathmanuscriptevil kingMaya DenawaGodhinduBhatara IndrapoisonedwarriorsdeadHindu God IndraspringAmertainscriptionsking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewafestivalceremonymany people bathingpancuranpurify sinstempleislandbaliUbudBedulusanctuarycarvedindonesiaIndonesianstoriesHindu epicsthousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremonies09062504

Women taking taking a ceremonial bath at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Flowers and other offerings while taking a holy bath at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

This girl is praying and doing the hand gestures of prayers at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs while taking a holy bath.

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

Pura Tirta EmpulThe Holy SpringsTampak SiringTemple Tirta Empulpondcure sicknessBalinesemiraculoushealing powerswaterbathmanuscriptevil kingMaya DenawaGodhinduBhatara IndrapoisonedwarriorsdeadHindu God IndraspringAmertainscriptionsking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewafestivalceremonymany people bathingpancuranpurify sinstempleislandbaliUbudBedulusanctuarycarvedindonesiaIndonesianstoriesHindu epicsthousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremonies09062587

Children waiting just outside the bathing area of Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Portraits shot at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Portraits shot at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

Pura Tirta EmpulThe Holy SpringsTampak SiringTemple Tirta Empulpondcure sicknessBalinesemiraculoushealing powerswaterbathmanuscriptevil kingMaya DenawaGodhinduBhatara IndrapoisonedwarriorsdeadHindu God IndraspringAmertainscriptionsking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewafestivalceremonymany people bathingpancuranpurify sinstempleislandbaliUbudBedulusanctuarycarvedindonesiaIndonesianstoriesHindu epicsthousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremonies09062617

Portraits shot at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

Portrait of this young girl at the garden we went to for tea & coffee tasting. They also had a variety of herbs & spices.

Kopi Luwak (pronounced [ˈkopi ˈluwaʔ]) or Civet coffee is coffee made from coffee berries which have been eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and other related civet populations. What is amazing is that arguably, the most prized arabica coffee beans are not those growing on bushes but the ones found among the undergrowth, wedged in the excrement of wild palm civets. Its these beans that produce "kopi luwak", a chocolate flavored coffee that is one of the world’s most prized and expensive brews.

Disgusting as it sounds, the civets eat the berries, but the beans inside pass through their system undigested. This process takes place on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi in the Indonesian Archipelago, in the Philippines (where the product is called Motit Coffee in the Cordillera, or Kape Alamid in Tagalog areas) and in East Timor (locally called kafé-laku). Local lore in Vietnam has given the name "weasel coffee" to civet coffee, in what is considered the closest recognizable translation to English.

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world, selling for between $100 and $600 USD per pound, and is sold mainly in Japan and the United States by weight, and served in coffeehouses in Southeast Asia by the cup. It is increasingly becoming available elsewhere, though supplies are limited; only 1,000 pounds (450 kg) at most make it into the world market each year.

Asian Palm CivetCivet coffeeCordilleraIndonesianKape AlamidKopi LuwakMotit CoffeeParadoxurus hermaphroditusSumatraarabica coffee beansbalibusheschocolate flavoredcoffeecoffee berriesdigestive tracteatenexcrementexcretaexpensive brewsindonesiaislandjavakafélakumost prizedpassed throughubudundergrowthweasel coffeewild palm civets

Lady carrying offerings in her basket at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathcarvedceremonycure sicknessdeadevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculouspancuranpoisonedpondprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswater

View of Mount Batur & Lake Batur - Penelokam
Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) is an active volcano located north west of Mount Agung, Bali, Indonesia.

Mount Batur is a perfect volcanic experience which attracts thousands of tourists every year. An hour's drive from Ubud, Mount Batur is considered sacred by the Balinese and is one of the world's most active volcanoes leading to a strange pristine wilderness. The locals largely rely on agriculture for income but tourism has become increasingly popular due to the relatively straightforward trek to the summit of the central crater.

The lake, Danau Batur, is the largest crater lake on the island of Bali and is a good source of fish.

Danau BaturGunung BaturIndonesianLake BaturMount BaturPenelokamactive volcanoactive volcanoesagriculturebalicentral craterfishincomeindonesiaislandlakelargest crater lakemount agungsacredsummitthousands of touriststourismubudviewvolcanic experiencewilderness

Had lunch at a restuarant which overlooks the lush green rice terrace in Bali, Indonesia.

Danau BaturGunung BaturIndonesianLake BaturMount BaturPenelokamactive volcanoactive volcanoesagriculturebalicentral craterfishgreenincomeindonesiaislandlakelargest crater lakelunchlushmount agungricesacredslopeslopingsummitterracethousands of touriststourismubudviewvolcanic experiencewilderness

In the shops at Tirta Empul - The Holy Springs and other places it was funny to see various wood-items including phallic bottle openers & keychains.

Located in Tampak Siring is the Temple Tirta Empul where its pond is believed to cure sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water and therefore bath in it. According to Usana Bali, an ancient Balinese manuscript, there was once an evil king named Maya Denawa who did not believe in god, and objected to the people worshipping gods. The gods sent a punishment in the form of the warriors of Bhatara Indra, who arrived to attack Maya Denawa and overthrow him. However, Maya Denawa poisoned the warriors and they lay dead. Seeing this, the Hindu God Indra pierced the earth to create a spring called Amerta. When the water was sprinkled over the dead warriors, they became alive again. This water source is believed to be Tirta Empul - the source of life and prosperity to this day. The temple inscriptions mention that Tirta Empul was constructed in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered its construction. During a festival or ceremony you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. It is believed that the sacred spring water not only can cure sickness but can also purify sins.

AmertaBalineseBeduluBhatara IndraHindu God IndraHindu epicsIndonesianMaya DenawaPura Tirta EmpulSpringTemple Tirta EmpulThe Holy Springsbalibathbottlebottleopenercarvedceremonycockcure sicknessdeaddickdildoevil kingfestivalfestivalsgodhealing powershinduindonesiainscriptionsislandking Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewamanuscriptmany people bathingmiraculousopenerpancuranpenisphallicphalluspoisonedpondprickprivate ceremoniespurify sinssanctuarysex toystoriestampak siringtemplethousands templesubudwarriorswaterwoodwoodenwoodwork

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

As we reached The Mother Temple of Besakih, we saw a group of Balinese returning from the temple. When someone dies in the family after sometime the whole family goes to the temple and prays for the departed soul.

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Security person at The Mother Temple of Besakih
The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Young boys at the The Mother Temple of Besakih.
The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Mother and son at The Mother Temple of Besakih after the worship.
The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Low lying clouds drift past the mountain and behind the temple.
The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcloudscoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodgreengreeneryimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Ceremony taking place at the Hindu temple.
The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples. It has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih but fortunately, the lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the Gods.

This temple was built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

The mythology of Samudramanthana mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. The construction was troubled by a disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of them, he constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Children playing pranks and striking a pose near The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihbustchildchildrencoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgirlgirlsgodhead shotimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowslikenessmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptspeoplepersonportraitportraitsportraitureportrayalposeprankprofilesalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Children playing pranks and striking a pose near The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihbustchildchildrencoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgirlgirlsgodhead shotimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowslikenessmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptspeoplepersonportraitportraitsportraitureportrayalposeprankprofilesalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Old lady near The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersfragilegodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledladylava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyoldold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillagewomanworshipwrinkles

Old lady near The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfollowersfragilegodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledladylava flowsmiraculousmount agungmythologyoldold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillagewomanworshipwrinkles

Shops selling various masks and other items on the road leading to The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmaskmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritshopshoppingslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Shops selling various masks and other items on the road leading to The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmaskmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritshopshoppingslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Children playing pranks and striking a pose near The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihbustchildchildrencoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgirlgirlsgodhead shotimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowslikenessmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptspeoplepersonportraitportraitsportraitureportrayalposeprankprofilesalvationsamudramanthansanskritslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Shops selling various masks and other items on the road leading to The Mother Temple of Besakih - Pura Besakih in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in north-eastern Bali, is the most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali, Indonesia and is one of a series of Balinese temples.

11th centuryAgama Hindu DharmaBalinese templesBasukiBasukihBasukirBesakih villageGodsHulundang BasukihIndonesianMandara MountainPura BesakihRsi MarkandyaSamudramanthanaSanggar BasukiSunskritThe Mother Temple of BesakihUNESCO World Heritage SiteWasukibalibesakihcoileddeathdragoneastern Balieruptionsfacefollowersgodimportant templeindonesiaislandkilledlava flowsmaskmiraculousmount agungmythologyold manuscriptssalvationsamudramanthansanskritshopshoppingslopesubudvenerationvillageworship

Klung Kung - Old Court Justice of Klungkung
Klungkung Royal Palace, Jalan Diponegoro, Bali, Indonesia was built by the Dewa Agung dynasty in 1710. The existing palace, called the Semara Pura, contains a large square with spacious courtyards, lush gardens, pavilions and moats. The palace that one sees today is actually a reconstruction, as the Dutch destroyed the original palace and grounds during attacks in 1908. Stone walls with water lilies in the moat surround the very beautiful Taman Gili complex.

1710Dewa Agung dynastyDutchIndonesianJalan DiponegoroKlung KungKlungkung Royal PalaceOld Court Justice of KlungkungSemara PuraStone wallsTaman Gili complexattacksbalibeautifulbuiltdestroyedgroundsindonesiaislandlarge squarelush gardensmoatsoriginal palacepalacepavilionsreconstructionspacious courtyardsubudwater lilies

Klung Kung - Old Court Justice of Klungkung
Klungkung Royal Palace, Jalan Diponegoro, Bali, Indonesia was built by the Dewa Agung dynasty in 1710. The existing palace, called the Semara Pura, contains a large square with spacious courtyards, lush gardens, pavilions and moats. The palace that one sees today is actually a reconstruction, as the Dutch destroyed the original palace and grounds during attacks in 1908. Stone walls with water lilies in the moat surround the very beautiful Taman Gili complex.

1710Dewa Agung dynastyDutchIndonesianJalan DiponegoroKlung KungKlungkung Royal PalaceOld Court Justice of KlungkungSemara PuraStone wallsTaman Gili complexattacksbalibeautifulbuiltdestroyedgroundsindonesiaislandlarge squarelush gardensmoatsoriginal palacepalacepavilionsreconstructionspacious courtyardsubudwater lilies

"Drink Coffee" sign board near the Klung Kung - Old Court Justice of Klungkung
Klungkung Royal Palace, Jalan Diponegoro, Bali, Indonesia was built by the Dewa Agung dynasty in 1710. The existing palace, called the Semara Pura, contains a large square with spacious courtyards, lush gardens, pavilions and moats. The palace that one sees today is actually a reconstruction, as the Dutch destroyed the original palace and grounds during attacks in 1908. Stone walls with water lilies in the moat surround the very beautiful Taman Gili complex.

1710Dewa Agung dynastyDutchIndonesianJalan DiponegoroKlung KungKlungkung Royal PalaceOld Court Justice of KlungkungSemara PuraStone wallsTaman Gili complexattacksbalibeautifulbuiltchildrendestroyedgroundsindonesiaislandlarge squarelush gardensmoatsoriginal palacepalacepavilionsreconstructionspacious courtyardsubudwater lilies

Group of women going around the inner sactorium of the temple. Offerings being made as part of a ceremony taking place in Dalem Agung Padantegal Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud.

Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.

dancedancerdancersmusicinstrumentceremonyDalem Agung Padantegal TempleSacred Monkey ForestbaliindonesiaIndonesianislandtourist destinationrenownedhighly developed artssculpturepaintingleathermetalworkingBalinese HinduhindureligionHinduismperforming artsstoriesHindu epicsRamayanapendetlegongbaristopengbaronggong keybarkecakmonkey dancethousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremoniespublic showssunsettana lotmake upold manubudbaliense09063051

Dance as part of a ceremony taking place in Dalem Agung Padantegal Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud.

Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.

dancedancerdancersceremonybaliindonesiaIndonesianislandtourist destinationrenownedhighly developed artssculpturepaintingleathermetalworkingmusicBalinese HinduhindureligionHinduismperforming artsstoriesHindu epicsRamayanapendetlegongbaristopengbaronggong keybarkecakmonkey dancethousands templesfestivalsprivate ceremoniespublic showssunsettana lotmake upold manubudbaliense09063097