BESAKIH TEMPLE

Bali Besakih Temple is the biggest Hindu temple in Bali which the local people call Pura
Besakih. It owns beautiful view from the top of temple area where we can see the wide nature
panorama until to the ocean so that way this temple is many visited by tourists from all over the
world. Besakih Temple is located in Besakih countryside, Rendang sub district, Karangasem
regency, east part of the island. It is located in southwest side bevel of mount Agung, the biggest
mounts in Bali. It is because pursuant to Agung Mount confidence is holiest and highest mount
in Bali Island.
Bali’s “mother temple”, Besakih temple, is over 900 metres up the slopes of Gunung
Agung. It has been regarded as a holy place since pre-historic times in Bali. The first recorded
mention of its existence is from an inscription that dates from 1007 A.D. Since the Gelgel
dynasty of the fifteenth century it has been regarded as a central, holy temple for the entire
island. All the allegiances of the Balinese people come together at Besakih. Each regency has its
own temple within the over-all compound, as do each of the caste groups. There is a total of 18
separate sanctuaries. The three main temples are : Pura Penataran Agung, Dedicated to Sang
Hyang Widi Wasa : Pura Kiduling Kreteg, dedicated to Brahma; and Pura Batu Madeg,
dedicated to Wisnu. To the Balinese a visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih temple is a
special pilgrimage. Each temple has its own odalan, or anniversary celebration, and on the full
moon of the Balinese month “Kedasa” the entire compound of Besakih celebrates the visit of the
gods, with an enormous throng of visiting pilgrims.

Besakih Temple History

Regarding the history of the Besakih Temple, there are several versions that tell about the
history of this Besakih Temple, because the Besakih Temple is classified as very old, so research
must still be carried out for history. Because in the Besakih Temple complex there are many
relics of the megalithic era, such as menhirs, stone thrones, and pyramid terrace structures. These
relics show that Pura Besakih comes from a very old age, long before the influence of Hinduism.
Based on the stories circulating in the community and existing research, it can be explained
about the history of besakih from several versions, including the following:

1. Besakih Temple History Based on Rsi Markandeya

 History Besakih Temple based on Rsi Markandeya : It started in 1284 where there was a
rsi of Indian Hindu with name Rsi Markandeya descent who was a religious leader of
Indian descent. Once he was meditating in the Dieng plateau and then he received a
revelation to build the Besakih Temple. Then Rsi Markandeya went to the island of Bali
through the forest in Java. According to the revelation heard and seen, Rsi Markandeya
came to Bali by crossing the Segara Rupek (Bali Strait), the Rsi was accompanied by
8000 followers, the journey went straight to Mount Toh Langkir (now Mount Agung), to
the slopes of the mountain which was still forested. In the wilderness, the sage and his
followers began clearing the forest to clear land for agriculture. But his mission failed
because many of his followers died of illness, mysterious events and were eaten by wild
animals.
2. Besakih Temple History Based on Sri Kesari Warmadewa
History Besakih Temple based on Sri Kesari Warmadewa is the founder of the
Warmadewa dynasty which ruled Bali for several centuries, believed to be the first
founder of the temple complex in Besakih. This can be seen from the inscription at 914
CE the Belanjong pillar ("Blanjong Inscription") in southern Sanur and the Penempahan
inscription, and the Malet Gede inscription (835 Saka)9 which tells of Sri Kesari being a
Buddhist king from the Syailendra dynasty who led a military expedition and to build a
dynasty in Bali.
 MALIN KUNDANG

Once upon a time, nestled in a coastal village of Indonesia, lived a young boy named Malin
Kundang. He was known for his adventurous spirit and ambition to seek fortune beyond the
horizon. Malin longed to sail the seas, leaving his humble beginnings behind.
Against his mother's tearful pleas, Malin set sail aboard a merchant ship, determined to carve
his destiny. Guided by dreams of wealth and success, he embarked on a journey filled with
promise and uncertainty.
Years passed, and Malin's ventures proved fruitful. He amassed great wealth, becoming a
prosperous merchant in distant lands. Yet, with each passing day, he grew further from his roots,
forgetting the sacrifices of his family and the love of his homeland.
One day, Malin's ship returned to his native village, laden with treasures and adorned with
sails of silk. News of his success spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of his aging mother.
Overjoyed, she rushed to the shore, hoping to embrace her long-lost son.
But as Malin disembarked, his eyes met his mother's gaze with indifference. Pride swelled
within him as he turned away, refusing to acknowledge her tearful pleas for recognition. In his
arrogance, he denied his humble origins, claiming no association with the woman who had once
nurtured him.
In her heartbreak, Malin's mother uttered a curse, condemning him to a fate befitting his
betrayal. As he stepped foot back onto his ship, a tempest arose, engulfing the vessel in a raging
storm. The sea, once his ally, now turned against him, swallowing Malin and his riches whole.
Legend tells that Malin Kundang's ship was transformed into stone, forever doomed to sail
the waters as a reminder of his hubris and the consequences of forsaking one's roots. And so, the
tale of Malin Kundang endures as a cautionary reminder of the importance of humility and
honoring one's past.
 Indonesian maps, like maps of any other country, are representations of geographical
features, political boundaries, infrastructure, and other relevant information specific to Indonesia.
Here's a breakdown of what you might find on an Indonesian map:
1. Political Boundaries
Indonesia is comprised of thousands of islands, but the main ones are Sumatra, Java,
Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and Papua. Political boundaries demarcate the provinces
and administrative regions within these islands.
2. Cities and Towns
Major cities like Jakarta (the capital), Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and others will be
prominently marked. Smaller towns and villages may also be included, depending on the
scale of the map.
3. Geographical Features
 Indonesia is known for its diverse geography, including mountains, volcanoes, rivers,
lakes, and coastlines. Major mountains such as Mount Rinjani and Mount Bromo, as well
as significant rivers like the Kapuas and Barito, will be indicated.
4. Islands and Archipelagos
Given Indonesia's archipelagic nature, the map will display the main islands and island
groups such as the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Moluccas, and the Riau Islands.
5. Transportation Infrastructure
Highways, roads, railways, airports, and seaports are vital features on Indonesian maps,
facilitating transportation and commerce across the country.
6. Natural Reserves and Parks
Indonesia boasts numerous national parks and protected areas, such as Komodo National
Park, Lorentz National Park, and Gunung Leuser National Park. These areas are often
highlighted on maps due to their ecological significance.
7. Cultural and Historical Sites
Points of interest such as temples, palaces, museums, and landmarks may be included to
showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and history.
8. Topography and Relief
Indonesia's topography ranges from low-lying coastal areas to high mountain ranges.
Maps often use contour lines and shading to depict elevation changes and terrain features
accurately.
9. Maritime Boundaries
Indonesia is also known for its extensive maritime boundaries. Maps may include details
about exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and territorial waters.
10. Legend and Scale
Like any map, Indonesian maps will have a legend explaining the symbols used and a
scale to help users understand distances.
Overall, Indonesian maps serve various purposes, including navigation, urban planning,
resource management, tourism, and education, providing valuable insights into the diverse and
complex geography of the Indonesian archipelago.