Pura Besakih on Mount Agung

Pura Besakih is an extensive complex of 23 separate temples.

Pura Besakih stands on the slopes of Mount Agung in Bali.

Stone bases here resemble megalithic stepped pyramids.

Pura Besakih was used for worship from 1284.

By the 15th century, Pura Besakih gained importance.

Pura Besakih is built on 6 levels terraced up the slope.

A candi bentar split gateway marks the entrance to Pura Besakih.

Beyond the entrance stands the Kori Agung gateway to the second courtyard.

Brick gateways lead up to the main spire called Pura Penataran Agung.

The symbolic center of Pura Penataran Agung is a lotus throne padmasana.

In 1963 lava flows missed the temple complex by mere meters.

At least 70 festivals are held at Pura Besakih each year.

The festival cycle follows the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar year.

All 23 temples sit on parallel ridges nearly 1,000 meters up.