PURA BALI

Bali's mother temple stands against a stupendous mountain backdrop on the southeastern slopes of Mount Agung. The largest on the island, this massive complex of 35 small temples attracts staggering numbers each year, being the main point of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus. Tracing its origins to prehistoric times, Pura Besakih or Mother Temple of Besakih was untouched by the great 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, which wiped out surrounding villages. The complex also houses the oldest remaining gamelan instrument in Bali called selonding. The temple ceremony, odalan, falls on the 10th month of the Balinese calendar, in April.