The Great Temple of Andakasa: A Temple on the Mountain Peak with Enchanting Panorama

The Great Temple of Andakasa is one of the Kahyangan Jagat temples located at the peak of Gunung Andakasa, Manggis District, Karangasem, Bali. This temple holds important spiritual significance for the Hindu community in Bali as it serves as a place of worship for Dewa Brahma, the creator god in Tri Murti, who governs the element of fire and the southern direction in the concept of Catur Loka Pala. At an altitude of around 200 meters, this temple not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of Bali's nature but also offers a sacred atmosphere for visitors who come to pray and embark on a spiritual journey.

Situated in a lush hilly area, The Great Temple of Andakasa presents an extraordinary natural panorama. From the mountaintop where the temple stands, visitors can witness the blue sea stretching into the distance, as well as the green hills surrounding Karangasem.

The Great Temple of Andakasa (Source: Author's Collection)

Like other Kahyangan Jagat temples in Bali, The Great Temple of Andakasa is built following the principles of traditional Balinese architecture. The main building of this temple is surrounded by stone walls with a paduraksa gate adorned with intricate carvings, typical of Balinese sculptural art. The area within the temple consists of several pelinggih (offering places) dedicated to Dewa Brahma and various other deities. The structure of the temple, which harmonizes with its surrounding environment, creates a harmonious atmosphere that reinforces the role of the temple as a place to seek tranquility and inner peace.

Historically, The Great Temple of Andakasa was established as part of a spiritual effort to maintain the balance of nature and the relationship between humans and divine powers. Dewa Brahma, as the deity worshipped in this temple, is believed to possess great power in maintaining the balance of the universe, especially from the southern direction. In the context of Catur Loka Pala, this temple serves as a protector against negative forces coming from the south and becomes a central point of spiritual power in eastern Bali.

The Great Temple of Andakasa (Source: Author's Collection)

In the concept of Tri Murti, Dewa Brahma is known as the creator god who also symbolizes the power of fire. Therefore, The Great Temple of Andakasa is often visited by those seeking blessings related to creation, birth, and new life. Additionally, this temple frequently serves as a place for the Hindu community in Bali to engage in meditation to achieve inner peace and balance between body, mind, and soul.

Like other major temples in Bali, The Great Temple of Andakasa hosts various religious rituals that are performed regularly. The main pidolan ceremony at The Great Temple of Andakasa is held every 210 days on Anggara Kliwon Wuku Medangsia. Additionally, there are also pecaruan ceremonies conducted on specific days, namely every Anggara Kliwon Wuku Perangbakat, Wuku Dukut, and Wuku Kulantir. This pecaruan ceremony aims to maintain the balance of nature and harmonize the relationship between humans and the forces of nature and other beings, ensuring that the environment remains harmonious and balanced.

The Great Temple of Andakasa (Source: Author's Collection)

The Great Temple of Andakasa can be accessed via a road trip from Denpasar with a travel time of about two to three hours. Although its location is in a steep mountainous area, the route to the temple is relatively good and can be traversed by motor vehicles up to the main parking area. From the parking lot, visitors must continue their journey by walking up the stairs to reach the main area of the temple.

Green Hill View (Source: Author's Collection)

The Great Temple of Andakasa also attracts tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Bali while learning about the local culture. Many international tourists are interested in visiting this temple due to its mountaintop location, which provides an opportunity to enjoy the stunning panorama from the height.

However, since this temple is a sacred place, visitors are expected to respect the customs and traditions of the locals by dressing appropriately and maintaining the purity of the temple. Tourists are generally required to wear a sarong and sash when entering the temple area as a sign of respect.