Sacred Sites and Temples - Introduction

Scattered across mountain ridges, nestled deep in jungle valleys, or standing tall near the ocean's edge, Bali’s sacred sites and temples are woven into the island’s spiritual fabric. A fair estimate counts more than 20,000 Hindu temples spread over the island. To the Balinese, these are not simply places of worship—they are living embodiments of divine presence and cosmic order. Each temple is designed with deep intentionality, reflecting Tri Hita Karana—the Balinese philosophy of harmony between the Divine, humanity, and nature.

The layout of a temple mirrors the layers of the cosmos, from the outermost earthly realm to the inner sanctum where the sacred is most concentrated. Gateways, courtyards, and shrines are not merely architectural elements; they represent thresholds between the seen and unseen. From grand temples like Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung, to hidden village sanctuaries whispered about in local lore, each sacred site pulses with its unique spiritual energy. Some are aligned with water, others with ancestral energies, and some serve as channels to specific deities or protective spirits.