Pura Penataran Agung - Main Staircase

P. Besakih, Bali (map)

Besakih's central complex consists of three temples. Penataran Agung, in the center, is dedicated to Shiva. It is flanked by temples (not seen in this photo) dedicated to Brahma on the left, and Vishnu on the right. The central staircase, seen here, leads up and into Penataran Agung.

Tourists may climb the stairs but are not allowed inside the temple. There are usually some polite young men hanging around the staircase who will take visitors a short way inside for the price of a donation, but strictly speaking, only worshipers are allowed inside the temple. The proper tourist route is up the path between the Shiva and Brahma temples, and then back down again (following pages).