The History of Besakih

Bali Personal Drivers - Bali and Java islands were once an island and named Dawa. In East Java, precisely in Rawang Mount (now known as Rawung Mount) there is a Yogi (recluse), which was named Resi Markandeya. He came from Hindustan (India), by his followers was named Batara Giri Rawang, because spiritual holiness, proficiency and his wisdom (sakti sidhi ngucap). In his hermitage on Hyang Mount (DIYENG Mount in Central Java, who came and said DI HYANG) he received revelation from Hyang Widhi Wasa, that he and his followers clearing forest on the island of Dawa, and if it has been completed, then the land was parceled out to his followers.

The Yogi Markandeya implement the command and immediately leaving to the east with his followers about a 8000 people. Upon arrival at the destination the Yogi Markandeya tells his followers to cut down the jungle. When working, many of his followers are sick, and die, and some are dead eaten by wild beasts.

Seeing this incident, the Yogi Markandeya commanded to stop the work. The Yogi Markandeya then returned to his hermitage. On a day which is seen as a good day (Dewasa Ayu), accompanied by some rishis and recluse, he pleaded "wara nugraha" into the presence of Hyang Widhi Wasa for the success of his work. The Yogi Markandeya then departed with his followers are about 4,000 people who came from the village of Age (people on the slopes of Raung Mount) by carrying agricultural tools including plant seeds. Upon arriving at their destination, the Yogi Markandeya immediately "tapa yoga" meditation with other yogis and dedicate "Upakara Yadnya", "Dewa Yadnya and Buta Yadnya". After the ceremony was completed, he commands his followers to continue to work clearing the forest, ranging from south to north. When there are enough forest being cleared, the Yogi Markandeya commanded that work halted, and he began a land distribution for his followers who each used as rice fields, dry fields and housing.

In the place where it started clearing forests, the Yogi Markandeya planting, pitcher (payuk) containing water, also "Pancadatu", such as gold, silver, copper, iron and bronze with "Mirah Adi" jewel (major gems) and also upakara (offerings), which has been sprinkled with "Tirta Pangentas" (holy water). The place where the means were planted were named BASUKI. Since that time the followers of the Yogi Markandeya who comes on at the next time, and worked clearing forest for opening new territory, no longer affected by the disaster which has ever experienced as a first.

Above quotation are from "Lontar Markandeya Purana" which explains the origin of the village and Besakih Temple, which as mentioned earlier is named Basuki, and then now known as "Besakih".

Reference : babadbali.com
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