It is one of the nine directional temples (Pura Sad Kahyangan or Pura Kahyangan Sad Winayaka) of Bali, which are the nine holiest places of worship on Bali.

[2][3] It is dedicated to Ida Betara Hyang Iswara,[4] the guardian of the east.

[5] Pura Lempuyang is located on Mount Lempuyang or Gamongan Hill, in Karangasem district, about 12 kilometres north of Amlapura, the capital of Karangasem Regency.

The village of Bunutan is to the north-east (15 km by road), that of Tista is 10 km north-west[1] Pura Lempuyang Luhur is the seventh and highest temple of the complex,[6] at 1,060 m[a] above sea level, near the peak of Mount Lempuyang.

With its towering white candi bentar split gate, three dragon stairs and three kori agung gates, this compound has views to the west overlooking Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali.