The temple is located on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru,[1] Bali's second-highest volcano.

These temples are meant to protect Bali from evil spirits; among those nine, Batukaru stands for the west direction.

[6][7] Originally built during the 11th century, Pura Luhur Batukaru was dedicated to the ancestors of the rajas of Tabanan.

[8] Today, Pura Luhur Batukaru remains an extremely sacred site for Bali's Hindu population.

A pilgrimage takes place at the peak once a year, and may see thousands of worshipers walk its trails at once.