in , ,

Goa Gajah Temple, an Enigma from the Past

Here are some facts about the Goa Gajah temple.

Goa Gajah Temple
Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah literally means ‘elephant’s cave’. But the name is a bit misleading because you won’t be able to find an elephant here. This cave, however, is an important archaeological and spiritual site, making it an interesting place to visit.

Baca juga : Jalan Jalan ke Rumah Pengasingan Bung Karno di Kota Ende

Goa Gajah. via Instagram/ourworld.wetravel

Goa Gajah is one of the oldest temples in Bali and is still considered as one of the holy temples by the Hindu community. Here are some facts about the Goa Gajah temple.

Behind the name

Elephant Cave. via Instagram/mirko.addie

There are various theories about why this place is named Goa Gajah Temple. The first theory is because, in the past, the Petanu River was also called Lwa Gajah, which means Elephant River.

Statue of Lord Ganesh. via Instagram/mirko.addie

Another theory states that the word ‘Gajah (elephant)’ comes from the statue of Lord Ganesh inside the cave. Lord Ganesh is depicted as having a human’s body with an elephant’s head. Besides that, there is an ancient inscription that mentions the word Antakunjarapada which can be interpreted as ‘elephant borders’.

Goa Gajah Temple Complex

Goa Gajah Complex. via Instagram/wandering.goan

In general, Goa Gajah Temple complex can be divided into two main areas. The northern area is a Shivaite place of worship with various statues such as Ganesha and Trilingga. This is also a place of worship for Hindus.

The temple complex. via Instagram/psyckodad

The southern part that is also called Tukad Pangkung is the location of worship for Buddhists. This area has a Buddhist stupa in the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha position. This stupa has three branches and was made by carvings on stone walls. In addition, you can also find many other statues in this area of the complex. You can also find a holy bath (petirtaan).

History of Goa Gajah

The temple has a long history. via Instagram/chayen_1993

Goa Gajah Complex is believed to have been built during the Warmadewa Dynasty which ruled Bali in the 10th to 11th centuries. This cave is also recorded in several ancient inscriptions.

Petirtaan. via Instagram/chayen_1993

Goa Gajah was forgotten and abandoned until it was found again and officially recorded during the reign of the Dutch East Indies in Bali. Research continued since then and more and more ancient objects are found, including the holy bath.

Goa Gajah Temple location

There are many relic here. via Instagram/deefunkysoul

This temple complex is located in the village of Bedulu, about 6 kilometers from the center of Ubud. The road to the temple is also very good so you will not encounter many challenges to reach it. This temple opens daily from 08.00 at 16.00. Like all Holy Temples in Bali, you are required to wear sarongs and sash to enter. Women who are on their period are not allowed to enter. The entrance ticket to Goa Gajah Temple is IDR 15,000 per person.

The Goa Gajah Complex. via Instagram/alla_avrora

In general, Pura Goa Gajah is a complex filled with many relics and sculptures, rock-wall carving, a meditational cave, bathing pools, and fountains. This place will be ideal for those of you who want to admire the beauty of Balinese culture. Next

ramadan
Raline Shah di Hawaii

Yuk Intip Kerennya Pantai di Pulau Maui, Destinasi Pilihan Raline Shah di Hawaii

Acara di Bali 2019, Catat Keseruan di Pulau Dewata Hingga Pertengahan Tahun!