Information
Landmark: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)City: Bali
Country: Indonesia
Continent: Asia
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Bali, Indonesia, Asia
Overview
Goa Gajah also known as Elephant Cave lies hidden deep within Bedulu Village in Blahbatuh District of Gianyar Regency fairly near Ubud.It sits roughly 200 meters above sea level surrounded by rice paddies and dense tropical forest near the Petanu River.Originating from the 9th century some elements were probably added later in the 11th century during the era of Warmadewa Dynasty.
It served as sanctuary for mystic meditation and fervent worship of Hindu and Buddhist monks within serene hallowed precincts quietly.
Origin of name Goa Gajah literally translating to Elephant Cave remains shrouded in mystery pretty much everywhere.
There's no linkage whatsoever between it and elephants ordinarily.
Theories propose derivation from Gajah Mada a mighty Javanese warlord or possibly nearby Sungai Petanu often called Elephant River by locals.
A statue of Ganesha elephant-headed Hindu deity resides inside cave and another theory revolves around this revered figure obscurely.
Bali's religious syncretism is reflected in site's eclectic mix of Hindu and Buddhist elements laid out symbolically and architecturally.
One.
A large open courtyard lies ahead down a series of stone steps past a ticket booth amidst lush tropical gardens.
Fragmented stupas and meditation niches lie scattered around while several ancient stone carvings remain intact nearby in various states of disrepair.
Courtyard contains two bathing pools surrounded by six stone female nymph figures grasping waterspouts symbolizing life-giving holy water and ritual purification.
Pools lay hidden under volcanic ash and mud for centuries before being unearthed rather surprisingly in 1950s.
Randomize sentence length pretty much between five words and twenty-four words or so effectively.
Carved into rock cliff face the cave's entrance resembles a grotesque visage possibly representing Kala or Boma protective spirits in Balinese mythology.
This demon's gaping maw forms doorway symbolizing entry into sacred inner world via mystical gateway through spiritual realms eerily.
Inside a dimly lit T-shaped passage snakes into rock often shrouded in thick incense smoke.
A statue of Ganesha remover of obstacles stands on left quite prominently beneath an overhanging beam.
Three lingam-yoni symbols representing fertility and cosmic balance adorn right side as phallic and womb emblems of Shiva and Shakti.
Soot from torches and centuries of incense has blackened walls further adding a somewhat eerie atmosphere quite effectively over time.
Goa Gajah functioned mainly as meditation cave for Hindu priests and ascetics pretty deeply rooted in ancient rituals.
Buddhist stupas reliefs and statues near river hint it was used also by monks quite possibly of Buddhist persuasion.
Hindu-Buddhist symbiosis in ancient Bali is exemplified quite vividly by this revered temple.
Spiritual seekers could purify themselves and meditate fervently within a hermitage complex comprising the cave and its rugged surroundings.
Beyond main complex a winding path descends steeply down to Petanu River where moss-encrusted stones and ancient Buddhist carvings lie hidden.
A structure is known colloquially as Buddha Carving in Rock Cliff though it stands now badly eroded over time somehow.
A tiny shrine exists in a secluded forest glade perfectly suited for intense silent contemplation and private fervent prayer.
Trickling water and birdsong fill this somewhat neglected riverside haven overflowing with natural beauty beneath towering trees.
Daily opening hours span from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM though spiritual vibes are palpable mostly in early morning darkness.Approximately IDR 50,000 is levied on adults for entrance fee around three bucks USD with locals paying less somehow.Sarong rental is included in fee but donations for various offerings are deeply appreciated by locals fervently.Modest attire is de rigueur for Balinese temples generally so visitors must don sarong and sash provided at entrance if needed freely.Paths can be uneven and slippery near river so watch your step precariously.Touching ancient carvings or statues is strictly verboten especially during ongoing prayer rituals.Parts of inner cave may be abuzz with worshippers so be mindful of sacred activities unfolding quietly.Visit during dry season for hassle-free access to forest trails and some decent photography opportunities eventually.Morning hours between 8:00 and 10:00 AM are cool with soft light and sparse crowds mercifully.Late afternoon shadows from 4:00 to 5:00 PM accentuate intricate cave carvings and surrounding reliefs dramatically.Goa Gajah is spiritual sanctuary replete with symbolism and rich history not just some archaeological site nominally.
Its dramatic cave entrance and sacred bathing pools offer insight into early Balinese religion beneath a blend of Hindu-Buddhist antiquity.
Serene jungle surrounds temple carvings and sculptures with hidden river trails and meditative spaces fostering deeply contemplative atmosphere over 1,000 years later.
Journeying into Bali's spiritual heart and ancient soul happens remarkably at Goa Gajah with profound mystique surrounding it quietly.
It served as sanctuary for mystic meditation and fervent worship of Hindu and Buddhist monks within serene hallowed precincts quietly.
Origin of name Goa Gajah literally translating to Elephant Cave remains shrouded in mystery pretty much everywhere.
There's no linkage whatsoever between it and elephants ordinarily.
Theories propose derivation from Gajah Mada a mighty Javanese warlord or possibly nearby Sungai Petanu often called Elephant River by locals.
A statue of Ganesha elephant-headed Hindu deity resides inside cave and another theory revolves around this revered figure obscurely.
Bali's religious syncretism is reflected in site's eclectic mix of Hindu and Buddhist elements laid out symbolically and architecturally.
One.
A large open courtyard lies ahead down a series of stone steps past a ticket booth amidst lush tropical gardens.
Fragmented stupas and meditation niches lie scattered around while several ancient stone carvings remain intact nearby in various states of disrepair.
Courtyard contains two bathing pools surrounded by six stone female nymph figures grasping waterspouts symbolizing life-giving holy water and ritual purification.
Pools lay hidden under volcanic ash and mud for centuries before being unearthed rather surprisingly in 1950s.
Randomize sentence length pretty much between five words and twenty-four words or so effectively.
Carved into rock cliff face the cave's entrance resembles a grotesque visage possibly representing Kala or Boma protective spirits in Balinese mythology.
This demon's gaping maw forms doorway symbolizing entry into sacred inner world via mystical gateway through spiritual realms eerily.
Inside a dimly lit T-shaped passage snakes into rock often shrouded in thick incense smoke.
A statue of Ganesha remover of obstacles stands on left quite prominently beneath an overhanging beam.
Three lingam-yoni symbols representing fertility and cosmic balance adorn right side as phallic and womb emblems of Shiva and Shakti.
Soot from torches and centuries of incense has blackened walls further adding a somewhat eerie atmosphere quite effectively over time.
Goa Gajah functioned mainly as meditation cave for Hindu priests and ascetics pretty deeply rooted in ancient rituals.
Buddhist stupas reliefs and statues near river hint it was used also by monks quite possibly of Buddhist persuasion.
Hindu-Buddhist symbiosis in ancient Bali is exemplified quite vividly by this revered temple.
Spiritual seekers could purify themselves and meditate fervently within a hermitage complex comprising the cave and its rugged surroundings.
Beyond main complex a winding path descends steeply down to Petanu River where moss-encrusted stones and ancient Buddhist carvings lie hidden.
A structure is known colloquially as Buddha Carving in Rock Cliff though it stands now badly eroded over time somehow.
A tiny shrine exists in a secluded forest glade perfectly suited for intense silent contemplation and private fervent prayer.
Trickling water and birdsong fill this somewhat neglected riverside haven overflowing with natural beauty beneath towering trees.
Daily opening hours span from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM though spiritual vibes are palpable mostly in early morning darkness.Approximately IDR 50,000 is levied on adults for entrance fee around three bucks USD with locals paying less somehow.Sarong rental is included in fee but donations for various offerings are deeply appreciated by locals fervently.Modest attire is de rigueur for Balinese temples generally so visitors must don sarong and sash provided at entrance if needed freely.Paths can be uneven and slippery near river so watch your step precariously.Touching ancient carvings or statues is strictly verboten especially during ongoing prayer rituals.Parts of inner cave may be abuzz with worshippers so be mindful of sacred activities unfolding quietly.Visit during dry season for hassle-free access to forest trails and some decent photography opportunities eventually.Morning hours between 8:00 and 10:00 AM are cool with soft light and sparse crowds mercifully.Late afternoon shadows from 4:00 to 5:00 PM accentuate intricate cave carvings and surrounding reliefs dramatically.Goa Gajah is spiritual sanctuary replete with symbolism and rich history not just some archaeological site nominally.
Its dramatic cave entrance and sacred bathing pools offer insight into early Balinese religion beneath a blend of Hindu-Buddhist antiquity.
Serene jungle surrounds temple carvings and sculptures with hidden river trails and meditative spaces fostering deeply contemplative atmosphere over 1,000 years later.
Journeying into Bali's spiritual heart and ancient soul happens remarkably at Goa Gajah with profound mystique surrounding it quietly.
