Goa Gajah literally means ‘elephant’s cave’. But the name isa 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 aninteresting place to visit.
Goa Gajah is one of the oldest temples in Bali and is stillconsidered as one of the holy temples by the Hindu community. Here are somefacts about the Goa Gajah temple.
Behind the name
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.
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
In general, Goa Gajah Temple complex can be divided into twomain areas. The northern area is a Shivaite place of worship with variousstatues such as Ganesha and Trilingga. This is also a place of worship forHindus.
The southern part that is also called Tukad Pangkung is thelocation of worship for Buddhists. This area has a Buddhist stupa in the DhyaniAmitabha Buddha position. This stupa has three branches and was made bycarvings on stone walls. In addition, you can also find many other statues inthis area of the complex. You can also find a holy bath (petirtaan).
History of Goa Gajah
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.
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
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 verygood so you will not encounter many challenges to reach it. This temple opensdaily from 08.00 at 16.00. Like all Holy Temples in Bali, you are required towear sarongs and sash to enter. Women who are on their period are not allowedto enter. The entrance ticket to Goa Gajah Temple is IDR 15,000 per person.
In general, Pura Goa Gajah is a complex filled with manyrelics 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 thebeauty of Balinese culture.