Goa Gajah, Bali
1000 Years Old Vinayaka Temple in Bali | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Goa Gajah was listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
The History of Goa Gajah
Another theory is Ganesh statue inside of the cave is the reason why named as Goa Gajah (Elephant cave). This God statue has an Elephant’s head form.
Goa Gajah is thought to date back to the 11th century, although relics predating this time were found within proximity of the site. The first mention of Goa Gajah and the Elephant Cave was in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365.
Despite the ancient significance of the Elephant Cave, the last excavation took place during the 1950s; many sites still remain unexplored. Literal piles of relics with unknown origins have been laid out in a surrounding garden.
The leading theory suggests that Goa Gajah was used as a hermitage or sanctuary by Hindu priests who dug the cave entirely by hand.
HOLY TEMPLE POND-
The temple contains 7 statues of women (out of which 1 has been destroyed due to an earthquake) holding water pitchers that depicts seven holy rivers of India: the Ganga, Sarasvati, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Kaveri and Narmada River.
Some people believe this holy water can clean up your karma and your wish will come true. Believe it or not, you may try. Nothing to loose.
This pool split in two pools. One for male bathing and the other for female bathing.
OTHER NICE SPOT ON GOA GAJAH TEMPLE:
Goa Gajah or Elephant cave is a heritage temple. It’s quiet complete in one area. You can see the ruins, ancient pool, cave, statue, a new Hindus temple, ruins of a Buddhist temple, garden, river, waterfall, trees, etc. I think is worth it to visit this place.
PRAYING DRESS CODE:
There is a dress code for Balinese people who want to pray in the holy temple. They need to wear a sarong with scarf wear on the waist. It’s a typical dress for prayer/pilgrims in the whole Bali island.
VISITOR/TRAVELER DRESS CODE:
For visitor/tourist/traveler you can bring your own sarong and scarf. Otherwise, you can rent sarong and scarf for free at ticket window. So, you don’t need to buy it.
*) Goa Gajah temple lend you blue sarong and orange/yellow/red scarf for free.
**) if you wore long pant or long dress, you don’t need to wear sarong. Just wear a scarf on the waist.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
OPENING HOURS:
8.00 AM - 5.00 PM.
CEREMONY on Elephant cave:
5 October 2017, Purnama sasih kapat
24 September 2018, Purnama sasih kapat
13 October 2019, Purnama sasih kapat
1 October 2020, Purnama sasih kapat
There will be Balinese dance show with traditional Balinese music (Gamelan) and Hindus praying for sure.
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