Goa Gajah Cave

Just a quick 15-minute drive back from the cultural heart of Ubud, Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave in Bali, is a beautiful reminder of Bali’s history and spirituality. Goa Gajah is an ancient Hindu cave temple located about 27 kilometers southeast of Denpasar town.

Despite the uncertainty regarding the origins of Goa Gajah, it is suggested to have established itself as a spiritual haven between the 9th and 11th centuries with an air of mystery locking its visitors to the site. Primarily, numerous theories and explanations are given to the term “Elephant Cave”, a name that has fascinated and caught the curiosity of people. One of the theories that continue to fuel the mystery is the large demon carving above the cave entrance, which comprises a large mouth as an opening to the cave . Some credible reports postulate that the carving looks like an elephant . On the other hand, there are speculations linking the cave name to an idol found inside a three-room temple situated less than 50 meters from the cave’s mouth. The idol comprises an elephant-headed figure best associated with Ganesh, the Hindu god.

However, a different theory proposes that the cave is called the cave because it is situated near the Petanu River, formerly known as the Elephant River. In this context, the cave’s name may have a stronger connection with the surrounding nature and suggest the existence of a united organism in which nature’s spirit and body are intertwined.

Despite the lack of full understanding of what Goa Gajah’s name actually refers to, the diverse interpretations make it more intriguing and encourage the visitor to think about its historical meaning. As the tourists enter the goa-gajah-cave, its entrance threshold makes them think of who they are as individuals and abreast with what culture unites them with the ancient and mysterious place.

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History:

The hidden treasures of the Elephant Cave were first uncovered by the Dutch archaeologists in 1923, under the guidance of L.C. Heyting; the excavation opened the doorway to the depths of Bali’s history. Since its fascinating discovery, the sacred site has been mesmerizing scholars and tourists, unveiling the rich tapestry of history and culture of Bali.

An additional mesmerizing feature awaits the curious minds in the pool discovered after 140 hours of grueling excavations in 1954. Surprisingly, the pool remains in the same state as it was first found, with stones and water inside. This was through a demonstration for the intricate work of ancient artisans, as it features 5 to 7 statues surrounding the pool. The images, as most researchers agree, represent the Hindu angels while allegories are viewed above their heads. The statue holds a little jar in their hands. These angels are supposed to represent the sacred Indian rivers, which play a spiritual value in Hindu mythology. Among them are the Ganga, Sarasvati, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Kaveri, and Lake Narmada

The 5 to 7 statues are upheld with angelic Hindu figures that pour water into the pool through the carved vase. The pool also has a series of 7 statues of women holding a carved pot that inscribes the sacred river in India. These pots were to honor the rivers of India, which play a spiritual value in Hindu mythology; they include the Ganga, Sarasvati, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Kaveri, and Narmada.

Although an earthquake obliterated one of the statues, the pool is a fascinating testament to the mystique of Bali’s ancient legacy. Visiting the pool’s tranquil surroundings while marveling at the statues, tourists are enveloped in the past, feeling the ambience of the mystical sanctuary. Goa Gajah, shrouded in mystery and importance to humanity, was recognized as a World Heritage Site on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage List on October 19, 1995, in the Cultural category. However, in 2015, Goa Gajah, along with 11 other sites, was removed from the list, which left its status as a future World Heritage Site.

Temple Inside:

Visitors who step into the heart of the cave would have walked a narrow path that stretched more than 50 ft deep into the earth . Here, among the age-old stone walls, the enchanting smell of Hindu incense lingers in the air, conjuring a mystical feeling across the consecrated area. One could not possibly fathom the extent of the T-shaped cave immediately upon entering it.

When reaching the crossing, the narrow path ahead suddenly ends, while a niche to the left houses an idol of Ganesh, a Hindu god known for his wisdom and knowledge, and the pathway to the right leads to a lingam and yoni, symbolic representations of the divine union between Lord Shiva and Devi Shakti.

Here, in the heart of these sacred chambers, the oldest myths and time-honored rites meet and carry travelers into Bali’s spiritual ancestry. They are welcome to roam the sanctified passages of Goa Gajah and consider the ultimate enigmas of being or contact the divine core that fills the walls and roofs of this sacred region.

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