Goa Gajah
4 January 2009
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Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah
The ancient hermitage of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Bedulu is one of Bali’s most intriguing archaeological sites, comprising a man made grotto, elaborate stone carving and Buddhist stupas. Literally means Elephant cave, and it is a “T” shaped cave.
This was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Buddhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. There is a relief which is almost looking like the form of mountain on the entrance of this cave. It was carved many designed on the relief like grove with the stick, close leaf, animal for example forest pig, tortoise and specters.
The cave mouth is decorated by the bas-relief with the eye turn around to the right or west side. There is an article letter of Kediri type from the early of 11 century was written on the wall left side or east side. There is a pool (Patirthaan) as a place to take the holy Tirtha water for Hindu ceremony which is located in the middle of the cave courtyard.
This Holy Pool is previously piled up by land and it has been found on 1954 by Krijgsman from the Ancient Department. The Holy pool is equipped by the statue douche which is parallel arranged in two groups. It is believed that the cave was built in the early 11th century.
Its face is elaborately carved, depicting a demon head splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.
Travel Bali, Goa Gajah
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