One of Bali's other interesting attractions, which is crowded in the tourist visit while on vacation in Bali is Goa Gajah attraction in Ubud. Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave is one of the oldest and historic temple during the reign of Warnadewa Dynasty from X-XIV century (400 years). Goa Gajah is now a place of religious activity (Pura) and people call it as Pura Goa, that became a symbol and witness the development of Hindu and Buddhist civilization on the island of Bali.
The discovery of Elephant Cave originated from reports of Dutch Indies officials, LC. Heyting in 1923 who discovered the statues of Ganesha, Trilingga and Hariti statues to the Dutch East Indies government. This is followed up by Dr. WF. Stuterhiem to conduct further research in 1925. In 1950 the Archeological Department of Indonesia through the sections of ancient buildings in Bali led by JL Krijgman conduct research and excavation in 1954 until 1979
From the parking lot to the hermitage, tourists must descend the stairs. This place is surrounded by shady green trees, so the atmosphere is very cool and beautiful. According history, the trees are hundreds of years old.
Goa Gajah complex as a whole can be seen from the stairs. By the time you reach the lower area after descending the stairs, there will be a rushing sound of water flowing from the statue fountain. Rocks of former buildings that were once destroyed by the earthquake, are also found around the shower. While Goa Gajah itself, located not far from the statue's fountain.
The atmosphere of Goa Gajah Temple complex itself is full of peace, the form of architecture brings you the era of the typical era of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms. You are also allowed to enter the main Goa in this temple, in which there are chambers that used to be trusted to meditate.
Goa Gajah complex consists of 2 main parts, the northern complex is the legacy of the teachings of Shiva, with evidence of Trilingga and Ganesha statue in the cave, is a place of Hindus do worship. The south complex is Tukad Pangkung area, in the form of Buddha stupa in Dhyani Buddha Amitabha stacked 13 stupas and 3 branched stupa statue carved big.
In the bathing pool or pentirtaan there are statues Widyadara and Widyadhari. Widyadhari statue of this shower there are six pieces. Three lined up in the north and three in the south. This angel statue is placed on a lotus pad or padma. Padma is the symbol of Hyang Widhi's stana universe. While Widyadara statue is in the middle sixth Widyadhari. This is based on Sapta Nadi concept that is seven sacred rivers Gangga, Sindhu, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godawari, Serayu and Narmada. The ancient pentirtaan with female statues with a shower water in the chest and until now its existence can be trusted can give aura purification vibration for visitors.
Opening hours: from 08.00 - 16.00
Location: Bedulu Village, Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Blahbatuh, Gianyar
How to get there: Go east from Ubud approximately 3 km towards Jalan Raya Goa Gajah or just an hour's drive ( 27 km) from the city of Denpasar. It is not difficult to find this temple because it is right on the main highway connecting Denpasar and Ubud.