| |
Archeological and spiritual site
to visit in Gianyar Regency.
The Elephant cave temple { Goa Gajah }
The mysterious complex, two km east of the statue of the dancer
in the Teges intersection
About 1 hours drive from Denpasar, is probably the oldest excavated
relic of ancient Balinese art. Goa gajah was built around A.D. 1022.
Whether Goa gajah was a hermitage for Buddhist or Hindu monks are
uncertain. Both Hindu and Buddhist sculpture are found inside and
nearby. Its quite possible, given the intermingling between the
two religions, that recluses of both sects sought peace and solitude
at the site.
A large bathing place in front of the cave proved the whole complex
held and important place in the religious life of ancient Bali.
This is peaceful place to meditation and mindfulness.
Gunung kawi temple
Gunung kawi {mountain of poetry} lies in the heart of rich archeologically
rich pejeng area, a region where the Buddhist and Hinduism took
hold on bali . This is one of the most impressive historical sites
on Bali: a blinding green watery canyon where two rows of ancient
blackened tomb have been hewn out of the natural rock hills side
as royal memorials. Built in the late 11th century, the temples
are remarkably well preserved. There are 10 temples in all the best
time to visit is early in the cool morning or late afternoons.
Tirtha Empul Temples
Situated in the valley in the northeast corner of Tampaksiring under
the spectacular banyan tree, 37km northeast of Denpasar at the end
of well signposted road. Tirtha empul temples and its 20 small sugar
palm thatched shrines are beautifully decorated and maintained.
Savor the serene atmosphere of the complex, which is set against
a backdrop of surviving forest. Tirtha empul is on nearly every
tour group’s central Bali itinerary. Seeking protective blessings
and deliverance from illness, people journey from all over Bali
to bath on this this sacred cleansing spring. There is 15 fountains
has a specific function : spiritual purification, cleansing from
evil, anti dote to poison .
Gedong Arca Museum
An archaeological museum two km north of Bedulu on the road to Gunung
kawi. One of only five museums on Bali, it contains a scant and
unlabeled collection of pre-Hindu artifacts: megaliths, bone ornaments,
pottery, earthen-were, stone axe heads, adzes, weapon, copper ,
plate inscriptions from A.D 885 and 903, utensils, bronze jewelry,
Chinese ceramics, and Hindu statues and relic.
Archaelogical and spiritual Temple
in Tabanan Regency
The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
On a small promontory jutting out from the western shore of the
lake is this peaceful half - Hindu and Half Buddhist temple complex
built by the king of Mengwi in 1633. Lake Bratan is looked upon
as the source of irrigation water for the southern districts and
the Subak shrines here is the focus of island wide ceremonies meant
to ensure steady and continued supply of water. Periodically the
temple is flooded by the rising lake, reclaimed again and again.
Walk under the canopy of huge banyan tree past the a satiny lawn
and gorgeous gardens with trumpet flower trees and gladiolas a scene
of beauty. To the left is a Buddhist stupa with intricate carvings.
The main temple domonated by a seven tiered Meru tower. The
smaller dalem purwa temple farther on Ulun danu Bratan floating
out on the lake with its elegant 11 - roofed meru dedicated to Vishnu,
its seven roofed meru dedicated to Brahma, and its three roofed
meru housing a lingga Dedicated to Shiva. There are also smaller
shrines. This is most important irrigation temple, the destination
of pilgrims from all over the island who come to worship Dewi Danu,
The Goddess of fertility.
|
|
The Elephant cave temple
Gunung kawi temple
Tirtha Empul temple - Tampaksiring
The Lake Bratan temple - Bedugul
|
|
