Gunung Kawi Temple

Gunung Kawi Temple is the oldest cave temple in Bali, in the past it was actually located under the cave arches, but after the earthquake the upper part was destroyed, and the majestic bas-reliefs are now in the open air. Europeans discovered this place in 1920, and since then it has attracted the interest of travelers from all over the world.

History of Gunung Kawi Temple

It is closely intertwined with many legends; for religious reasons, it is prohibited to conduct any excavations or research on the territory of the complex. According to one version, the bas-reliefs on the rocks were carved by a giant spirit in just one night. Another version is associated with the god Indra and the source that he knocked out of the ground with the help of a staff. According to one version, this happened on the site of the Tirta Empul Temple, according to another, on the site of the Gunung Kawi Temple.

It is also believed that the temple is the burial place of ancient kings. But in Hinduism it is not customary to bury the dead in the ground; traditionally, cremation is carried out, and then the ashes are scattered over water. Therefore, the Gunung Kawi Temple is rather a place of memory and reverence. It was built by the ruler Anaka Wungsu in memory of his father.

Design of the temple complex

Gunung Kawi can be divided into a temple complex in the Pakerisan River gorge, and a temple in the village of Sebatu. A descent of more than 300 steps leads to the Gunung Kawi Temple complex; the road descends between tracks with rice fields and at the very bottom passes through a tunnel carved into the rock. The royal tomb consists of 10 funeral towers carved into the rocks, each tower has an inscription to whom it is dedicated. Funeral towers are unique cultural monuments, they can only be seen in Bali. There is a bathhouse next to the towers; the water flowing from the stylized taps is considered sacred. On the central tower, which is considered the main one, is carved: “The king created a temple here.”

The Gunung Kawi Temple houses pavilions in honor of various gods. The place is surrounded by tropical greenery. Sculptures depicting spirits or mythical characters are installed everywhere. Cells for monks and special niches for spiritual practices are also carved into the rocks; all this is done by hand. The temple is considered a “place of power” among the local population; many come here for blessings or cleansing of the chakras.