Goa Gajah is a significant Hindu archaeological site. Goa Gajah is locally known as the Elephant Cave because of its close proximity to the Elephant River. A mysterious cave, relics, and ancient bathing pools set amid green rice paddies and a garden.
The menacing entrance to Goa Gajah looks like a demonic mouth, suggesting that people are entering an underworld as they venture inside through the darkness. Some claim that the entrance represents the Hindu earth god Bhoma while others say the mouth belongs to the child-eating witch Rangda from Balinese mythology.
The Elephant Cave itself is actually quite small. As you enter through the dark, narrow passage, the cave abruptly ends in an intersection. The left passage contains a small niche with a statue of Ganesh, the Hindu deity reminiscent of an elephant. The right passage holds a small worship area with several stone lingam and yoni in honor of Shiva.
There are some sign that you must know:
- Proper dress is required. Knees must be covered by both men and women. Sarongs are
available on loan at the entrance.
- Goa Gajah is still an active worship site, try not to get in the way of worshippers inside
the narrow cave. Do not photograph people during their prostrations.
- Be prepared to be plunged into near darkness as you enter the cave, there is no
artificial lighting.
Goa Gajah is open seven days a week from 8am to 4.30pm
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