The Fascinating Story Behind Gunung Kawi Temple
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- Jl. Raya Biyad Tegallalang, Sebatu
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The Fascinating Story Behind Gunung Kawi Temple.
Bali certainly has a special reason that causes it to be called as the Island of the Gods. One reason is because Bali is home to many temples spread in every region. Temples for Balinese people have important meanings. That is as a place to worship God. On the other hand, all the temples also hides stories behind the making of it . One of them that worth to explore is Gunung Kawi Temple. Let's find out the story of this temple before your visit.
Strolling Around Gunung Kawi Temple
When you visit Gianyar Regency, stop by at the Gunung Kawi Temple and you will admire this place. The location of the temple is on Jl. Raya Biyad Tegallalang, Sebatu, Gianyar Regency. Just drive 20 minutes from Ubud to reach this temple. After arriving, you need to walk another 1 km from the main gate to the Gunung Kawi Temple complex. According to the local language, Kawi means to be carved, and Gunung Kawi Temple means a carved temple and stood on a mountain. The carvings of the temple are about 10 meters tall and 30 meters wide. In addition, this temple was built around 11th century AD.
There is a story behind the founding of Gunung Kawi Temple. In his time, a Balinese king named Udayana married a daughter from the land of Java named Gunapriya Dharma Patni. King Udayana is from the Warmadewa Dynasty and a descendant of Srivijaya. From this marriage, they have two children, Erlangga and Anak Wungsu. Then, Erlangga became one of the kings in East Java. Whereas, Wungsu continued his father's throne as King in Bali.
During this time, the Gunung Kawi Temple was built. This is evidenced by the founding of written Kediri language hajj ling ing jalu was carved in one of the temples which means the King was buried in Jalu. The king in this sentence refers to King Udayana. The article means that Gunung Kawi Temple is the resting place of the King of Bali.
The temple complex is divided into two parts and separated by Tukad Pakerisan. The west side of temple complex has four temples and natural showers. As well as a purified bathing pool. There is also a sacredhermitage called Amarawati. Meanwhile, in the east side of the river, there are five temples plus one temple in the south area. Uniquely, these temples are situated inside the arched rock. These arch serve to protect the temple from erosion.
When visiting, don't forget to bring extra clothes since there is a natural shower placed in here. The water is believed bringing blessings from the God. However, there is also a pool that the water can only be taken and touched by the traditional stakeholders. So, it would be better if you ask the guard of which shower can be used publicly.
