- Address: Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
- Contact phone: +62 878-6221-6435
- Website: penaka.com
- The cost of visiting: for adults - 15 000 rupees ($ 1.2), for children - 7 500 rupees ($ 0.6)
- Nearest cities: Denpasar, Kuta, Nusa Dua
Mysterious and ancient Hindu cave temple on the island of Bali is called Gunung Kavi, which in translation means "Mountain of the Poet". This grandiose construction and a real monument of art with an interesting history is very popular these days.
Location:
Gunung Kawi is located on the Indonesian island of Bali, in the valley of the Pakrisan River, near the village of Tampaksinger, 5 km from the Temple of Tirtha Empul and 25 km north of Ubud . To other large settlements in Bali from the temple complex Gunung Kavi is also not so far: 35 km - to Denpasar , 50 km - to Kuta and 68 km - to Nusa Dua .
History of the Sanctuary
The chronicle of Gunung Kavi originates approximately in 1080. It was then that thanks to the decree of King Anak Vungsu, this temple complex was erected dedicated to the King's father and the great ruler Udayan. The second version of the translation of the name Gunung Kavi is "a long blade, a knife", as the temple is in the valley of the river, the waters of which for many centuries washed away a steep ravine. According to the main version of the researchers, there are the tombs of the king and members of the royal family, but in Chandi they never found the remains of bodies or ashes. In this regard, historians are still arguing about the origin and purpose of buildings Gunung Kavi.
What is interesting in the temple of Gunung Kawi in Bali?
The temple complex is carved into the rocks monuments and caves.
To get to Gunung Kavi, you need to make a path of 100 steps down. Beautiful rice terraces are planted along the stairs. Silence and peace reign here, only sometimes a splash of water in the river is heard. On the territory of the temple complex it is worth paying attention to:
- Tombs and bas-reliefs. The complex of Gunung Kavi includes 5 tombs located on both sides of the river, 2 of them are located on the eastern slope of the ravine and 3 tombs - on the western slope. This arrangement is not accidental, since on one side of the river there are the tombs of the king, and on the opposite shore - the queen and the concubines of the king. The bas-reliefs are carved in rocks, have a height of 7 m and are called "Chandi". In total there are 9: 4 bas-relief on the west bank of the river and 5 - on the east. Chandi are funerary towers indicating which of the royal families each of them belongs to.
- Small fountains and a source of holy water. They are located on the eastern side of the river near Chandi. The water passing through almost 1000 years through the ancient monuments is considered holy.
- Picturesque waterfall . It can be seen if you walk a little further along the path.
- Temple of Tirth Empool.
- The caves. In the rocks are carved about 30 small caves, ideal for spiritual practices and meditations.
- The purpose of most of the structures of the Ganung Kavi temple complex is reliably unknown, it is believed that they used them mainly for spiritual purposes, in contrast, for example, from Hindu temples, oriented primarily to celebrations.
How to prepare for the excursion to Gunung Kawi?
Going on an excursion to the temple, it is necessary to have a sarong and water with you. The ticket price for Gunung Kawi includes rental of the sarong. In addition, when entering the complex, you can choose and buy yourself a sarong to your liking.
How to get there?
It is easier and more convenient to visit the Gunung Kavi temple in Bali together with the tour group on the tourist bus. However, if you want to stay here longer and plan the time and route yourself, rent a car and follow from Ubud towards Goa Gajah. After this, you will need to turn onto Jalan Raya Pejeng street and go to the signpost. Orientation is the village of Tampaksiring, but on maps it is not always indicated, so be guided by the temple of Tirtha Empul (Tirta Empul).