Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is a significant Hindu archaeological site located near Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia. Constructed primarily in the 11th century, its origins are ambiguous, with varying theories about its purpose, though it’s generally believed to have been a sanctuary or a hermitage.

The most striking feature of Goa Gajah is the carved entrance to the cave. This entrance is dominated by a menacing face thought to ward off evil spirits. While the face is often referred to as a giant, it lacks any clear connection to elephants, despite the site's name, which translates to "Elephant Cave." The origin of the name is still debated; it might be derived from the nearby Elephant River (Sungai Petanu), or from the image of Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed god, found within the cave.

Inside the T-shaped cave, visitors can find several niches containing lingam and yoni, symbolic representations of Shiva and Shakti respectively. These religious symbols are central to Hindu worship and represent the divine masculine and feminine principles. Evidence suggests the cave was used for meditation and religious rituals.

In the courtyard outside the cave entrance are two rectangular bathing pools fed by water spouted from six female figures. These figures are believed to represent heavenly nymphs and symbolize the seven sacred rivers of India: the Ganges, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari, Indus, Kaveri, and Narmada. These pools likely served a ritual cleansing function.

Goa Gajah is a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into Balinese history, Hinduism, and artistic traditions. The site includes not only the cave and bathing pools, but also surrounding gardens and other smaller archaeological features, contributing to the overall cultural significance of the area.