Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Goa Gajah or the Elephant Caves




The Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant caves, which dates back to at least the 11th century, was excavated in 1922. Not far from the central Bali town of Ubud is Goa Gajah, popularly known as the Elephant Cave. The cave is a former hermitage for the eleventh century Hindu priests.

A huge face at the entrance of the cave for ascetics. All around are fantastically carved leaves, animals, waves and humans running from mouth in fear. Inside is a 43 ft long passage, which stops at a T-junction, 49 ft wide. The inner sanctum contains several niches, which could have served as sleeping compartments for ascetics. At the one end of the passage is a statue of Ganesha.



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