Pura Goa Lawah Klungkung is known as one of the six important temples in Bali. Five of them are Lempuyang Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Andakasa Temple, Batukaru Temple, and Silayukti Temple.
The name Goa Lawah consists of the words goa and lawah. Goa means cave, while Lawah is in Balinese language which means bats. So Goa Lawah Temple is a temple inside the temple there is a cave that is inhabited by thousands of bats.
Inside the cave mouth built several places of worship. The big ceremony at this temple is held every six months. In the Balinese calendar called Anggarkasih Medangsia day.
The history of Goa Lawah Temple
Regarding the history of Goa Lawah Temple, it is not known exactly when and who built this temple. According to research experts, the history of this temple was built in the 11th century on the idea of Mpu Kuturan.
The temple stands in a meeting area between the beach and hills with a cave inhabited by thousands of bats. In some lontar, at first glance there is an outline conclusion that large temples with Kahyangan Jagat and Sad Kahyangan status in Bali were built by the famous priest, Mpu Kuturan in 929 Saka or 1007 AD.
This is evidenced by the mention of Goa Lawah Temple in Mpu Kuturan lontar. As collected by the Culture and Tourism Office of Klungkung Regency which is currently preparing to publish a book about Goa Lawah Temple, told, Mpu Kuturan came to Bali X century when the government was led by Wungsu Son, King Airlangga's younger brother.
Airlangga itself ruled in East Java (1019-1042). When it arrived, Mpu Kuturan met many sects in Bali. Seeing that fact, Mpu Kuturan then developed the concept of Tri Murti with the aim of uniting all these sects.
Mpu Kuturan's arrival brings a huge change in the region, especially teaches the Balinese people how to make a worship of Sang Hyang Widhi known as heaven or parahyangan.
This temple is dedicated to the place of worshiping Gods Baruna / God of the Sea. This temple is a Hindu holy place that is used daily for worship. So every visitor is required to follow the rules before and when entering the temple area. as:
- Women who are menstruating, is strictly forbidden to enter the temple area.
- Tourists are prohibited from climbing the existing stairs at the shrine.
- Tourists are expected not to walk in front of people who are praying.
- No smoking in the temple area and forbidden to throw the sampang carelessly.
- Every tourist in the compulsory to dress decently
Goa Lawah Temple Location
Location of the Goa Lawah temple is located in the area Pesinggahan village, Kec Dawan, Klungkung regency, located about 10 km to the east of the city of Klungkung or approximately 50 km from the city of Denpasar.
Goa Lawah Temple is located across the coast and entering the hills, a temple is also built on this beach called Segara Temple. Segara Temple is a temple of the surrounding community whose livelihood is mostly as a fisherman to worship God as Bhatara Baruna or the God of the Sea.
Other than that In this place also famous as a place of fishing, the fish are said to be more savory than the fish that exist in the coastal areas of the South or West, fish in the area here is also said to feel more tasty than the fish in the coastal area of the south or west.
That's why along the curb in this area there are many restaurants that offer a list of processed foods from fish, which is served in the form of grilled fish, fish pepes, satay, fish soup, plecing vegetables, Balinese raw chili, complete with rice and coconut ice. You can try the lunch in this area.
Parking area is available quite wide which is outside the temple area and beach area, Goa Lawah Temple is very crowded in visiting foreign tourists and local tourists. Especially very crowded during the school holiday season arrives and religious holidays
