Gunung Kawi is located in Tampak Siring area closed to The Palace. It’s large devided into two and separated by Pakerisan river since it was found on 1920. It keep discovered as standing 2 rocks, placed in the eastern part and 4 candi in the southeast especially at the corner was found some holes for meditation and in the western part there was candi called Makam X, in front of its door found a script under Kediri alphabet. Gunung Kawi temple was built by Raja Marakatapangkaja finished by Raja Anak Wungsu. Other rocks was found also carved candi outside of Gunung kawi area, it was Kerobokan, Tegallinggah,and jukut paku, ( SIngakerta, Ubud). Gunung Kawi is opened for tourist. After passing Gapura and 315 stairs in Pakerisan river valley there is a river rich of historical values placed a candi Gunung Kawi. This object included in Tampak Siring area 40 km from Denpasar.The name is known yet,but etymologically derived from the word Gunung and Kawi. Gunung means Mount area and Kawi means carving. Generally Gunung Kawi means Carving on lime sponge of the mountain. Historically, the whole Kings who ruled Bali, the most famous one was Warmadewa dynasty. Udayana King under this dynasty was son of Campa Queen adopted by Warmadewa. Then after Udayana got marry with Princess from Java, named Gunaprya Dharma Patni, they got 2 descendants were Erlangga and Anak Wungsu. After Erlangga died on 1041, his Kingdom was devided in to 2. Budha priest who’s named Mpu Baradah delegated to Bali and asked to handed Bali to one of Erlangga descendant, but Mpu Kuturan was unaccepted. On 1029-1077 Bali under ruled of Raja Anak Wungsu. Under him Bali were fertile and calm. Before he was die, his ash kept in a candi inside of Candi Gunung Kawi complex. On the door there was a script called: Haji Lumah Ing Jalu which meant The king placed in peace in “jalu” same as susuh” of ( male cook) symbolized a ” Kali Kris” or Pakerisan river. The King above refers to Udayana King. While, a Script of Rwa Anakira meant 2 children, it seemed to be Udayana King buried, Anak Wungsu and 4 Queens of The King Minister. In the southeast opposite, placed a “ Wihara”( Budha Priest rested) These ruins perhaps from 11 century. While in candi Gunung Kawi by steep down on 400 m stairs, we can enjoying exotic candi carved on the lime stone. It was believed as buried of the King . Based on the story, it was built fullday by Kebo Iwa. It was carved by his magic nail on the lime wall. Kebo Iwa a Balinese figure illustrated a huge body has great power and was used for keep Bali from enemy attacked. Anyway, for ticket to get in at Rp. 15.000, for adult and Rp. 10.000, for children.
Gunung Kawi Temple celebration(Piodalan)has been held regulary on Purnama kapat in Bali calendar about on october in Modern calendar. If Piodalan together with ” Upacara atiwa-tiwa” so it’s moved back 15 days.This event uniquely interesting for the tourist as magnificent Temple decorated and also religious dancing performance which is performed only in Piodalan.
So, dont miss this tourism destination, ask your guide to visit this place while you have a holiday in Bali
How to get there?
Its very easy to get there, because this is a route with a tour to Kintamani, please contact Gorgeous Bali Tour for transport service, have a nice holiday…