Unveiling the Mysteries of Bali’s Cave Temple
The holy temple (pura) in Bali is one of the world’s most exquisite places of worship, it can be found in unimaginable locations, like caves.
The Goa Giri Putri in Nusa Penida is home to not one but five temples where the residents pray and hold ceremonies on sacred dates.
Considering the almost crawly way to get to the temples, it’s impressive how they built a temple in such a confined place, significantly since you must climb 110 steps and slip through an 80cm opening to enter the Goa Giri Putri.
The temple is dedicated to Siwa, the God of Destruction and Recreation, who, along with Wisnu and Brahma, makes up the holy trio of gods in Balinese Hinduism. Interestingly, the last name of the cave—”putri“, meaning female—refers to the inherent nature of God as being kind and nurturing.
The Balinese also pay pilgrimage to Goa Giri Putri to bring home holy water from inside the cave as it’s believed to have healing powers. Even though it’s a religious site, outsiders may visit the cave (30 minutes from Toyapakeh village), but it’s best to have a local guide to show you the steps if you plan to take part in a kind of cleansing, an open-for-tourist ceremony led by a priest. And always remember: wear respectful clothes.
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