Bedulu in Gianyar, Bali, owns a fascinating long buried mystery that possesses a lady monster at its intricate carved gates. Expect no less than taunting history imbued with dark magic and wonders, of which all shall be intuitively justified right at the first sight – when you are meeting face-to-face with Kala, the gate empress. Her huge palms swing doors open and under her immense jaws lies the entrance to a further journey to the underground. Whatever dwells inside must be treasure, for Kala's eyes are always wide open, eyeing on every curios visitor. And perhaps, it is the basic reason why sarong is required to pass through the empress's scrutinizing stare. A little of respect to ease your way in, the sarong pays some honor to her vigilant watch - you could possibly be devoured alive otherwise.
The initial role of this elaborate cave, which protrudes inward in T-shape interior, is to encourage devout Buddhists to focus on hermitage tradition. Several niches that decorate the sidewall are most coincidentally the shelters for self-enclosure, as well as for ascetic purpose. While the atmosphere is moist and mute, this Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) hides precious relics far below the clambering-down path. You may have passed few statuettes which emblazon Buddhist trademark, but, hey, things get a bit tough as you are winding further afterwards.
Coming across to a craggy Brahmana, one of Hindu's three divines - statuette provides much surprise beside a dried up pool where six nymphs frozen in stones used to spout the water out into the ancient-kind Jacuzzi. Simple elicitation proposes an idea that there had been a Shiva-Buddhist cult ages ago when both Hindu and Buddha were not the major players in Bali. Having either religion's symbol, consequently, does not confirm immediately of a belief reigning within certain area, though up to now Goa Gajah is attended annually by faithful Hindus on Galungan Day.
If you trot on straight toward the exit of the amazing cave, lush rice paddies await your visual pleasure. There you can observe both Pangkung rills merge on Campuhan River, which the modest farmers exploit to navigate the rice terraces. The air is totally refreshing as well especially since you are jettisoning out of an ancient cave. In short way, it is like finding the light at the end of the tunnel, despite how fancy the tunnel was.
An advice to take is to traverse back Goa Gajah before leaving Bedulu regency. Catch what you have missed in the first-time exploration. But, later, stay and observe the sophisticatedly-carved gate for a while. Examine delicate figures of forest pigs, tortoises, demonic humans scurrying among sprawling fronds and spurring ocean waves. They are running away from Kala, who has her ancestral earrings intact on her floppy ears. This possibly means something, a warning to comprehend, or a fundamental philosophy to unravel. Either way, it can also express a local belief, fear, or simple folklore. There is one thing certain amidst all nevertheless: you are definitely not one among those who are running away from what appears to be gigantic and feminine enough have a last glance on her earrings before you finally check-out and leave for good, storing all as memories yet yearning for more fantasy tales.
