{"id":21840,"date":"2025-06-27T01:54:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=21840"},"modified":"2025-06-26T10:56:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T16:56:32","slug":"sacred-processions-ancient-temples-the-oldest-villages-in-bali-and-a-dance-performance-at-the-ubud-palace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=21840","title":{"rendered":"SACRED PROCESSIONS, ANCIENT TEMPLES, THE OLDEST VILLAGES IN BALI, AND A DANCE PERFORMANCE AT THE UBUD PALACE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The magical island of Bali features many fascinating wonders of spiritual rituals, mystical temples, and a unique and beautiful culture. On our trip in May we scheduled a driver to take Marla, our daughter Lisa and husband Ray and me to visit some of our favorite temples. Our first stop was <\/strong>Goa Gajah Elephant Cave<\/strong><\/a>, a 9th century temple near Ubud.<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The temple features two large sunken bathing pools with Hindu angel statues as waterspouts. The pools are considered sacred and are used for ritual purification ceremonies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The driver from our hotel was helpful in explaining the area to us. It is necessary to wear sarongs while visiting the temple.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The “Elephant Cave” is very striking! The intricately carved entrance is believed to ward off evil spirits. We were last here in 2019 with our grandchildren Paxton & Logan. We’ve hosted visits to the temple on three occasions with groups of our clients. I really love the area!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Purple sarongs were a favorite of ours.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marla enters the cave.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The cave features a “Lingam”, symbols of Shiva, and images of Ganesha.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, is a widely revered Hindu deity. It is known as the god of wisdom, intellect, and good fortune. He is also known as the remover of obstacles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The moss covered bridge is beautiful.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our driver from the Kayon Jungle Resort<\/strong> brought us much needed water as it was very warm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A giant Banyon tree with exposed roots on the temple grounds<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Balinese priest by the tree.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marla receives a blessing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I received one as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lisa and our driver walk to the entrance of the next temple, <\/strong>Pura Goa Lawah<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pura Goa Lawah is one of the holiest sites for worship on Bali.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The back of the temple is a cave.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n