Watching Balinese Offerings at Goa Lawah Temple

People praying at Goa Lawah Temple, Bali

As nothing much to do in Tirta Gangga water garden, we decided to go to the next place, the last one to visit. It's called Pura Goa Lawah (Goa Lawah Temple). After around 50 minute drive we finally reached the place. 

Goa Lawah Temple is a temple located in a cave in which thousands of bats are nesting. The name itself means Cave of Bats. The temple was built in eleventh century by Mpu Kuturan, a Hindu priest.

It's a unique place as we could see the nature, Balinese art and spiritual activities in one place. It's located near to the sea, moreover, the temple was built in front of the cave. A specified area for praying was set in front of the cave mouth. 

We were lucky then as we could see the people praying, from the beginning till done. It was my very first time to see how Hindu Balinese prayed. The people started coming to the temple with ritual offerings in hands or stacked on the head (the ladies usually did it). Then they arranged the offerings nicely at the spot in front of the cave. After all was set, the priest led them pray. It was calm, silent and serene when they started praying. The ritual continued with the priest giving splashing kind of holy water to the members. It ended up with people cleaning the area but leaving the offerings.

Some points we need to notice before entering the temple. First, we need to wear cloth / sarong to cover the lower part of our body. Second, women in period (menstruate) is not allowed to enter the temple. It's a part of keeping the temple clean and to respect the sacred of the place. And third, we have to stay aware of what area we cannot trespass. It also applies to many other places especially temples in the island.