The Gunung Kawi Temple in Bali is famous for its ancient collection of shrines carved into the face of a rock cliff. The main view from the temple would leave you in awe, as the beautiful and sacred Pakerisan River flows by the Tirta Empul Temple. You should definitely add this ancient relic to your Bali trip packages and explore the divine culture with all the feels. Across the river from the ancient relic is a temple courtyard that features the beautiful old Hindu shrines. It is one of the best temples in Bali!
The Gunung Kawi Temple in Bali is also famous for its rich collection of archaeological sites that is a sight to witness. Also, the 300 steps further down to the river flank and the pretty green valleys will let you have that nostalgic feeling away from modernity.
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The Gunung Kawi memorial complex tells a fascinating legend. According to ancient stories, these rock-carved memorials were created in a single night by Kebo Iwa, a powerful military commander with supernatural abilities. The site honours long-forgotten Balinese kings and carries a mystical atmosphere that connects visitors to the region’s and gunung kawi temple history.The candis of Gunung Kawi were built in 1080 AD by King Anak Wungsu to honour his father, King Udayana. The eastern bank memorials are dedicated to King Udayana, Queen Mahendradatta, and their sons —— Airlangga, Anak Wungsu, and Marakata. While Anak Wungsu ruled Bali, Airlangga governed eastern Java and was famous as the legendary king of the Singosari kingdom near Surabaya.
The western side of the Gunung Kawi complex has four monuments. According to one theory, these monuments are dedicated to Anak Wungsu’s chief concubines. An alternative theory suggests the entire complex honours Anak Wungsu, his wives, and concubines, with the most distant 10th candi potentially memorialising a royal minister.
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