Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century temple complex in
Tampaksiring north east of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.,that spreads
across either side of the Pakerisan river. It comprises 10 rock-cut candi
(shrines) that are carved into some 7-metre-high (23 ft) sheltered niches
of the sheer cliff face. These funeral monuments are thought to be dedicated to
King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens. according to
the history, On the east side there are five temples are dedicated to King
Udayana, his queen Mahendradatta, and 3 of their sons Airlanga, Anak Wungsu,
and Marakata. The temples on the west side are dedicated to the king's minor
queens or concubines. on the north shrine (east side) a legible inscription
mentions: "Haji Lumahing Jalu," meaning "the king was died
here."
LOCATION
Gunung Kawi Temple is located near Tampak Siring
village, around 5 km from well known Tirta Empul Temple. The location is 35 km from
Denpasar, city, 50 km from Kuta, and 68 km from Nusa Dua. It is still one route
from Goa Gajah Temple, Pura Pusering Jagat, Gunung Kawi Temple, and Tirta Empul
temple. This area preserves many ancient sites, stone sculptures and rock cut
structures, especially along the slope of Pakerisan river.
HISTORY
Gunung Kawi Temple does have an interesting
history. Inscriptions over each Candi approximate the date of construction to
be in the 11th Century. It is believed that each temple served as a memorial to
a deified royalty principally because they are shaped like the burial towers,
or Candi’s, found throughout Central Java. But in Java they are free standing
whilst those found at Gunung Kawi are actually made relief's in solid rock.
While the exact origin of the candi is unknown, there is evidence to suggest
that the first set of five were built to honor King Anak Wungsu, whose rule
over central and east Bali extended from AD 1050 to about AD 1080. It is
possible that one was built for him and the other four for his wives, who would
have ceremonially committed suicide after his death.
