Sikandar Shah Suri personal life Sikandar Shah Suri, also known as Sikandar Shah, was a ruler of the Sur dynasty in India during the 16th century. He was the son of Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur dynasty. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about Sikandar Shah Suri's personal life, as historical records from that period are often scarce अपर्याप्त and incomplete. Sikandar Shah Suri ascended to the throne after the death of his father Sher Shah Suri in 1545. His reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only a few months. He faced challenges and internal strife कलह within the Sur dynasty. After his death, there were power struggles and conflicts among his relatives, leading to the eventual decline of the Sur dynasty. Due to the limited historical documentation, details about Sikandar Shah Suri's personal life, including his family, relationships, and specific events, are not well-documented. Most of what is known about him is related to his role as a rule...
Pura Goa Lawah is located in Pesinggahan Village, Dawan District, Klungkung Regency, on the eastern coast of Bali, Indonesia. It’s about 40 km from Denpasar and takes roughly 1 hour by car.
It is close to the main road connecting Candidasa, Padang Bai, and Ubud, so it’s easy to visit during a day trip.
“Goa Lawah” comes from the Balinese words:
Goa = cave
Lawah = bat
So, Goa Lawah means “Bat Cave.” It is a holy temple built around a natural cave that is home to thousands of bats. This place is both a spiritual site and a natural wonder.
Pura Goa Lawah is absolutely worth visiting—for many reasons:
🌿 It is one of the six most sacred temples in Bali, known as the “Sad Kahyangan.”
🦇 Home to a natural bat-filled cave, believed to connect to Mount Agung and even Besakih Temple.
🛕 A unique blend of nature, spirituality, and history.
🌄 Offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere with ocean views in the background.
📸 Excellent place for photography, cultural learning, and experiencing Balinese Hinduism.History and Significance
Pura Goa Lawah dates back to the 11th century and was built by Mpu Kuturan, a respected Hindu priest who helped develop Balinese religious structure.
He was one of the first people to introduce Hinduism and its temple concepts to Bali. Goa Lawah became part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, which are six major temples believed to guard the island from evil spirits.
Over the centuries, the temple has been expanded and maintained by Balinese kings and religious leaders. It has been used for important ceremonies, including Ngaben (cremation rituals), Melasti (purification before Nyepi), and Piodalan (temple anniversary).
The bat cave itself is believed to be a sacred portal or gateway to the spiritual world, and it is said that the tunnel beneath the cave extends all the way to Besakih Temple on Mount Agung.
🦇 What’s found in Goa Lawah?
Here’s what makes the temple special:
1. The Bat Cave
The central feature is the dark, natural cave filled with thousands of fruit bats clinging to the cave’s roof. These bats are considered sacred and are not disturbed by worshippers or tourists. Their presence is part of the temple’s spiritual power.
The cave entrance is protected by stone guardian statues, and thick black clouds of bats can sometimes be seen flying out at sunset.
2. Temple Complex
Pura Goa Lawah is more than just a cave—it’s a full temple complex with:
Split gateway (Candi Bentar)
Three main courtyards
Meru towers (multi-tiered shrines)
Offerings altars
Bale (pavilions) for praying and rituals
The temple follows the traditional Balinese layout with Nista Mandala (outer courtyard), Madya Mandala (middle courtyard), and Utama Mandala (main sanctum).
3. The Ocean View
Goa Lawah faces the Lombok Strait, and the beach nearby is used for Melasti purification rituals before Nyepi Day. This link between the mountain (Agung) and the sea reflects the Balinese Hindu belief in Tri Hita Karana – harmony between humans, nature, and the gods.
🛐 Religious Role of Pura Goa Lawah
Pura Goa Lawah plays an important role in Balinese Hinduism:
It is part of Sad Kahyangan Jagad, a group of six temples that are said to maintain balance on the island.
Used for Ngaben, where families pray for the soul of the deceased.
Pilgrims from across Bali visit to perform cleansing and spiritual renewal.
Believed to ward off dark spirits due to the bats and cave energy.
📜 Legends and Myths
Several interesting legends surround the temple:
Tunnel to Besakih Temple: It is believed that a hidden tunnel connects Goa Lawah to Besakih Temple on Mount Agung. Some say a giant snake, Naga Basuki, guards the path and balances the universe’s energy.
Immortality and Protection: Local stories suggest that the bats and spirits living in the cave protect the island from disasters and bring fertility and good health to worshippers.
🌺 Ceremonies and Rituals
If you visit during a temple festival, you’ll see:
Traditional Balinese offerings (canang sari)
Colorful penjor bamboo poles
Gamelan music
Dancers and priests in full ceremonial dress
Special days include:
Piodalan – temple’s birthday, celebrated every 210 days.
Melasti – cleansing ceremony before Nyepi, where people bring sacred objects from the temple to the sea for purification.
Ngaben – cremation-related prayers.
👗 Visitor Information
Dress Code: Wear a sarong and sash, which can be rented at the entrance.
Entrance Fee: A small donation or entrance fee is required (usually around IDR 10,000–20,000).
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Sunset is magical as the bats start flying.
🧳 Tips for Tourists
Respect the quiet and sacred atmosphere.
Don’t disturb the bats or enter the inner sanctum unless invited.
Visit with a local guide to understand the deep symbolism.
Combine your trip with a stop at Tenganan Village or Candidasa Beach.
📷 Attractions Nearby
If you're planning a day trip, here are nearby spots:
Padang Bai – for snorkeling and the blue lagoon
Tenganan Village – an ancient Bali Aga village with unique traditions
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Candidasa Beach
Bukit Asah (Sunrise Hill)
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