10 Of The Most Terrifying And Strange Religious Sites From Asia

#9 – Goa Lawah Temple in Indonesia

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© Bali

Goa Lawah temple is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in Bali. The temple lives up to its name as it is inhabited by hordes of bats. Oh, yes that chirping you hear is the sound of the temple’s fellow residents.

The temple was built in the 11th century Pesinggahan village by Mpu Kuturan. The latter is an early priest who laid the foundations of Hinduism on the Island. This landmark is a very big complex where travelers, mostly the locals, stop over to give offerings and recite some short prayers before continuing with their journey.

These offerings are most of the time fruits. So, now you can definitely understand why thousands of nectar bats gather around the mouth of the cave. It is very interesting to know that bats have played a great role in the lives of the priests who lived in the temple. It is said that the chirping sound of bats helped the priests increase their focus during meditation.

If you find it entertaining to hear about the legends, then, you would want to know that Goa Lawah temple was used to be the secret hidden spot where a prince hid to escape from his enemies. It is also said that the prince followed through until he reached the Mount Agung’s Besakih Temple.The locals at the temple community also say that this temple leads to other locations.

Still, you want to hear more? Well, another interesting rumor is that the Hindu snake Vasuki is also a resident. It is said that the serpent is guarding the healing waters that are deep within the cave with Shiva, the third god in the Hindu triumvirate and the destroyer of evil. The tales go that Vasuki only comes out when it’s hungry to feed on the bats.

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