Yet, Goa Garba is one of the most important historical sites on the island. It is believed to contain the historical remains of Kebo Iwa, the prime minister of the ancient Bedahulu kingdom. Goa Garba is located in Banjar Sawagunung in Pejeng Kelod, in the Tampaksiring district of Gianyar regency, around 40-minutes drive from Denpasar.
Goa Garba is part of the Jaga Pengukur-Ukuran major temple, believed to have been built in 1116, during the reign of king Jaya Pangus. Many people believe that the temple is where Kebo Iwa practiced his war skills, having had to go through a series of challenges before he obtained his physical and spiritual powers. During the training, he defeated his opponents, leaving their bodies on the ground. This is why the village was named Sawagunung. Sawa means dead bodies and gunung means mountain. This historical account of Kebo Iwa has resulted in Goa Garba becoming popular with people who want to gain physical and mental powers.
There are two routes to enter Goa Garba. The first is entering the temple heading to the back yard and descending to reach the cave. The steps are made of natural stone, believed to have been put in place by Kebo Iwa. The second route is taken from the south and does not require visitors to enter the temple’s interior. There are two water springs, Petirtaan Telaga Waja, used to cleanse the temple during temple celebrations. On the way to the cave, there are several hollowed outsites, usually used for meditation.
There are also old inscriptions with writings that are not fully understood even today.
Many people find visiting Goa Garba to be a spiritually enlightening time.