Pererenan Beach Statue Gajah Mina in Mengwi Bali

Pererenan Beach is a hidden gem with stunning coastal views and good waves for surf lovers. This spot is far from the crowds and also blessed with a magnificent sunset. There is a landmark for this beach, a quite big and unique statue, the Gajah Mina Statue.

The Gajah Mina statue has a fish body and an elephant head. This figure is depicted as a vehicle (vahana) of Lord Baruna as the ruler of the sea.

The philosophical meaning of this statue is reflected in the words "gajah" and "mina". Gajah or elephant is forest/mountain dwellers (symbol of Lingga), while "Mina" is sea dwellers (symbol of Yoni). The combination of these two words, Gajah Mina, is interpreted as a meeting between forest/mountain and the sea, which later becomes a blessing of prosperity for all humanity.

In ancient literature (Sanskrit), Gajah Mina is often referred as "Makara". Makara is a sea creature in Hindu mythology. This is said to have the head of an elephant with the body of a fish and is described as vahana of Lord Varuna.

Besides in the form of statue, Gajah Mina or Makara is also found in the form of reliefs or decoration motifs at archaeological sites of ancient temples. This motif can be found in the Hindu temples constructed by the Sanjayas and the Buddhist temples built by the Sailendras. This Gajah Mina or Makara ornament has taken root in the history of human civilization and is mostly found in South Asia and South Eat Asia.

The other ornament associated with Makara is the "Kala" ornament. This Kala and Makara ornament are a unified whole, which is usually called the "Kala Makara Motif".

Kala is a giant head-shaped motif, usually located above the entrance. While the twins Makara are located on both sides and their body are flanking the portal with the head bellow. Makara is also decorated the stairs on lower level, with their body forming the stair's railings. Kala Makara motif is believed to have a function as a protector from negative energy.

This magnificent Gajah Mina statue was built on the reef rock at the beach side, as high as 12 meters facing the mainland. The presence of this statue blends harmoniously with the beach and the great blue water. This is also an icon of Pererenan Beach, as well as a reminder that makes it easy for tourists when planning a return visit.

This spot is less than an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Drive north to the Jl. Raya Canggu, and then continue until you hit the Jl. Pererenan Beach. Follow this road until the end, and you have found it. This beach situated on the west side of the island, in line with Kuta and Jimbaran. This is precisely located in Pererenan Village, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali.

This is a nice place to relax, hangout or family picnic. Visitors can spend time while sunbathing, bathing, walking along the frothy edge and enjoying the cool sea breeze. Not recommended for swimming and wading because the waves can be so fast and strong.

This beach is one of surfers' favorite spots, recommended for advance and professional surfers. It is also close to other surfing spots such as Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Berawa Beach. In addition, this beach also hosted Balinese customary rituals such as the Melasti Ceremony (a few days prior the Nyepi Day).

Reference

1. google.co.id
2. wikipedia.org _ Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung _ on October 11, 2019
   https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pererenan,_Mengwi,_Badung
3. wikipedia.org _ Makara (Hindu mythology) _ on October 11, 2019
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makara_(Hindu_mythology)
4. Image : Original Collection

Searches on this site related to Pererenan Beach Statue:

1. Pererenan Beach
2. Pererenan Surf