The Crazy Buffalo Temple: Pejeng, Bali

The area between the Pakrisan and Petanu Rivers is sometimes referred to as the 'Holy Land'.

In this area can be found some of Bali's archaeological treasures dating as far back as the 9th century - Goa Gadjah, Gunung Kawi and Pura Pusering Jagat to name just a few.

Just south of the village of Pejeng you will find Pura Kebo Edan, sometimes called the 'Crazy Buffalo' temple. Although not as well-kept as most temples are, its centrepiece is the four metre high statue, the Pejeng Giant. The huge stone body of a man with a massive phallus stands in the right-hand corner of the temple. Said to possess six penises, his main and rather prominent penis is said to be pierced from front to back.

The statue, with hands on hips, is actually astride a prone female figure said to represent the earth. Most of the figure's face has been worn away over the years and is mostly hidden.

There are a couple of theories as to the identity of the Pejeng Giant. One is that he is the manifestation of the Hindu deity Siwa, whilst another, he is Bhima the principal character in the Mahabharata.

This temple is very easy to miss as you drive along the road and mainly because it is actually located down a laneway. If you visit the Pura Panataran Sasih where the Moon of Pejeng is, it is only a stone's throw from there.