Pura Tirta Empul ( Holy Spring Water Temple )

Holy Spring Water Temple

Tirta Empul is a place of national cultural significance. It dates back to 960 AD, when the Warmadewa Dynasty ruled over the old Balinese country. Its name literally translates to 'holy water spring,' and it refers to a water source within the temple. This spring runs through a series of purifying baths, pools, and fish ponds.
The water subsequently flows into the Tukad Pakerisan River, which is only a short distance away. Throughout the region, several monuments and archaeological artifacts are linked to local myths and tales. The presidential palace, Istana Tampaksiring, is another adjacent and noteworthy structure on top of a hill. The palace was constructed during the presidency of Soekarno, the country's first president.
Tirta Empul is a large temple complex and holy mountain spring in the central Bali town of Manukaya. The location is the mythical setting of a classic tale of good vs. evil. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built around 960 AD, the structure is a quiet witness to the old Balinese country, particularly during the Warmadewa Dynasty. The presidential palace, Istana Tampaksiring, is another adjacent and important hilltop building built during the years of the nation's first president, Soekarno.
The name Tirta Empul, which means 'holy water spring,' refers to a water source within the temple. The spring supplies water to the purifying baths, pools, and fish ponds that along the perimeter, all of which run into the Tukad Pakerisan River. Several locations in the region, as well as several other archaeological remnants, are linked to local myths and tales.
The temple complex of Tirta Empul is divided into three sections: the front, secondary, and inner courtyards. Visitors to Tirta Empul are greeted by lush gardens and pathways leading to the entryway, which are ornamented with statues and tropical vegetation. A spacious walled courtyard greets guests to the bathing pools after passing through this candi bentar (temple gate), to the right of which sits a massive wantilan meeting hall.

Pilgrims initially approach a rectangular cleansing bath inside the central courtyard, or madya mandala, where a total of 13 artistically sculpted spouts along its perimeter from west to east. They enter the crystal-clear, chilly mountain water after serious prayers at an altar-like shrine. They bow under the flowing water of the first spout with their hands pushed together, continuing to the 11th. The water from the last two of the 13 spouts is solely used in burial rites for purification.
The legend surrounding the therapeutic and purifying spring relates of a Balinese ruler known as Mayadenawa, who is said to have opposed Hinduism's dominance by forbidding his citizens from praying or performing religious rituals. According to tradition, this enraged the gods, who launched a mission to find Mayadenawa's subdual.

Highlights of Tirta Empul Temple

Mayadenawa's hide-and-seek tactics against Indra's men took place all throughout the region, from the Petanu to the Pakerisan rivers, and up to the north of Tampaksiring. As a result, the names of the places and natural features all refer to a scene from the story, such as Tampaksiring - tampak means "feet," and siring means "sideways," referring to an occurrence in which the fleeing monarch left slanting footprints up the hill. Mayadenawa used his magical abilities to construct a poisoned spring here, which Indra's tired troops drank and died from. When Indra saw his men collapse, he threw his staff into the ground, causing a holy purifying spring to rise forth, curing the army and even bringing some of them back to life. The sacred spring of Tirta Empul, as well as the holy days of Galungan and Kuningan, which are celebrated by Balinese Hindus island-wide, are all based on this adventure.

It's interesting to learn about Tirta Empul Temple.

It's always necessary to dress respectfully when visiting a temple in Bali. A traditional kamen wrap or sarong across the lower body and a sash around the waist is the simple Balinese temple visitor dress requirement. During their periods, women are not permitted to enter any temple or sacred site, and may only enjoy the views and attractions on the perimeters. It's tempting to participate in the purifying bathing practice yourself, but it's only for pilgrims and devotees. You might want to check with your guide, who might ask a temple official for more information. The temple complex's eastern side has a big parking lot with art markets and rows of stores offering various curios and souvenirs. There are also various warungs, or food stalls, selling local cuisine, snacks, and beverages.