Bali that we love. It’s called Pura Tirta Empul – an ancient temple dating back to 926 AD and holy springs. The name of the temple “Tirta Empul” translates as “holy water springing from the earth.” “Tirta” means holy water, “Empul” means springing from the earth. This is one of Bali’s revered temples, with a sacred spring and three pools with thirty fountains for purifying baths called “melukat.”
In Bali, temples with their own water sources and temples standing on or near lakes or oceans are especially revered. The element of water is deeply respected by the Balinese and carries a creative force. The waters of rivers and internal sources irrigate rice fields. Water carries cleansing power, washing away spiritual, emotional, and physical dirt from people. The religion of the ancient Balinese was called “Agama Tirta”, which means “holy water religion”. The Balinese people, who have preserved the traditions of the island since ancient times, tell us that the Agama Tirta religion has the deepest Balinese roots.
The legend of the temple and spring of Tirta Empul.
The Balinese consider the water in the Tirta Empul temple especially holy. The temple was built around a spring that, according to legend, was created by the warrior god Indra.
Once upon a time, when trees were tall, a man named Mayadanawa ruled Bali. He was an anarchist, atheist, and heretic who did not believe in any gods or higher powers. His favorite pastime was to blaspheme and preach freedom-loving sermons.
The warrior god Indra, who did not see the necessary respect for the divine world, was dissatisfied with the situation. He descended from heaven straight into his royal residence on Mount Agung. He then sent his warriors to Balinese lands to overthrow Mayadanawa from the throne.
But Mayadanawa, a freedom-loving man, could not be taken down barehanded. He viciously defended himself, after which all of Indra’s warriors perished. Indra was angry. “Earthly people cannot interfere with divine plans,” he exclaimed, and with his magic wand, he struck a well in the center of the island, which immediately filled with crystal clear water. Indra sprinkled all of his warriors with this water, and they were resurrected.
Drops of water fell on Indra himself, who felt that wars had been enough. He reconciled with the brave ruler and built a temple on the site of the spring. And there was a great celebration. Everyone danced, ate babi guling pork, bebek betutu duck, and drank arak. The water source remained on the island to this day, pleasing the locals and helping them with its healing properties.
That’s the legend. I don’t know if it’s true. Balinese people still come here to perform purification rituals in the magical waters of Tirta Empul. And the water in Tirta Empul is truly very benevolent, it seems to ring bells from the inside.
Remember that to enter the holy waters of the Tirta Empul spring, you need to wear a sarong. Women also need to wear a shirt that covers their shoulders, while men are allowed to enter the water with their torso bare. Local residents bring offerings in the form of bamboo baskets called “chanang”, which contain rice, sweets, flowers, and money.
There are three rectangular pools in Tirta Empul, one of which is only open on special ceremonial days. Traditionally, Balinese people start with the first pool, pass through the fountain with the source, praying before each one and mentally expressing their request. Then they take three sips of water, wash their faces three times, and place their heads under the stream. Next, they move to the next pool, where the same ritual is performed.
Each fountain in the pools has its own “purifying power” and even has its name. There are taps from which water flows, driving away evil spirits, so possessed people are often brought to the springs. There is a fountain that heals from poisoning, from the evil eye, from various diseases. There is a fountain that helps childless couples conceive. Another fountain is responsible for health, wealth, prosperity. Several fountains are responsible for blessing property, transportation, or homes. There is a fountain used for washing the dead and during cremation rituals. In general, everyone will find something for themselves here.
In the first outer zone of the temple, which is the entrance space, there is a large pond with carp. The fish are big, beautiful and always hungry. And all visitors to the temple love to feed them.
How to get to Tirta Empul?
Tirta Empul is located near the Tampaksiring district, about 39 kilometers east of the city of Denpasar. From Ubud, you need to go north towards the Kintamani district and Mount Batur.
What to bring? If you want to participate in the purification ritual, plan your clothing accordingly. As mentioned earlier, men only need a sarong, while women need a shirt that covers their shoulders and a sarong. You can also bring offerings – baskets with flowers and incense. There is a changing room and lockers available (for 10 rupees) next to the fountains.
What else to see nearby? Ancient Gunung Kawi rock caves and the temple of the same name are located near the springs. Tirta Empul is located between Ubud and Mount Batur. Nearby attractions include small rice terraces Tegallalang, Sebatu water source and several coffee plantations.
We are always happy to share the magic of Bali Island with positive people!
Sincerely, Bali Open Group, authors of the blog baliopen.org
