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April 15, 2024
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Tirta Empul Temple

TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE

TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE IS A HOLY SPRING TEMPLE DEDICATED FOR GOD INDRA AND HAS HOLY SPRING WATER THAT IS USED FOR CLEANSING BODY AND SOUL FROM NEGATIVE THINGS

tirta empul temple, gianyar places of interest

Tirta Empul Temple is located around the holy spring water in Tampak Siring. For over a thousand years, Balinese have been coming to Tirta Empul Temple to worship the sacred spring water that is believed to have been created by Lord Indra and to have healing properties. This tradition has continued with little change at the temple until today. More than 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the community for health and prosperity purposes because of the spring’s healing powers. Tirta Empul Temple is a very popular tourist destination in the Ubud area, where the holy water from the spring flows into a pool and is used by the local community to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. This belief has a positive impact on those who soak in the holy water, removing negativity from the body and soul and leaving them feeling clean and refreshed. It is one of the must-visit Gianyar places of interest if you want to experience a unique spiritual experience in Bali.

If you visit Tirta Empul Temple, here’s what you need to know:

Tirta Empul Temple Location

Tirta Empul Temple is located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar Regency, and the location is not far from the tourist destination of Gunung Kawi Temple. The location is strategic, on the main road to Gunung Kawi Temple and Kintamani Village. Kintamani Village is famous as a tourist destination to enjoy the stunning views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. If you are using a private car or motorcycle, the Google Maps guide can help you find this location easily. If you don’t want to drive yourself, Bali Driver Hire is ready to take you to Tirta Empul in a comfortable car, accompanied by experienced drivers, for a more enjoyable travel experience. You can also choose the Ubud and Kintamani Tour Package, which combines the best tourist destinations in one day at affordable prices and satisfying services.

History Tirta Empul Temple

Based on the inscriptions found, it can be concluded that Tirta Empul Temple was built during the reign of King Masula Masuli. This can be seen from the quote in the lontar Usana Bali, which states, “At that time all Balinese were happy, led by His Majesty King Masula Masuli, and the people all felt happy. All the people equally issued padas, as well as other building materials, such as from Blahbatuh, Pejeng, and Tampaksiring”. From the content of this Usana Bali lontar, the reign of King Masula Masuli in Bali can be identified. This finding is also related to the Sading inscription, which records that Raja Masula Masuli ruled Bali from 1100 AD to 1178 AD, with a reign of 77 years. This shows that there is a time difference of about 216 years between the construction of Tirta Empul Bath and the construction of the temple. In terms of architecture, Tirta Empul Bath and Temple has high historical value, strong spiritual vibrations, distinctive character, and is friendly to the surrounding environment. The architecture follows Balinese tradition and blends in with the surrounding natural conditions. The spaces also contain deep religious meaning.

Archaeological research that began in the early 20th century has found evidence that the Tampak Siring area contains a number of archaeological remains that still have a sacred function, spread across Panempahan, Manukaya, and Tampaksiring villages. The density of the cultural heritage population in this area can be indicated as a sign of dense community settlement or high social mobility in the past. The concentration of cultural heritage in this village also suggests that the Old Balinese civilization may have originated in this cultural area. One example of cultural heritage found in this area is the Tirta Empul Temple.

Mythology of Tirta Empul Temple

The story in Usana Bali Lontar talks about the origin of Tirta Empul, or Tirta Ri Air Hampul, which was created by Bhatara Indra during his war against King Mayanadenawa of Bedahulu. King Mayanadenawa was known to be very powerful and had the ability to disappear, so he considered himself a god. This caused Bhatara Indra to decide to fight him. During one of the battles in an area, Mayanadenawa’s troops were pushed back, and they walked on tilted legs. Because of this incident, the place of the battle was later called Tampaksiring. Under difficult circumstances, Mayanadenawa had the bad idea of creating a poisonous spring (Yeh Cetik) to destroy Bhatara Indra’s army. The idea worked, and due to fatigue from the fierce fighting, many of Bhatara Indra’s troops were affected and poisoned. This drastically reduced their strength. To solve this problem, Bhatara Indra stuck a banner-shaped weapon into the ground. Miraculously, a spring emerged from the weapon’s puncture mark. Bhatara Indra’s troops, who drank water from the spring, recovered to their former strength. Centuries later, the spring was organized and perfected into a water park by King Indrajaya Sigha Warmadewa in 882 AD and named “Tirta Ri Air Hampul” or “Tirta Empul“, which means steaming holy water (Pathirtaan). Until now, this temple has been known as Tirta Empul or is often referred to as Tampak Siring Temple because it is located in Tampak Siring Village, close to the Palace of Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, in Tampak Siring.

Geography Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple has three courtyards that have their own functions and specialties. When you arrive at Tirta Empul, you will go through the entrance to the first courtyard.

  • In the first courtyard, there is a big tree that is considered sacred. To the right of the tree is the Wantilan, or resting area, which also has a small canteen with a pool inhabited by colorful koi fish. You can feed these koi fish, which is one of the tourist attractions at Tirta Empul.
  • In the second courtyard, you will find a row of pools with various showers that have different functions. Many people come here to do body cleansing from the inherent negative aura, in the hope of cleansing the body and soul.
  • The third courtyard is the holiest courtyard, where you can see a pool that visitors are not allowed to enter. This pool is the site of a holy spring that never runs out. There is also a sacred temple here that functions to worship Lord Indra as the manifestation of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

With a natural and cool atmosphere, Tirta Empul offers a spiritual experience and soothing natural beauty. You will feel at home here as you marvel at the beauty of the temple and the spring water that is believed to have healing and spiritually cleansing effects. Currently, Tirta Empul Temple has 30 temples after being added by the local community responsible for the temple. Ceremonies are held once every 210 days, and the exact date can be seen in the Balinese calendar.

At Tirta Empul Temple in Bali, there is a sacred relic in the form of a carved buffalo that is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Although the condition of the sculpture has been badly damaged and cannot be observed in detail to repair it, the buffalo plays an important role in the Hindu pantheon as the mount of Lord Shiva and is known as “Nandi”. The name “Tirta Empul” refers to the clear river that is considered holy water for various religious ceremonies. Visitors are only allowed to enter the main courtyard of Tirta Empul Temple. Here, they can see the twin temples and the split gate, which is a characteristic often found in many temples in Bali. Inside the sanctuary, there are a number of bathing pools used by Hindus. Tirta Empul Temple has a traditional Balinese split gate, along with worship areas for Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Brahmana, Mount Batur, and Indra. There is also a spacious open-air pavilion in the main courtyard, which is convenient for relaxing in the shade. However, the most prominent feature of Tirta Empul Temple is the rectangular pool carved out of stone, where koi fish reside and holy water flows through 12 fountains. Visitors who come usually make offerings at the temple, then go up to the main pool to bathe and pray. Many of them collect holy water from the pool to take home. Around the main pool, there are also two smaller pools that are also filled with holy spring water.

Cleansing Pool at Tirta Empul Temple

The holy water pool at Tirta Empul Temple comes from a holy spring located in the main courtyard of the temple. There is a large pool where this holy water comes out, which you can see directly. However, this pool is not a place for bathing. There is another pool specifically used for that. The water from this spring pool is piped into the purification pool, where you can take a dip and feel the positive energy of the tirta empul water. The purification pool is divided into three sections with different functions. The temple has a typical Balinese layout, divided into three courtyards. In the center and first courtyard, there is a:

  1. The pool with 13 fountains at Tirta Empul Temple is used as a source of holy water for cremation or death ceremonies. When the local people perform a cremation or burial ceremony, they come here to ask for holy water to be used in the ceremony. In addition, when a family member dies, they also come here to perform body cleansing, which in Bali is called “Melukat”. The purpose of Melukat is to cleanse the body of any negativity within it. This is important because in Bali, if a family member dies, other family members can experience bad luck called “Sebel”. To prevent the bad luck from spreading to other families, they perform Melukat at Tirta Empul Temple so that their bodies become clean and free from negative energy.
  2. The pool with 8 fountains at Tirta Empul Temple is used for symbolic cleansing or spiritual purification. When a person is sick, it is believed that the cause is the presence of immaterial impurities in the body. If a family member is sick and conventional medicine has failed to cure them, people believe that there are negative energies affecting their spiritual health. Hence, they come to Tirta Empul Temple to perform a procession called “Melukat” to cleanse the negative aura believed to be the cause of illness. Local people believe that the holy water in Tirta Empul Temple has a positive effect on healing the soul and body, so the Melukat procession in this pool is considered a means for spiritual and physical healing.
  3. The pool with 5 fountains at Tirta Empul Temple is usually used by people from outside who come to pray. They come here to pray and ask for holy water as a blessing, so that their families are always given health. In addition, they also soak in this fountain to get the positive aura from the holy water of Tirta Empul. It is believed that soaking in this pool can cleanse the body of all kinds of negative impurities attached to the soul, so that they will return to physical health.

Tirta Empul indeed has many diverse functions in the spiritual and cultural life of Bali. For a long time, this place has been the main destination for foreign and domestic tourists because of its uniqueness and magic, which always leaves visitors stunned. If you are visiting Bali Island and are interested in doing some spiritual cleansing, Tirta Empul Temple is a great place to visit. If you have faith in the properties of the holy water here, you will see the results clearly. Many people come here to perform cleansing rituals in the pools of Tirta Empul, becoming part of a profound spiritual and cultural experience in Bali.

tirta empul temple, gianyar places of interest

Dress Code at Tirta Empul Temple

The dress code at Tirta Empul Temple is similar to that of other tourist destinations on Bali Island. When visiting, it is important to dress modestly, as the place is considered sacred. Menstruating women are also not allowed to enter the temple, as this may affect the sanctity of the place and have a negative spiritual impact on those who break this rule. In addition, those who wish to use the pool to cleanse themselves will need to wear a sarong when descending into the pool. Don’t worry, as sarongs are available for rent at the venue. A sarong rental fee can be paid to access the pool, and there is also a changing room for those who wish to change before jumping into the pool. For the safety of valuables, lockers are also available for rent. This facility is very supportive for those who want to perform cleansing rituals in the holy pool of Tirta Empul.

Tirta Empul Temple Facilities

The facilities at Tirta Empul are very complete, with a large parking area to make it easier for you to park your vehicle. Around the parking area, there are many shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as small stalls providing food and soft drinks. Toilets are also available in sufficient numbers, which is very important considering Tirta Empul is a tourist destination that is visited every day. These complete facilities support Tirta Empul’s development as a popular tourist destination, in addition to the Ubud Monkey Forest located in the center of Ubud. So, there is no need to hesitate to visit Tirta Empul, as its natural beauty and uniqueness will make your vacation on Bali Island very enjoyable.

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