Tirta Empul Temple is a Balinese Hindu temple located in Tampaksiring, Bali. It is famous for its holy spring water and is considered a sacred place for spiritual purification rituals. The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Visitors can participate in traditional purification rituals by bathing in the spring water and making offerings to the gods.
Tirta Empul Temple is believed to have been built in the 10th to 14th century, during the Warmadewa kingdom in Bali. The temple was built around a natural spring that is said to have healing properties. The name Tirta Empul means “holy spring” in Balinese.
According to legend, a long time ago there was a king who ruled Bali despotically, King Mayadenawa. The Balinese people who felt miserable constantly begged God Hyang Maha Esa to escape the king’s oppression. So the god Indra descended to grant the wishes of the Balinese.
The purpose of Indra’s descent to earth was to defeat and fight the king of Mayadenawa. It turned out that King Mayadenawa was so powerful that it was difficult to be defeated by Indra and his troops. With his magic, the king of Mayadenawa could transform into any form and kept moving from place to place until it was difficult to defeat this king.
Until one day, while in pursuit, Dewa Indra’s troops were thirsty and drank water from the springs around the forest. To Dewa Indra’s surprise, it turned out that the spring water drunk by his troops was poisonous and killed the entire troop.
With suspicion, Dewa Indra finally searched around the location of who had poisoned the spring, then found oblique footprints. The footprints were the footprints of Mayadenawa to avoid the troops of Lord Indra.
So the origin of the name Tampak Siring is based on the legend, namely Jejak means “Tampak” and Miring becomes “Siring”. The spring whose water was poisoned and drunk by Indra’s army was a spring created by King Mayadenawa by sticking his magic keris. This is a piece of legend that is believed by Balinese people for generations.
Over time, the temple became an important site for Balinese Hindu rituals and ceremonies, especially those related to purification and renewal.
Visitors from all over Bali would come to Tirta Empul to bathe in the holy spring water and make offerings to the gods. Today, the temple is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors interested in its historical and cultural significance, as well as those seeking spiritual renewal. Despite its popularity, the temple continues to be an important center of Hindu religious life on the island.
Location and Entrance Fee
Tirta Empul Temple is precisely located on Jalan Tirta, Manukaya Village, Tampak Siring District, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
The temple is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, here are the details of the fees if you visit this temple:
Entrance Fee :
- Adult : IDR 50,000/person.
- Child : IDR 25,000/person.
Parking Fee :
- Car : IDR 5,000/car.
- Motorbike : IDR 2,000/motorbike.
The ticket includes access to the temple complex, including the holy spring where visitors can participate in purification rituals. It is important to note that modest dress is required for entry to the temple, and it is considered polite to remove shoes before entering the temple grounds. Additionally, it is common to make offerings to the deities and participate in other traditional Hindu rituals while visiting this temple.
Things To Do
This temple is famous for its holy spring water that is believed to have magical powers and is often used for melukat (self-cleansing rituals). Here are some things to do at Tirta Empul Temple:
- Join the Melukat Ceremony: One of the main attractions at Tirta Empul Temple is the melukat ceremony. Visitors can participate in this self-cleansing ritual by soaking in the holy pool and following the ritual steps guided by the pemangku (priest).
- Visiting the Temple Area: Tirta Empul Temple consists of several important areas such as Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), Jeroan (inner courtyard), and the sacred pool. Visiting each area provides an immersive spiritual and cultural experience.
Seeing Traditional Balinese Architecture: Tirta Empul Temple has distinctive traditional Balinese architecture with intricate carvings and beautiful temple structures. Visitors can marvel at the beauty and uniqueness of this architecture.
Learn about History and Legends: Tirta Empul Temple has an interesting history and legends, including stories about the god Indra and king Mayadenawa. Knowing the historical background and legends adds to the understanding of the importance of this temple to the Balinese people.
Photography: With beautiful scenery and stunning architecture, Tirta Empul Temple is the perfect place for photography. Many visitors take beautiful photos around the temple.
Witnessing Religious Ceremonies: If visiting at the right time, visitors can witness various religious ceremonies performed at Tirta Empul Temple, providing a deeper insight into Balinese culture and traditions.
Visiting Tips
Some things that need to be considered when visiting a temple, Tirta Empul Temple is no exception, such as:
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear polite and respectful clothing. For visitors who do not wear Balinese traditional clothes, sarongs and scarves are usually provided at the entrance to cover the lower part of the body.
- Come in the Morning: To avoid the crowds and the scorching heat of the sun, it is advisable to come early in the morning. Besides, you will also have more time to enjoy the entire temple area.
- Respect Rituals and Ceremonies: If you see a ceremony or ritual in progress, respect it by not interrupting, talking too loudly, or taking photos without permission.
- Follow Instructions and Rules: Temples are sacred places, so make sure to follow the instructions and regulations, such as not climbing statues or sacred buildings, not entering prohibited areas and women who are menstruating, are prohibited from entering the temple.
Prepare for the Melukat or self purification: If you plan to participate in the melukat ritual, bring a change of clothes and a towel. Follow the instructions of the pemangku to ensure the ritual is performed correctly.
Maintain Cleanliness: Make sure not to litter. The temple is a sacred place and should be kept clean.
- Respect Local Beliefs: Respect local customs and beliefs. Do not touch or disturb the offerings and ceremonial equipment.
- Bring a Camera: Tirta Empul Temple has beautiful scenery and interesting architecture, so be sure to bring a camera. However, always pay attention to be unobtrusive when taking photos, especially when a ceremony is in progress.
Read also : Things To Do in Tanah Lot Temple
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