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Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple

The places can be visited after tubing Tirta Empul Temple, Tirta Empul is an important Temple complex and holy mount spring, located in the village of Manukaya Tampaksiring near from Ubud Bali. The legendary setting of a traditional tale about good versus evil, it is also a national cultural heritage site.The complex, built circa 960 AD, a silent witness to the old Balinese Kindom years, particularly at the time of Warmadewa Dynasty.

Tirta Empul, meaning holy water spring, refers to the water source within the temple. This spring feeds various purification baths, pools, and fish ponds around the outer perimeter. All the water flows into the Pekerisan River. Visitors use this river for Bali tubing adventures.

Various sites and relics in the region connect to local myths and legends. Like many Balinese temples, Tirta Empul has three main areas: the front, secondary, and inner courtyards. Visitors first walk through lush gardens and lanes decorated with sculptures and tropical plants. These lead to the temple entrance. After passing the 'temple of bentar,' a large walled courtyard opens up. On the right is a big 'wantilan' meeting room. In the central courtyard, called 'madya mandala' or 'jaba tengah,' pilgrims gather at rectangular baths. Thirteen spouts line the edges from west to east. Pilgrims pray at the altar sanctuary before entering the cool mountain water. They bend under the water from the first to the eleventh spout, hands clasped in prayer. The last two spouts supply water for purification in funeral rites. The spring’s myth tells the story of a Balinese ruler named Mayadenawa.

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple highlights the legend of Mayadenawa’s escape from Indra’s forces. This story takes place across several sites in the region, including the Petanu River, Pakerisan, and north of Tampaksiring. Interestingly, many place names reflect the legend. For example, Tampaksiring means "legs," and Siring means "sideways," which represent the king’s footprints as he fled uphill. Using his magic, Mayadenawa created a poisoned spring where Indra’s exhausted men drank and fell ill. However, seeing this, Indra struck the ground with his staff, creating holy springs that healed and revived his troops. Ultimately, this myth serves as the legendary origin of Tirta Empul. Tirta Empul Temple, like any Bali temple or holy site, requires visitors to dress respectfully. The simple dress code calls for a traditional ‘kamen’ wrapped around the lower body and a sash tied at the waist. Additionally, women during their menstrual periods are not allowed to enter temples or sacred areas; they can only enjoy the sights in the outer perimeter. Although it’s tempting to try the purification bathing ritual yourself, this formal practice is strictly reserved for pilgrims and devotees. Therefore, it’s best to consult your guide, who may check with temple authorities for further details.
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