Purify Yourself at Pura Tirta Empul, Bali

Pura Tirta Empul is a Hindu temple in Bali Island, Indonesia. The name of “Tirta Empul” means “crystal clear stream”. It is famous for its holy water where people go for purification and various religious ceremonies.

Pura Tirta Empul was built in 926 AD during the Warmadewa Dynasty. I would like to say that most of the Balinese temples look quite alike, but what makes Tirta Empul so special is not the architecture itself but the pilgrims.

Legends say that this temple was made by Indra when he pierced the earth to create a spring of the elixir of immortality, which he revived his forces who were poisoned by Mayadanawa. Thus, the spring waters are believed to have magic healing powers. Although it is more than a thousand years, the Balinese still come to bathe in the holy water for healing and spiritual merit.

Pura Tirta Empul is located in Tampak Siring, somewhere between Ubud and Kintamani. You can easily reach there by local rental car/driver.

In Pura Tirta Empul, you can enjoy the exquisite twin shrines and split gate which is common in most temples in Bali. There is also a large open pavilion in the main courtyard where you can rest under the shade. What I have to highlight is the main attraction in Pura Tirta Empul, which is the long rectangular pool carved of stone filled with koi and fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains. Worshippers from all over the island visit the temple to pray and purify themselves in the pool.

All visitors must wear a Sarong which can get from the temple before gettin into the pool. Visitors are welcome to purify themselves as well. For women, they must have a T-shirt on and Sarong as well. Do bring along your towel if you are interested to purify yourself in the pool since there is no changing room. There are rules which prohibit people who do not follow the dress code to enter the pool.

I hope you like this place when you travel to Bali in future!

written by yokekei on 2013-03-04 #places #travel #holiday #historical #film #pool #35mm #temple #locations #pray #indonesia #location #bali #asia #lomography #select-type-of-location #art-and-culture #purify #pura-tirta-empul #hindu-balinese #holy-water #apac