Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Bali, known for its holy springs that gush from the bowels of the earth. This temple is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists who want to experience spirituality through ritual bathing in its holy water fountain. In this blog, we will discuss in full Tirta Empul Temple, starting from its history and legend, the function of the fountain, bathing rituals, ticket prices, and surrounding tourist attractions.

Location of Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is located in Tampaksiring village, Gianyar Regency, Bali. It is about 40 kilometers from Denpasar or about 30 minutes drive from Ubud. This temple is located in a hilly area surrounded by beautiful and cool natural scenery, making it a quiet place to worship and seek spiritual peace.

Brief History of Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple was founded around 962 AD during the reign of the Warmadewa Dynasty, one of the ancient Balinese royal dynasties. This temple is located in Tampaksiring village, Gianyar, and is famous for its holy springs, which are believed to have purifying powers. The name "Tirta Empul" comes from Sanskrit meaning "holy water that emerges from the ground." The spring is used in Balinese Hindu religious rituals and is an attraction for tourists who want to experience its spiritual power.

Legend of Tirta Empul Temple

According to Balinese legend, Tirta Empul was created from a battle between the god Indra and the evil king Mayadenawa. King Mayadenawa poisoned the spring, causing Indra's army to fall ill. To save them, Indra stuck his staff into the ground, and from there emerged a holy spring that healed his army. Mayadenawa was eventually defeated, and this legend is commemorated in the Galungan ceremony, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
This legend reinforces the belief that the water at Tirta Empul Temple has the power to cleanse sins and cure diseases, making it an important holy place for Balinese Hindus.

Entrance Ticket Price for Tirta Empul Temple

The entrance ticket to Tirta Empul Temple for foreign tourists is around IDR 50,000, while for domestic tourists, the ticket price is usually lower, around IDR 30,000. Ticket prices are subject to change according to management policy. This ticket includes the rental of a Kamen, a traditional cloth that must be worn when entering the temple area.

Ritual Bathing at Tirta Empul Temple

One of the main attractions of Tirta Empul Temple is the ritual bathing in the holy water pool. Balinese Hindus and tourists can perform Melukat, a ritual of self-purification by bathing under a fountain of holy water flowing from a spring. This ritual is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul from negative energy and past sins.

Here is a brief guide on how to perform ritual bathing at Tirta Empul Temple:

Before entering the pool, you must wear the Kamen provided.
• Ask permission and pray to perform ritual bathing
• Start from the second fountain and pray according to your beliefs.
• The fountains have a certain order, and some fountains are dedicated to certain rituals, such as removing bad karma, healing, or asking for blessings.
• It is important to follow the instructions of the guide or local community regarding which fountains to skip, as some fountains are not used for general cleansing (for example, fountains for burial ceremonies).
• Say thank you after the ritual bathing event is complete.

The function of Each Fountain at Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple has three main parts that reflect the typical structure of Balinese temples:
• Jaba Pura (outer courtyard): This area is where pilgrims and visitors gather before starting the ritual.
• Jaba Tengah (central courtyard): There are several sacred pools here, and 3 of them are used for cleansing rituals. The first pool consists of 13 fountains, the second pool consists of 2 fountains and the third pool consists of 6 fountains.
• Jeroan (inner courtyard): The innermost area of ​​this temple is the main place for worship, especially for Hindu worshipers.

Let's look at the function of each fountain that will be used for purification at Tirta Empul Temple:

First Pool, with 13 holy springs (Cleansing Water)

The main function of this "Cleansing Tirta/Water" is to alleviate suffering due to poverty and disease, eliminate enemies, seek fortune (money), and cleanse sins for crimes that have been committed.

Fountain 1 Far Traveling Water:
• To provide protection when you travel far from home especially when you travel abroad (outside Bali)
• Provides protection/peace/calmness when you are in a disturbed/chaotic situation
• For some time the first fountain has been closed for cleansing rituals because this fountain has been changed its function and dedicated to a place of purification in a certain temple.

Fountain 2 Skin Disease Water
• To cure all skin diseases.

Fountain 3 Soul Peace Water
• To cure mental illnesses such as mental disorders and memory loss.
• Provides solutions to a person's life problems.

Fountain 4 Rheumatic Water
• To cure rheumatic disorders, gout, and muscle stiffness.
• To reduce disorders due to allergic diseases.

Fountain 5 Tooth Water
• To cure toothache.                                                                                                                    • To pull out teeth.                                                                                                                      • To destroy black magic in yourself, your family, or others.

Fountain 6 Bone Water
• To cure all bone diseases.
• To stimulate bone growth.
• To treat bone growth disorders in children.

Fountain 7 Love Water
• Increase love for your partner.
• To increase love between husband and wife
• To get perfect compatibility.
• Strengthen love relationships.
• To provide harmony in the family.

Fountain 8 Tension Emotion Water
• To relieve anger or negative emotions of a person
• To relieve negative emotions or anger from a group of people such as during demonstrations or riots.

Fountain 9 Respiratory Tract Diseases
• Good for coughs, colds, tonsils, asthma.

Fountain 10 Hair Water
• Good for hair loss, nourishes hair, and eliminates itchy scalp

Fountain 11 Pengentas I, holy water intended for cremation ceremonies
• The body is still there

Fountain 12 Pengentas II, holy water intended for cremation ceremonies                                      • The body is gone

Fountain 13 Welfare Water
• Good for bringing fortune, fertile agricultural land, career, charisma, and purifying positions.
• Releasing the effects of nightmares.

The second Pool has 2 holy springs (Melting Curses and Oaths Water).

The main function of Melting Curses and Oaths Water is to remove the curses of parents, ancestors, and gods.

Fountain 1 Curse Melter Water                                                                                                    • To eliminate/destroy obligations to family and ancestors that have not been fulfilled.
• To create peace in the family.
• To be free from the curse of ancestors, saints, and gods.

Fountain 2 Melting Oath /Cor Water                                                                                              • To erase an obligation or promise that is not fulfilled                                                                    • To erase the suffering caused by oaths, promises, and false oaths that are not fulfilled.

The Third Pool with 6 holy springs ( Severe Disease and Upakara/offering Water )

The main function of Severe Disease and Upakara/offering Water is to cure serious diseases and for ceremonial purposes at home.

Fountain 1 Tirta Gering Disease and Epidemic Water
• Effective for removing negative energy within oneself, neutralizing negative energy, eliminating anger, purifying the inner and outer aura, obtaining offspring, and curing various serious diseases such as cancer and infection.

Fountain 2 Tirta Leteh/Aura, Atmosphere Water
• Accelerates healing of diseases, and increases purity.
• To remove all dirt and stains in humans and the universe.
• To eliminate negative energy after visiting places that do not provide good energy.

Fountain 3 Tirta Severe Disease
• Cures serious diseases.

Fountain 4 Tirta Pengulapan Purification Water
• To cleanse home buildings during a house purification ceremony

Fountain 5 Pengenteg Beras
• Will be explained

Fountain 6 Family Welfare
• Will be explained

Do's and Don'ts at Tirta Empul Temple

Do's:
• Wear modest clothing and a kamen when entering the temple area.
• Participate in the bathing ritual, as long as you follow the rules and procedures.
• Take photos, but you must still maintain good manners in the temple area.

Don'ts:
• Enter the main temple area without wearing a kamen.
• Take a bath or enter the pool while menstruating, for women.
• Take or touch holy water without permission.
• Make a fuss or act disrespectfully in the temple area.
Tourist Attractions Around Tirta Empul Temple
In addition to visiting Tirta Empul Temple, tourists can also enjoy several interesting tourist attractions around Tampaksiring:
• Gunung Kawi: Just a few kilometers from Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi is an ancient site that has large stone temples carved into the cliff. This is the perfect place for lovers of Balinese history and culture.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: The beautiful green rice terraces of Tegallalang are one of Bali's iconic sights, ideal for photos and enjoying nature.
• Goa Gajah: An important archaeological site located about 30 minutes from Tirta Empul Temple. The cave has beautiful stone carvings and a mystical atmosphere.
• Penglipuran Village: A traditional Balinese village known for its natural beauty and neat village layout as well as traditional Balinese houses.

Conclusion

Tirta Empul Temple is not only a religious site but also a place where tourists can experience a profound spiritual experience. With a holy spring believed to have healing powers, rich legends, and rituals that are still practiced today, Tirta Empul is one of the must-visit places when in Bali. Don't forget to follow the rules and procedures that apply so that your experience at this temple is full of meaning and respect.

May your visit to Tirta Empul Temple be an unforgettable experience!

Tips for Visitors:
• Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Bring a change of clothes if you plan to take part in the ritual bath.
• Follow local guidance to carry out the ritual properly.
By visiting Tirta Empul Temple, you will not only enjoy the natural beauty and architecture, but also have the opportunity to cleanse yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually in one of the most sacred temples in Bali.

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We get this information from various sources on the internet. We are ready to receive input from readers to make this blog better and more complete. Thank you in advance