Pura Tirta Empul In Bali: The Sacred Water Temple Of Purification

Pura Tirta Empul temple in Bali is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water. The name means water gushing from the earth, that is why Pura Tirta Empul temple in Bali is regarded as a holy spring. The temple also includes shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma as well as one for Indra and Mount Batur. 

Among the Bali temples, it is considered to be the holiest source of water in Bali. You can also visit Ulun Danu temple at Lake Beratan, Tirta Harum at Bangli, and many more for that purpose. Also, Pura Tirta Empul in Bali was founded in 926 A.D and is known to be a place for worship, experiencing surreal beauty, and even indulging in purification rituals.

History and Significance of Pura Tirta Empul in Bali

The Legend Of Pura Tirta Empul Temple In Bali

Later, Bhatara Indra and his soldiers attacked Mayadenawa and forced him to run away. Mayadenawa and his men escaped to a place that we now call Tampak Siring.

One night, while Bhatara Indra’s soldiers were sleeping, Mayadenawa sneaked into their camp. He created a spring of water that looked clean and beautiful, but it was actually poisonous. He wanted the soldiers to drink from it when they woke up.

To avoid being caught, Mayadenawa did something clever; he walked on the sides of his feet so he wouldn’t leave normal footprints. This is why the village is called “Tampak Siring”, which means “tilted footprint” in the local language.

The next morning, Bhatara Indra woke up and found all his soldiers had died from drinking the poisoned water. But since Bhatara Indra was a god, he had special powers. He took his staff and stuck it into the ground, which created a new spring with special healing water.

He sprinkled this magical water on his dead soldiers, and amazingly, they all came back to life! This special spring is now known as Tirta Empul, and people still believe its water has healing powers. Today, many people visit this sacred spring because they think its water is blessed. 

After his poison plan didn’t work, Mayadenawa tried to escape but Bhatara Indra shot an arrow through the rock and finally killed the evil king. When Mayadenawa died, his blood flowed out of the rock and created the Petanu River. People say this river was cursed for over a thousand years; rice would grow very fast near it, but it smelled terrible, like blood.

Today, visitors from around the world come to Pura Tirta Empul Temple in Bali—- one of the Hindu Balinese water temples. Every 210 days, the Balinese Hindu people celebrate this ancient story. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. During this time, thousands of devotees visit Pura Tirta Empul Temple in Bali to cleanse themselves in its holy waters, continuing a tradition that has lasted over a thousand years. 

So, the Tirta Empul Temple history has great significance, which is rooted in spiritual beliefs as well. The spring water of the temple is not only a source of purification of your body but for spiritual cleansing too. 

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Inside Pura Tirta Empul Bali

The Tirta Empul temple history dates back to the legend of Bhatara Indra creating a holy spring to save his soldiers. As you enter this historic site, you will walk through a huge stone gate that Balinese people call “candi bentar”. This leads you to the first courtyard, called “jaba sisi”.  The significance of Pura Tirta Empul in Bali is reflected in its beautiful design. At the end of this courtyard, there’s another special gate with two giant guardian statues painted in gold. These guardians, are called Dwarapala. Above them is a unique carving of a creature called Kala. The Tirta Empul temple history continues to draw people from all over the world, who come to admire its architecture and experience its sacred atmosphere.

Pura Tirta Empul Bali Melukat: The Purification Ritual

Interestingly, two of these waterspouts are special. They’re only meant for ceremonies involving the deceased, so living people shouldn’t use them for their purification ritual. This shows how carefully the ancient traditions are preserved and respected at this sacred site.

How To Reach Pura Tirta Empul Temple In Bali

So, here are the two options for how to reach Pura Tirta Empul in Bali.

1. Rent a Scooter

2. Rent a car

Or if you hire a car with a driver, then it would cost around 550k to 3 million rupiahs depending on the car. 

Best Time To Visit Pura Tirta Empul In Bali

If you really want to have a connection with the Pura Tirta Empul temple in Bali’s beauty and spirituality, you should visit on weekdays and during off-peak season. It would help you have the best side of the Pura Tirta Empul temple in Bali. 

Pura Tirta Empul Temple Opening Hours

The Pura Tirta Empul temple in Bali starts getting visitors at 8 AM and continues till late afternoon. This time would allow the visitors to come according to their preferences and ensure having an ample amount of time. 

So, make sure you are choosing the right time, (mostly early morning) to have a great experience without any distractions and crowds in the temple. 

Tirta Empul Temple Address

Tirta Empul Temple Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency,Bali,80552,  Indonesia

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Pura Tirta Empul Temple Entrance Fee

• For adults: IDR 50,000
• For children aged 5 to 11 years: IDR 25,000
• For children below 5 years: Free

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Pura Tirta Empul Temple Dress Code