Ancient temple of Tirta Empul

General informatio

Original title: Pura Tirta Empul
Working hours: 8 - 17 hours
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours
Size: large temple
Foundation date: 926
Altitude: 1058 meters
Coordinates: -8.415690, 115.315374
Address: Jalan Raya Batukaru, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia

On the island of Bali there is a beautiful ancient temple called Tirta Empul. The ancient buildings are so beautiful that they fascinate tourists from the first minute. Upon entering the sacred monastery, each parishioner will be able to experience the life of the local people by plunging into the sacred waters of the font according to all the rules of Hinduism.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Pura Tirta Empul - Temple of the Sacred Water[/caption]

The ancient temple of Tirta Empul (Pura Tirta Empul) is one of the most revered shrines on the entire island of Bali. On the territory of the temple there is an ancient sacred spring with clear life-giving water, hence the name translated into Russian - “Temple of the Sacred Water”. The Balinese have a special relationship with water; for them it is a powerful and strong element that can wash away all negative energy from a person and fill him with spiritual wisdom and patience. Not only local residents, but also tourists from all over the world come here to pray and take a dip in the sacred water.

Location of the shrine of Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul Temple is located almost in the central part of the island of Bali, slightly to the east. It is more convenient to get to the temple from the city of Ubud, which is only 14 kilometers away, which is a 30-minute drive. The road passes through beautiful forest and rice fields. Very close is the village of Tampaksiring, behind which the peaks of the temple are already visible.

To explore the stu

ing territory and visit the amazing temples, tourists usually spend at least 3 hours. Among the ponds and sanctuaries there are pavilions where people can take a break from the heat. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to take drinking water with you.

History of Tirta Empul Temple

The history of the Tirta Empul Bali temple begins in 962, as evidenced by the records on its vaults. There are many legends associated with the appearance of the temple, which to this day local residents believe in and happily retell them to tourists. One of the legends says that it was at this place that the Hindu God Indra created a sacred spring to heal and revive his warriors whom he lost in battles.

Later, shrines were built on the site of the sacred spring:

central ancient temple;
several pools with healing water;
up to 20 sacred pavilions-sanctuaries of Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Shiva, Indra and others.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Pools with healing water, joint washing[/caption]

At first, the pools were divided into men's and women's, but now ablution takes place together, since the ritual is carried out strictly in clothes. And for more than 1000 years, people from all over the world have been coming to the temple to be healed of illnesses, gain strength and receive other blessings.

Features of the temple structure

The shrine of Tirta Empul is harmoniously built around a sacred spring. On the territory of the temple there are three swimming pools with healing water, one of which is the most important, where ablution takes place. In the huge central pool, healing water pours onto parishioners from 12 special holes, before which they must bow and thank the gods for the healing power of the water element.

All 12 jets have their own name and bring completely different blessings - deliverance from evil spirits, cleansing of the soul, health, love, luck, peace, etc. Therefore, ablution must be carried out by passing through each source in tu .

Before going down to the baths, you must visit the temple to receive blessings and permission to bathe in the sacred waters from the Hindu gods themselves. Here, local residents take very seriously the rules that were established more than a thousand years ago. Therefore, tourists must also follow some established requirements.

Rules of conduct for parishioners in church

After visiting the temple, you can go down to the bathhouse and enjoy the cool spring streams of water. To receive the necessary blessing from the gods, you need to observe the correct sequence of the ritual, namely:

before washing, present gifts to the spirits of water;
before each source, say a prayer and bow 3 times, dipping your head under the stream of water;
collect healing water in a previously prepared container, while **avoiding the last source, which is intended for the deceased.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]The type of swimmers must comply with strictly established rules[/caption]

The appearance of bathers must meet strictly established rules and correspond to the clothing of the indigenous Balinese. Girls and women must cover all parts of their bodies, so swimming is only allowed in T-shirts and sarongs, which can be purchased at the entrance to the shrine. Men can swim bare-chested but must wear sarongs.

Important information**: It is advisable to take a dip in the pool last, that is, after visiting the temple, since wet people are not allowed into the temple. For convenience, you can take spare clothes with you, although many people prefer to let the clothes dry on their own, because the intense heat only contributes to this.

Why is it worth visiting an ancient temple?

Many tourists are looking for amazing and memorable moments that will remain in their memory forever. The ancient temple of Pura Tirta Empul is just such a place. Having been here, it seems that the soul and body have really been cleansed, and it has become much easier to breathe and think. Huge carps swim in the pool with crystal water, which can be fed directly from your hands, so children will really enjoy this moment. At the same time, a child ticket costs half as much as an adult ticket.

As in other tourist places, on the territory of the healing temple of Tirta Empul there are a huge number of shopping pavilions where you can buy various souvenirs, amulets and beautiful jewelry. The ancient temple of Tirta Empul undoubtedly needs to be added to the list of places to visit, as it is so beautiful and unique that it will make a pleasant impression on any tourist.