Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Day 1: Part VI - Tirtha Empul Temple @ Bali

Our next trip were getting down to Balinese worship place that is famous in the world. Tirta Empul Temple or Tampak Siring Temple is a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar regency and it is about 39 km eastwards from Denpasar town.

Tirtha Empul Temple is a Hindu temple, famous for its Holy water where Hindu Bali people go for purification. Legend has it that the sacred spring was created by the god Indra. His forces had been poisoned by Mayadanawa, so he pierced the earth to create a fountain of immortality to revive them. An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. Ever since - for more than a thousand years - the Balinese have come to bathe in the sacred waters for healing and spiritual merit.

A shrine at the entrance of Tirta Empul

Entrance to the Tirtha Empul

A candi bentar, or split gate.

Family photo

Prayers item for Worship 

Holy spring water flows into pools at Tirta Empul.

Tourist are here for blessing

The holy springs shrine of Tirta Empul in Tampak Siring.

Shrines in the inner sanctuary of Tirta Empul.

Beautiful hand craft architecture

On the left side of the temple is a modern villa on the hill.
Built for President Sukarno's visit in 1954,
which is now used as a rest house for important guests.

Another entrance 

Worship place, close for public visit

Long rectangular pool carved of stone, filled with koi and 
fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains

Vistiors allow to visit here

Smaller pools fed by the spring water #1

Smaller pools fed by the spring water #2

The Tirta Empul Temple includes the traditional Balinese split gate along with shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Braham, Mt. Batur, and Indra. There is also a large open pavilion in the main courtyard, useful for relaxing in the shade.

But the main attraction here is a long rectangular pool carved of stone, filled with koi and fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains. Worshippers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray. Many collect the holy water in bottles to take home. Nearby there are two smaller pools fed by the spring.

Overlooking the temple on a hill above is a suprisingly modern building: the Government Palace, built in 1954. Originally a residence for Dutch officials, it was later used by former President Soekarno during his frequent trips to Bali. Pura Tirta Empul is located in the village of Tampak Siring, accessible by public transportation from Ubud. The souvenir stands outside the temple specialize in the local craft, carved bone jewelry.

Worth while visiting here to understand Hinduism culture. Peace of mind when you're here especially when you hear the sound of spring water flowing from the mountain. Up next will be our dinner time. Where will be heading for dinner? Catch up with me on the next post... ^_^

Jalan Tirta (Jalan Raya Tampak Siring, Ubud), Gianyar, Bali
Temple, Hot Spring, General Travel, Scenic Lookout, Park

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