Tirta Empul at a glance
Tirta Empul, or Tirta Empul Temple, is located in the village area of Manukaya, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar. Tampaksiring is the name of a nearby village, situated 36 kilometers from Denpasar.
Tirta Empul in map
Pura Tirta Empul is a relic of the ancient kingdom on the island, one of the few historical treasures still preserved and revered in the village. Above the temple, at a higher elevation, stands the Presidential Palace, which was built during the administration of President Sukarno.
The temple’s name Tirta Empul likely originates from the natural spring within the temple grounds as previously mentioned. Etymologically, “Tirta Empul” means water that gushes from the ground.
The water from Tirta Empul flows into the Pakerisan River, which holds other ancient relics along its course. The temple is believed to have been established around 960 AD during the reign of King Chandra Bhayasingha of the Warmadewa dynasty. As with many temples in Bali, Tirta Empul is divided into three main areas: Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), Jaba Tengah (central courtyard), and Jeroan (inner courtyard).
In the central courtyard, there are two long rectangular pools, each containing 30 water spouts lined from east to west, facing south. Each spout has a specific name and function according to tradition, including Pengelukatan (purification), Pebersihan (cleansing), Sudamala (ritual purification), and Cetik (toxic) spouts.
The Cetik spout and the name Tirta Empul are associated with a mythological story involving a battle between King Mayadenawa of Bedahulu and Batara Indra. In the myth, King Mayadenawa was known for his arrogance and prohibited the people from performing religious ceremonies to seek divine blessings. Upon learning of this, the gods, led by Batara Indra, attacked Mayadenawa.
Mayadenawa was eventually defeated and fled to the Tampaksiring area. Using his power, he created a poisonous spring (cetik), which caused many of Batara Indra’s troops to die after drinking the water. In response, Batara Indra struck the ground with his spear, creating the Tirta Empul spring, whose sacred water revived his troops and restored them to life.
Things To Do At Tirta Empul
At Tirta Empul Temple, visitors can enjoy a variety of meaningful and cultural experiences:
- Purification Ritual: The highlight of your visit is the sacred purification ritual. Here, you can bathe under 30 water spouts in the holy pools, which is believed to cleanse both body and soul, offering a sense of spiritual renewal.
- Explore the Temple: Take a peaceful stroll through the three main sections of the temple—Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), Jaba Tengah (central courtyard), and Jeroan (inner courtyard). You’ll find ancient architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a deep sense of history.
- Witness Cultural Ceremonies: If you’re lucky to visit during a religious festival or ceremony, you can witness traditional Balinese rituals, where locals offer prayers and make offerings, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.
- Discover the Mythology: Learn about the captivating legend of King Mayadenawa and Batara Indra, a story that adds layers of meaning to the temple and its sacred waters.
- See the Presidential Palace: Perched above the temple, the palace built during President Sukarno’s era offers beautiful views and a glimpse into Indonesia’s modern history.
- Relax and Reflect: With its serene environment, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Tirta Empul is the perfect place to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Some caution when entering the temple
If general tourists wish to enter the temple area, there are several rules they must be aware of and follow. This is because the temple’s primary function is not as a tourist site, but as a place of worship.
- Just like in other places of worship, there are sacred objects in the temple that should not be touched or handled carelessly. Never touch any buildings, items, or objects in the temple without permission from the temple’s caretaker or your guide. Some items, like stones on an altar, may seem ordinary, but to the locals, they are considered very sacred. Avoid touching them, and never sit on them.
- It’s also important to refrain from using foul or disrespectful language in the temple, as it is a sacred space.
- When entering the temple, travelers must wear appropriate clothing. This means covering areas that should remain private, such as the chest, hips, thighs, and similar parts of the body.
- Women are not allowed to enter the temple or sacred areas within the temple grounds during menstruation. This rule is important for maintaining the temple’s sanctity and ensuring personal safety.
- It is recommended to have someone accompany you in the temple, or you can hire a local guide to provide accurate information about the temple. Be sure to ask about their rates and agree on the price beforehand.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to this site is IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 30,000 for children. The site is open for tourist and traveler from 08:00 AM until 18:00 PM. the exception for prayers is allowed for 24 hours to enter the temple. Sarongs to wear to the temple is borrowed for free including ticket purchases. If you want to perform purification, you must rent a cloth and locker provided inside the temple area. You can ask for information about purification to local officers.
That is the point and information to visit Tirta Empul. Below are more heritage place around Gianyar that interesting to visit.
Other Heritage Temple you can visit : Goa Gajah, Yeh Pulu, Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, Gunung KawiSebatu, Pura Mengening, Goa Garba, Candi Tebing Tegallinggah.
Follow this link to show the map from other Heritage place nearby : 7 most visited heritage Places
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