I didn’t plan to visit Tirta Empul Temple. It just sort of... happened. One morning in Ubud, with no set itinerary and the kind of freedom that only travel gives you, I jumped into a rented scooter and let instinct guide the way. I’d heard vague whispers about a holy spring temple in Tampaksiring, and that was enough.
What I didn’t realize was that this spontaneous detour would end up becoming the most memorable part of my Bali trip.
Arriving at the Temple, A First Glimpse of Tirta Pura Empul
When I reached Tirta Empul, the first thing I noticed was the calm. Even with visitors milling about, something about the place slowed you down. There was incense in the air, distant gamelan music, and a subtle sense of reverence.
At the entrance, a local greeted me with a kind smile and handed me a sarong and sash. There’s a strict but respectful dress code at Tirta Empul–all visitors, regardless of nationality or religion, must wear traditional Balinese attire before entering. You can rent it for a small fee if you didn’t bring one, and trust me, you’ll feel instantly connected just by putting it on.
Shoes off, sarong wrapped, scarf secured. I stepped into the world of Tirta Pura Empul–a temple whose name means “sacred spring water that bursts from the earth.” And that’s not just poetic. That water is very real, very present, and very powerful.
Layers of Sacred Space
The temple layout is divided into three courtyards:
- Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), where you’ll find the entrance area and gardens.
- Jaba Tengah (middle courtyard), where the famous purification pools lie.
- Jeroan (inner sanctum), a more private spiritual space often used for prayer.
Each section has its own rhythm. Jaba Tengah is the most dynamic, filled with movement and water and ritual. Meanwhile, Jeroan, with its quiet shrines and drifting incense, holds a different kind of magic. I happened to arrive on a day when Jeroan was open to the public, and walking into that sacred space felt like entering a different dimension–one of silence, intention, and ancestral memory.
The Legend Behind the Spring Tirta Empul – Good vs. Evil
The story of Tirta Empul Temple is as rich as its architecture. According to Balinese Hindu mythology, the spring originated during a great battle between the wicked King Mayadenawa and the god Indra.
Mayadenawa, a powerful but arrogant ruler, forbade his people from worshiping the gods and practiced black magic to control them. Enraged by his tyranny, the gods sent Indra and his celestial army to defeat him.
But Mayadenawa had tricks up his sleeve. One night, while Indra’s soldiers slept, the king crept into their camp and conjured a poisonous spring. When the army drank from it the next morning, many fell ill or died.
In desperation, Indra drove his staff into the earth, piercing the ground and creating a pure spring of healing water. He used it to revive his warriors–and from that moment on, the site became sacred. That spring still flows today in the very center of Tirta Empul Temple.
Every 210 days, Balinese Hindus commemorate the defeat of Mayadenawa in a ritual known as Galungan, celebrating the triumph of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
The Purification Ritual – Melukat
Of all the spiritual experiences I’ve witnessed, few match the quiet intensity of melukat, the traditional Balinese purification ritual. At Tirta Empul Temple, you can watch or even take part in this sacred ceremony.
The ritual takes place in long pools fed by the holy spring, where 22 stone spouts line the walls. Each spout represents a different form of spiritual cleansing–some for forgiveness, some for clarity, others for healing. Balinese devotees move from one to the next in a meditative rhythm, bowing their heads under the flowing water.
I joined in, unsure at first. But the moment that cold, clean water hit my skin, I felt something deeper than refreshment. I won’t claim it healed me–but I did walk away lighter, quieter inside.
Not all spouts are for the living. A few are reserved for purification rituals for the deceased, so ask a local guide before entering the pools.
What to Wear? Understanding the Dress Code at Tirta Empul
As mentioned earlier, the dress code at Tirta Empul is mandatory and deeply symbolic. A sarong (kamben) and sash (selendang) are worn to show respect and humility. If you plan to bathe in the pools, you’ll be given a yellow cloth to wear in the water.
And no worries if you didn’t bring traditional attire–rental stands at the temple entrance offer everything you need for just a few thousand rupiah (IDR).
Respect here isn’t just expected–it’s felt. From how people speak, to how they walk, to how they interact with the temple spaces, you can sense that this isn’t just another sightseeing stop. It’s a living, breathing sacred site.
A Glimpse of Power, The Presidential View
Tucked just above the temple is Istana Tampaksiring, a presidential palace built in 1954 for Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. From its elevated perch, the view of the temple complex is stunning–a sweeping panorama of courtyards, springs, and pilgrims moving like threads in an ancient tapestry.
Even President Obama and his family visited this site during their 2017 trip to Bali, and it’s easy to see why. Tirta Empul is not only spiritually rich, but culturally and politically significant as well.
Quiet Corners, Koi Ponds and Reflection
Before you leave, take a moment at the koi pond near the temple exit. What used to be a military training pool is now filled with enormous, brightly colored fish. Locals come here to sit, feed the koi, or simply reflect after their spiritual cleansing.
It’s a small detail–but like much of the Tirta Empul Temple, the meaning is in the quiet layers.
More Than a Temple – A Lifeline for the People
What many don’t realize is that the spring at Tirta Pura Empul doesn’t just feed the temple. It flows outward, watering the rice fields and sustaining the village of Tampaksiring. It’s a literal lifeline–spiritually and agriculturally.
That dual role is what makes this place unforgettable. It’s not just sacred; it’s essential.
Let the Water Tell Its Story
If you're planning a trip to Bali, carve out space for the Tirta Empul Temple. Don’t just take a photo and move on. Spend time. Observe. Participate if you feel called. Let your feet touch the stone paths. Let the spring water touch your skin.
And when you leave, you’ll walk away not just as a tourist–but as someone who’s been part of something ancient, alive, and deeply, deeply human.
Posting Komentar