Tirta Empul, the holiest water springs on Bali

The holy springs of Tirta Empul are located just north of Tempaksering, not far from the important temple Gunung Kawi and a 30 minutes drive from Ubud. The springs are one of the sources of the Sungai (river) Pakerisan.

The holy springs are surrounded by forest and palm trees which create a magical touch to the whole place. From the entrance you first stroll through a garden before you reach the bathing area.

The source of the holy water...

The bathing area is connected to a big temple complex in which you can also find the actual water source.

The source is surrounded by a big wall in order to keep everything that is unholy out.

But you can glance over and see the crystal clear water with a green-blue spot from which the water springs.

The Balinese believe that the source holds magical and healing powers. Additionally it ensures eternal youth. Every year pilgrims gather together at this important place.

Holy water plays an important role in Hinduism. The Brahman priests of Bali, who conduct numerous offerings and purification ceremonies, come to this source to collect the holy water as it is considered one of the holiest on Bali.

The three stoned baths at Tirta Empul are divided into three sections. The left bath is for women and the middle one for men. The outer right bathing pool is smaller, but is known to be the most pure.

Tirta is derived from the Sanskriet word "amrita" which means nectar or life elixir. The legend of this water source is based on the Hindu god Indra, who once won the battle against the demon king Maya Danawa.

Maya Danawa had poisoned the river Petanu, from which the warriors of Indra drank and at the end they all died. To save his wariors Indra created a big water hole just north of the river Petanu, now known as Tirta Empul.

The water from this source was poured on his wariors who then woke up from the dead. Then, at the end they defeated the evil Maya Danawa.

 
The holy source is located at a large temple complex

In the year 960 AC the Warmadewa king created a bathing area at the source and in the 11th century the king of Airlangga added additional decorations and statues. In 1969 it was fully restorated, giving it the well maintained look it has today.

A big black rock which serves as Indra's gods-throne now stands in the middle of the temple complex. Around it there are nicely decorated shrines which beautiful gold coloured carvings.

One of these shrines is dedicated to Dewi Sri, the rice goddess and to the god of Gunung Batur.

The throne for the Hindu god, Indra

This holy bathing area is a nice place to visit and walk around. The temple complex is really impressive, just as the bathing areas. If you are there, you can see people bathing, but as a foreigner you should not join them.

If you plan to visit this holy source, you can easily combine it with a visit to Gunung Kawi which is located just 1km away.

For both places you should go there in the morning, because it can get really busy in the beginning of the afternoon.