Saturday, July 18, 2015

Melukat in Tirta Empul Temple



Bali is a small island that is rich in tourist destinations, in generally such as beaches, lakes, and mountains.But, if you know, not only that place you can visit. Bali also presents temples that has a special attraction for tourists. Temples in Bali generally serves as a place to pray for Hindus in Bali. Besides that, several temples in Bali also serves as a place for ‘melukat’ (ablutions). There are many temples in Bali which has a holy spring that serves as a place for melukat. One of the many temples known as a place of ablutions is Tirta Empul Temple.



Last month was my first experience visiting Tirta Empul Temple. Located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar – Bali. According to local people, the name of Tirta Empul Temple taken from the springs called Tirta Empul which when it defined is a water that gushes from the ground. So Tirta Empul is holy water that gushes out of the ground (holy spring).




Such as other temples, Tirta Empul Temple is divided into three parts, namely outside of the temple, the center of the temple and the last one is the main part of the temple. To get to the holy spring pool, first I had to pass through the outside part of the temple. Here there are many statues that decorated by garden of lush tropical plants. In the middle of the garden there is a path that lead me to ‘Candi Bentar’, which is the entrance to the temple. After passing the entrance, finally I arrived at the middle part of the temple. 



Here there is a rectangular pool which has approximately 30 pieces showers that lined from east to the west with clear water flows from each showers. it makes me impatient to showers here. But before I do the showers, there is main requirement to do, that is to use kamen. Kamen is a fabric that tied around the waist like a long skirt. Usually used by Hindus to be able to enter the temple area. 



I feel my body is so light and calm after one hour showers. This proves that, in this pool really contained holy water. That's my little experience while visiting Tirta Empul Temple, and I really want to visit this temple again. 


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