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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Tirta Empul Tampak Siring, Gianyar - Bali

Tirta Empul is a Temple which located in Manukaya Village, Tampak Siring sub-district, Gianyar regency. The location is beside the President Palace, it is built by President Soekarno. Tirta Empul was Famous because there is Water Source until now be created Holy Water for Balinese People Melukat (Bathe) with Holy Water, not only Balinese but also the tourist want to take a bath here with Holy Water. About the name of this temple is take from Water Source’s name which located inside the Temple is Tirta Empul. Etymologically, Tirta Empul is that the water spurt out of the ground. Tirta Empul Temple is one of heritage sites in Bali especially in Gianyar regency. Now Tirta Empul temple and Melukat Place is favorite tourism object in Gianyar regency. In estimated name of Tampak Siring derived from Balinese Language, Tampak means “Telapak” (tread),   Siring means “Miring” (Oblique position). Perhaps in legend has it that the sacred spring, Created by God Indra. His force had been poisoned by Mayadanawa so 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.

The Tirta Empul Temple Includes the traditional Balinese split gate along with shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Braham, Mount 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  fish and feed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains. Worshippers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bath and pray. Many Balinese people collect the Holy Water in bottles to take home. Nearby there are two smaller pool fed by the spring. Overlooking the temple, on a hill above is surprisingly modern building The Government Palace, built on 1954. Originally a residence for Dutch officials, it was later used by former President Soekarno during his frequent trips to Bali.