Tirta Empul Temple

Overview

Tirta Empul is a sacred water temple near Tampaksiring, famous for its holy spring pools where Balinese Hindus come for ritual purification. Founded in 962 AD, it remains one of Bali's most important pilgrimage sites.

Highlights

• Purification Pools: Visitors can participate in the melukat purification ritual through 30 fountain spouts.
• Sacred Spring: The crystal-clear spring that feeds the pools has flowed for over a millennium.
• Presidential Palace: The former Soekarno presidential palace overlooks the temple from the hillside.

History

According to legend, the god Indra created the spring to revive his warriors who were poisoned by the demon king Mayadanawa. The temple was formally established in 962 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty.

Visitor Tips

• Purification Ritual: Bring a change of clothes and a sarong if you wish to enter the pools.
• Morning Visit: Arrive before 10:00 to avoid large tour groups.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.