Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu water temple in central Bali, named after the spring that bubbles up from underground within the temple grounds, and "Tirta Empul" means "bubbling holy spring" in the local language. Legend has it that when the god Indra led his army to fight a tyrant, his troops mistakenly drank poisoned water and fell into danger. In the crisis, Indra thrust his sword into the earth to draw out the holy spring, and the entire army was saved. The name of the holy spring has been passed down since then. The temple was founded in 962 AD and has been built over a thousand years. The split gates, moss-covered stone shrines, and multi-tiered pagodas are scattered throughout, which is a typical layout for a Balinese temple.

The two rectangular purification pools in the central courtyard are the heart of the temple. More than 10 stone-carved spouts inject spring water into the pools. Where the spring bubbles up, black fine sand swirls, and a dark green sand mist rises in the clear water, reflecting the sky and tree shadows. Devotees can change into the sarongs provided by the temple, starting from the first spout on the left and moving to the right in turn, pressing their palms together in silent prayer before each spout, and then bowing their heads to let the spring water wash over them. Two of the spouts are exclusively for funeral purification and must not be used. There are staff members on-site to guide you.

After completing the purification, you can also join the locals in worshipping the deities under the guidance of a priest. The temple courtyards are arranged in layers, each serving different ritual functions, with shrines and the source of the spring enshrined in the inner areas. Before leaving the temple, you can pause for a moment by the koi pond formed by the spring water, where schools of koi swim.