Buzz
Balinese believe that the spring water at Tirta Empul Temple possesses healing powers and can cleanse the soul.
Tirta Empul Temple, where visitors patiently wait for their turn to immerse in holy waters in Bali.
Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most revered temples, located approximately 20 km from the central Ubud area in Indonesia. The local name for the temple translates to 'holy water spring'. The spring water is directed into rectangular bathing pools within the temple compound, through intricately carved spouts.
These bathing pools attract the most crowds. Immersing oneself in the holy water is believed to cleanse the body and soul. According to legend, during a battle, the demon Mayadanawa poisoned the rivers, causing widespread illness. Hence, the deity Indra created this spring to heal the people.
Every day, locals and tourists flock to Tirta Empul Temple to partake in the ritual purification under the sacred spring water. Before entering the temple, visitors are required to wear sarongs, regardless of whether they are wearing pants or long skirts. Sarongs are available for borrowing at the temple entrance. As per local guides, menstruating women are not allowed entry.
The purification ritual at the temple known as Melukat involves cleansing baths. Participants prepare offerings of flowers and incense. After prayers, they light incense at the altar by the riverbank, place flowers on the water spouts, then bow their heads under the rushing stream. The holy water from the spouts is poured over their heads three times, and they drink from it once. To make a wish come true, visitors should only seek one thing.
The Tirta Empul temple isn't just a place of purification; it's also a place of worship. Built around the sacred spring in the 12th century during the reign of King Masula Masuli, the temple complex comprises three main areas. The holy water spring lies in the central temple area, where female visitors are required to tie up their hair neatly before entering.
The inner temple area hosts religious activities, prayers, and restricts tourists from exploring or taking photos. However, the priests here are willing to perform ceremonies for visitors upon prior arrangement. The simple offerings they prepare include flowers and incense. At the end of the ritual, the priests perform blessings and offer holy water to drink and white rice to place on the forehead. Visitors can accumulate merit according to their intentions.
For the local people, elaborate offerings are meticulously prepared and presented. They often carry offering trays on their heads as they enter the central temple area. Here, there is a spacious area for people to pray.
Aside from the water spring and bathing pools, the outer precinct of Tirta Empul temple also features a fish pond, surrounded by areas for visitors to rest and buy souvenirs.
Compared to some other temples, Tirta Empul may lack picturesque or grand surroundings. However, the serene ambiance of the temple beneath the ancient trees, coupled with the experience of bathing in the sacred waters without distinction between locals and tourists, has captivated many explorers.
Written by the talented journalist, Theo, from Vnexpress.
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References: The ultimate travel guide from Mytour
Source: MytourPublished on June 17, 2019
