The Holly Spring Of Tirta Empul Temple

History of  Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is the name of a temple located in the Tampak Siring district, Gianyar, Bali. According to historical records, this building was erected around 962 AD during the reign of the Warmadewa Dynasty. Tirta Empul Temple is also one of the relics from the story of Mayadenawa. It is said that Mayadenawa, a powerful king who had evil traits. Until one day the god Indra sent troops to destroy Mayadenawa. This war ended with the defeat of Mayadenawa who then fled to the forest.

Then Mayadenawa created a poisonous spring and managed to kill some of Lord Indra’s army. The God finally created an antidote spring and named it Tirta Empul which means holy water. This is the background for the appearance of the Tirta Empul Temple.

Lay Out Of the Temple

Tirta Empul Temple Bali is divided into three parts, namely Jaba Pura, Jaba Tengah and Offal. In the Jaba Tengah section there is a pond which has 33 showers. Some showers also have names according to their functions and benefits. These showers include 14 Tirtha Cleansing showers, 2 Tirtha Melting Curses and Oaths, 6 Tirtha Tirtha Serious Diseases and Tirtha Upakara. This location is usually crowded with queues of visitors who want to take part in the melukat tradition.

Activity in Tirta Empul Temple

Melukat is a tradition of the Balinese people in the form of purification activities at Tirta Empul Bali to be precise in the Central Jaba pond. This tradition is in great demand by visitors ranging from domestic tourists to foreign tourists. Melukat is believed to have many benefits by the Balinese Hindu community. This activity can treat various types of diseases, such as rheumatic toothache and gout. Not only that, some people also believe that melukat can increase their fortune and help visitors find a mate as soon as possible. When performing this sacred ritual, visitors are required to submit requests and prayers by cupping their hands.

However, to take part in the Melukat traditional ceremony at Tirta Empul Ubud, visitors must follow the rules set by the temple. Among them are placing a canang over the shower and wearing a kamen cloth tied at the waist. In addition, female visitors who are menstruating are also not allowed to enter the temple area.