There’re no short of temples in Bali , Indonesia for you to visit. But if I have to pick one temple that’s very unique and woth a visit, it’d be “Pura Tirta Empul” or ‘Holy Spring Temple” and the highlight of visiting the temple is to participate in the ritual of purification in the sacred spring water pool.
Pura Tirta Empul: Holy Spring Temple
After 30 minutes drive from Ubud, hou reach the temple. As the general rule for all the temples in Bali, you must wear an appropriate attire. No shorts or tank tops for both men and women. The temple provides a sarong at the entrance at no cost.
After the entering the temple first thing you see is the Outer Courtyard. You’ll notice that when you enter a temple or religous compound in Bali , you walk through a split gateway of large stone, called Candi Bentar. The pool is just right behind the Candi Bentar
Purification Pool
After entering the gate, you’ll find the Center Courtyard where the purification pool is. It’s not big but depend on the day and time you visit the temple, there could be just a group of tourists or if you visit on a holy day like I did, there will be a lot of people there, including locals which could be very lively or true experience.
There are two rectaglar shape purification pools with a walkway to Candi Bentar on the far side of the wall where there are 30 water spouts shooting the sacred holy spring water into the pool. If you are just there to observe or take picutres, stay along the edge ( on the left edge is a good spot for pictures). Don’t stand and linger in the middle walkway. It’s for the bathers or the holy men to maintain the area and clear the Canang Sari on top of the water spouts ( click to find out what Canang Sari is)
The Ritual
If you decide to take part of cleansing. If there’s a crowd, you’ll see lines of worshippers along each spouts. don’t just jump in and get in the line. Follow the ritual
Do and Don’t
- Most important rule is “Be Respectful” . Don’t mokey around.
- Make an offering to pay respect to the temple and to keep the Holy Spirit of the Ritual.
- Don’t leave your belongings in the ritual area. Lockers are available to store your belongings.
- Do wear appropriate attires for bathing in the pool( obviously bikinis and speedos is big No No)
- If you don’t bring your own attire for bathing. The special sarong is provided. Don’t use the sarong you get at the entrance for bathing.
- Don’t change in the ritual area. Find a rest room.
- Bring a towel.
- Don’t bring a camera into the pool.
- For women, don’t enter the pool during your period.
When you’re ready, start with the first pool on the left with the very far left water spout. When it’s your turn bring your palms together and dip your under the pouring water. Let the sacred water purify your body and your soul. Then move on ( or get in the back of the line ) to the next spout on your right Jump over to the second pool and continue until you finish all 30 water spouts.
“Let the holy water purify your body and your soul”
The Inner Court
Although the purifification pool is a hightlight of Pura Tirta Empul, don’t forget to check out other parts of the temple. The Inner Court, just behind the pool, is where people come to pray. The worshippers dressed in traditional clothing bring in their offering and gather around the pavillion to pray , relax, and socialize.
How To Get There
The temple is near the Tegalalang area in central Bali. If you don’t have a scooter, best is to hire a car for a day. If you come from Ubud, make sure you visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces on the way to the temple.
Pura Tirta Empul
Hours: 7 days a week (closed on Nyepi, the Day of Silence, in March) from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fee: Foreigners 50,000 Rp (3.50 USD) for Adults and 25,000 Rp (1.75 USD) for Children
Have you visited Pura Tirta Empul? Share your experience with us in the comments.
Happy Traveling
Patt W
Trip Date : October 2016
