The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul

Founded in 962AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred temples, located in the cool highlands of Tampaksiring near Manukaya village. Its name, which means "holy water spring," is derived from a natural spring that bubbles up into the temple’s central pool and continues to feed the nearby Pakerisan River. This revered site is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water and Preservation, who in Balinese Hindu belief is also associated with Narayana, the supreme divine consciousness. Tirta Empul has remained a focal point of spiritual and cultural life for over a millennium, celebrated not only for its religious significance but also for its serene beauty and healing waters.

The temple complex is laid out in the traditional Balinese style, divided into three sections: Jaba Pura (front yard), Jaba Tengah (central yard) and Jeroan ( the inner sanctum). The most iconic part of the temple is the Jaba Tengah, where visitors find the purification pools fed by the sacred spring. Lined with 30 water spouts, each has its own spiritual function and worshippers perform the Melukat purification ritual by immersing themselves under each stream in a specific sequence. This deeply symbolic act is believed to purify the body and spirit, cleanse karma and bring balance, health and prosperity.

The legend behind Tirta Empul is a powerful tale of cosmic struggle. According to Balinese mythology, the temple's spring was created by the god Indra to revive his poisoned troops during a battle against the malevolent king Mayadanawa. This tyrant sought to overthrow the gods and suppress Hindu worship, desecrating temples and spreading fear. In retaliation, Indra pierced the earth with his staff, unleashing the sacred waters of Tirta Empul to heal and restore his divine army. Eventually, Mayadanawa was defeated and his evil spirit was said to have fled into the surrounding forests, giving rise to the name Tampaksiring, meaning "slanted footprint," referencing the deformed track he left behind while escaping.

The temple consists of petirtaans or bathing structures, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese & tourists flock to for ritual purification

Though the temple is a site of divine healing and hope, darker energies are still said to linger around the edges of the grounds. Local villagers believe that the forests surrounding Tirta Empul are home to restless spirits, remnants of the ancient battle between gods and demons. These spirits, neither fully banished nor at peace, are thought to inhabit the dense trees and shadows beyond the temple. On certain nights, especially during the new moon, strange sounds and apparitions have been reported by those brave enough to linger after dark. Balinese spiritual leaders often conduct pecaruan (appeasement) rituals in the area to maintain harmony between the seen and unseen realms.

Another tale tied to Tirta Empul centers around a hidden spring said to lie deep beneath the temple’s foundation. While not accessible to the public, this underground spring is believed to be connected to the ancient tirta kamandalu, a divine water source that grants visions or prophetic dreams to those who are spiritually attuned. Some priests claim that this hidden source occasionally bubbles up during intense rituals, especially when the temple is visited by powerful energy or when an imbalance in the spiritual world needs to be addressed. Locals whisper that on rare occasions the waters run red, seen as an omen that a major shift or spiritual event is near.

Today, despite its ancient roots and lingering legends, Tirta Empul remains a vibrant spiritual hub. Pilgrims, priests and tourists continue to flock here, drawn by its mystical atmosphere and the promise of renewal. Offerings of flowers, incense and rice dot the temple’s courtyards as traditional gamelan music drifts in the background. Yet even in the light of day, there’s an undercurrent of reverence and caution, an acknowledgment of the forces, both benevolent and fearsome, that continue to inhabit this sacred place. Tirta Empul stands not just as a monument of faith but as a living link to Bali’s spiritual past, where the battle between good and evil is still remembered and still unfolding.

Location : Jalan Tirta, Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

How to get there : Tirta Empul is located close to the town of Tampaksiring in the village of Manukaya, roughly 14.5km's north of Ubud. The village is a 30-minute drive to the north of Ubud and is clearly signposted. If you don't ride your own bike, grab a go-gek, a 4-5 hour return trip to the temple and surrounding attractions will cost about 300000rp.

Attraction Info : Tirta Empul is open seven days a week between 8am and 6pm, with an entrance fee of 75000rp for adults & 50000rp for children. Upon entry, all visitors are provided with a sarong which must be worn throughout the visit as a sign of respect for the temple’s spiritual significance. The price to experience a Melukat ceremony ranges between 400000-750000 rupiah, depending on the package you choose. This can be booked online. There’s also a cheap shop within the temple complex which sells cold beer and drinks, overlooking the koi pond in the inner sanctum.

Official Website: https://tirtaempultemple.com

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