Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is regarded as one of six most important temples in Bali. Inside the complex, there are a number of bathing pools. Surely the main attraction here is a long rectangular pool carved of stone, filled with fishes and fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains. The sacred spring is said to have curative properties. Legend said that the sacred spring was created by the god Indra. His forces had been poisoned by Mayadanawa, so he pierced the earth to create a fountain of immortality to revive them.

An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. For more than a thousand years, the Balinese have come to bathe in the sacred waters for healing and spiritual merit. Worshippers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray.

Location:
Tampak Siring, Gianyar regency

Attractions:
bathing pools, springs
ancient temple

Nearby destinations:
Istana Tampak Siring (palace)
Pura Penataran Sasih (temple)
Pura Kebo Edan (temple)
Goa Gajah (cave temple)
Wana Wanara Ubud (monkey forest)