Tirta Empul Temple: Location, History, Attractions, Tickets

The name of Tirta Empul temple itself means a holy spring that arises from the ground.
Inside the temple there is a holy spring. People believe it has many benefits, which is to purify oneself from dirt both physically and mentally. Before the 1980s, people use this temple as a holy place and had not commercialized as a tourist attraction.

However, along with the development of tourism in Bali, temples that witness a long Hindu history have their own charm has been open to attract tourists to come and see the cultures.

Location

Tirta Empul Temple is located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar. The distance from the temple to Denpasar City Center is 42 kilometers in around 1 hour 10 minutes drive. Meanwhile, if you depart from Ngurah Rai Airport, the distance is 52 kilometers in around 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

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History

Tirta Empul Temple was discovered around 926 AD. The existence of this temple as a holy place can be traced through the description of the Manukaya Inscription in 1960 issued by Kuno Jayasingha Warmadewa. Sakenan Temple keeps it in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar.

Apart from that, the history of Pura Tirta Empul is in the book kakawin by Dang Hyang Nirartha which tells about the victory of Dewa Indra and his troops in their battle against King Mayadanawa.

For the purposes of war, Dewa Indra with his sacred stick created a holy spring which we now know as “Tirta Empul”. At that time, this spring was for cleansing oneself, removing disgrace, and for religious purposes.

This holy water was used to treat troops who were injured during the war against the Mayadenawa troops. Until now, people believe that holy water has extraordinary properties to cure diseases.

Tirta Empul temple tourist attraction

With its main function as a place of worship for Hindus. Hindu people often visit this temple for the ritual of purification or self-purification with the holy water of Tirta Empul. Inside the temple area there are two water pools with 26 showers in total.

This temple has 3 parts, namely Nista Mandala or Jaba Sisi (outer part), Madya Mandala or Jaba Tengah (middle part), and Utama Mandala or Jeroan (main part of the temple).

After paying the entrance ticket, visitors will pass through the gate which is the entrance to Jaba Sisi temple. Here you will see several buildings which are very suitable for photo spots and several food vendors so you won’t worry about going hungry while in the temple area.

In Central Jaba, there are two large, rectangular pools which are usually used for purification. Next, in the Innards section there will be a large pool that holds water which will be channeled to the fountain in the purification pool.

For visitors who want to do the purification, the process of purification begins by placing a canang on each existing pancoran. Each pancoran has a different function and name, including Tirta Sudamala, Tirta Penglukatan, and Tirta Panegtegan.

After offering the canang, at each pancoran do the purification by washing the face three times, gargling three times, and drinking once. Next, cover your chest while saying a prayer.

Tourists can also tour the surrounding area to see the typical Balinese cultural buildings in the temple. Not only the pool area is attractive, Tirta Empul Temple also has a beautiful garden.

The natural and beautiful landscape around the temple also becomes the attraction of Tirta Empul Temple.

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Tips in Tirta Empul Temple

Because Tirta Empul Temple is a sacred area, it is best for every visitor who comes to wear polite clothing. Tourist also should use cloth and shawls that Hindus usually use for praying.

For those who will do the purification. It is best to bring a change of clothes from home and rent a locker provided by the operation. And to store your personal belongings safely. Tourists also can do the purification even are not Hindus. Please make a note that women are not in menstruating period.

Operating Hours of Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple opening hours are generally 09.00 – 17.00. However, this time can change according to Hindu religious holidays.

Entrance Ticket Price

To enter the Tirta Empul Temple. Visitors must pay an entrance ticket of IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children. However, this price can change at any time. This price does not include sarong and locker rentals during the purification process which takes place inside the temple.