Balinese Water Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple

Tirtha Empul known as Holy Spring Temple when translated to English, is one of the special Hindu temples in Bali. Located close to Ubud in the village of Tampaksiring, the Balinese people visit here a couple of times per year or every full moon if they are from this area. Non Hindu Indonesians also visit, so irrespective of religion all are welcome at the Holy Spring Temple.

In more recent times international travellers staying in Ubud have also included a visit to Tirta Empul to find out more about Balinese water purification. Initially it was those healing from a life trauma. But now with the realisation that the inner being is just as important as the outer, holiday time is a good time to reset, let go and refocus before returning home. Even if you feel there isn’t any emotions or energy that need shifting you may be surprised.

Visitors can simply come by yourself and bathe in the pools or have a Balinese person escort you, who will explain the temple’s history. local customs and assist with the water blessing which makes the whole experience much more meaningful.

There are three pools that represent past life, present life and future life. The first fountain is for cleansing chakras and the others mostly represent different emotions that humans need to keep control such as jealousy. You need to put the crown of your head under each fountain and say your personal mantra. However, be careful the last two fountains are for bathing only dead bodies so make sure you don’t use these (another good reason to have a guide).

There is much more here than just the holy spring pools that has made the temple famous. You can view the pond where the spring water appears from the ground before being syphoned into the pools. The individual temple buildings known as Asagan are used daily for placing the beautiful handmade offerings and keeping safe musical instruments and barong costume for bigger ceremonies. You will see the ladies, men and cute kids dressed in Balinese traditional dress which is required to enter the central temple area for prayer. Visitors are not allowed here but you can easily peer through the gate, taking photos is permitted. We were lucky last visit and saw the Tirta Empul decorated in full glory for the big ceremony that happens every six months.

There is Balinese version of a wishing well where you wish for three things out loud, take three steps and then throw a coin over your shoulder. If the coin lands in the well you wish will come true, if not keep trying until you have success!!

Up on the hill is a more modern looking building which is known as the Presidents Palace. This was built by the first President of Indonesia, Pak Soekarno. from 1957 – 1963 after the land was gifted by the King of Gianyar to the Indonesian Government. The Palace is still used for meetings.

As you exit there are some market stalls. You can support these local people by making a purchase, their prices and very competitive. A thank you for sharing their beautiful place with us. I bought a gorgeous pineapple shaped wooden cheese board and mum really loved the artwork there.

Tirta Empul is a super special place to visit and one of the temples that will give you a true Bali experience. It’s a beautiful site and the experience is so unique, definitely one to remember and that will become a highlight of your Bali holiday.

We recommend you include as one of the stops during Bisma Cottages Ubud Highlights Tour or early morning for a more personal experience. Both are personally escorted by our drivers and giides who are Tampaksiring locals. They make all the arrangements for the water blessing and you will stop enroute to purchase the offerings from the local Tampaksiring market. . If you are not interested in the water purification, this Temple is still well worth a visit.

What our guests are saying…..
I followed the instructions and went from water fountain to water fountain, sounds simple? Yes, but I could never have guessed as to the effect. All in our group agreed the experience was amazing. As I left the water,I felt a combination of peace and joy. A truly unforgettable experience.❤️

We really loved coming here and did feel totally renewed afterwards! We will for sure visit again when next staying in Ubud. A combination of introspection for however long the process takes you, coupled with the invigorating fresh water is a combination that does leave you feeling spiritually cleansed afterwards, no matter what you believe in.

This was one of the highlights of our Bali trip. We loved the experience for its authenticity and cultural significance in Balinese traditions. It’s a beautiful site and the experience is so unique, it’s definitely one to remember!

The water blessing couldn’t have some at a better time for me. The experience was really profound, and I felt such a mental clarity afterwards. After months of emotional turmoil, I felt cleansed and grounded. It was a truly magical experience.

10 Tips

Weekends can be busy. Try and go weekdays if possible.
To respect local custom wear a top that covers your shoulders.
If you are going to do the water blessing bring a swimwear, towel, hair tie and brush.
A small wet bag is a good idea instead of using plastic for your wet clothes.
Bring coins for the wishing well.
Allocate enough time to do the water blessing and have a look around. Minimum 2 hours,
Be respectful to the Balinese people who are praying, meditating or bathing. Remember it’s their place and we are lucky they are willing to share it with us.
Be mindful of the tradition here, particularly in relation to dress code. When entering the pool women should wear conservative swimwear covered by a special green sarong and red sash that will be provided.
Buy some of the mini bananas from the ladies – they are much more sweet, tasty (and yummy) than at home.
Have an Indonesian lunch after finished. You will be hungry! There is a great restaurant nearby.
If Tirta Empul is closed or busy due to a ceremony our Manager can recommend other holy springs in the area.

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