Pura Tirta Empul, meaning “Holy Spring Temple,” is one of Bali’s most significant holy water temples, located in the village of Manukaya, near Ubud.
Dating back to around 962AD, this ancient site is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water.
The temple’s centerpiece is its complex of bathing pools fed by a natural spring that continuously flows from beneath the earth. Legend states that the spring was created by the God Indra to revive his troops after they were poisoned by the evil King Mayadenawa, imbuing the water with powerful healing and purifying properties.
The main draw for both locals and visitors is the Melukat purification ritual. Worshippers enter the sacred pools and methodically bathe under a series of spouts, each believed to offer a specific form of spiritual cleansing to wash away negativity and bring renewal to the body and soul. Visitors wishing to participate must wear a sarong and adhere to respectful etiquette.
The architectural beauty, with its intricate stone carvings and tranquil courtyards, reflects traditional Balinese design. Pura Tirta Empul offers a deeply immersive experience, allowing guests a rare opportunity to witness and partake in centuries-old Hindu traditions in a setting of profound natural serenity.
