Temple of Tirta Empul
The unique water temple of Tirta Empul, a place that is sacredly revered among the population and enjoys great interest among tourists. The very name of the temple is translated as "Holy Source", because it is water from an underground source that is the basis of the temple complex.
Water Temple Legend
The Temple of Tirta Empul is the oldest bathing temple on the islands of Bali, it was built in 960. e. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. There is an ancient legend associated with the appearance of a source here, according to it, pride took possession of Maya Denava, one ruler and he decided that he was equal to the gods, so he began to destroy the temples and forbade the locals to pray. Upon learning of this, God Indra gathered an army and came to the place where the ruler lived. Maya Denava made his way to the camp at night and poisoned in him a source from which the wars took water. On the morning of the war they began to drink, and from this some of them fell ill and even died. Indra hit the ground with a staff and a new source scored from this place, water from it healed all the victims. Maya Denava was turned to stone, and a temple was built around the healing spring.
Temple structure
The Temple of Tyrtle Empul consists of three parts, each of which is separated from the other. There is a small market at the entrance to the complex, here you can buy souvenirs or have a bite to eat. On the territory there are pavilions in honor of different gods. Some of them are made of stone, part of wood, decorated with carvings and statues. Parishioners decorate them with flowers, bring various jewelry to them as offerings.
The main attraction of the temple of Tirta Empul is considered to be three pools, two of them are open to all, and another one is closed on ordinary days and is used exclusively on holidays for rituals and ceremonies. The first pool, according to legends, preserves youth and health. In the depths of the dome, a source of clean fresh water hits, and at the bottom algae grows here.
The second pool is divided into three parts, it is believed that washing in them is necessary in a certain order. First, in a dome with 12 cranes, then there is a cleansing and getting rid of stress. When washing in the next pond, you can get rid of curses. The third font has 7 cranes, each of which is responsible for a certain: good, happiness, love, health, wealth.
There is also a separate swimming pool, huge carps live here. Usually tourists take pictures with them and feed them. The entire territory is decorated with many sculptures, a lot of greenery. Not far from the temple of Tirta Empul there are rice fields, they are located on a stepped massif and look very unusual.
