Pura Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most iconic sacred temples, rich in spiritual and historical value. Located in the Tampaksiring area, the temple is renowned for its holy spring water, which remains replenished and never runs dry.
Every day, visitors come to experience the tranquility and perform melukat rituals. The calm atmosphere and Balinese architecture make this place so alluring for tourists.
A Glimpse of the History and Origin of Pura Tirta Empul
Have you ever visited a sacred place that feels soothing from the moment you set foot in it? Pura Tirta Empul in Gianyar, Bali, is one of them.
Built in 962 AD during the reign of King Candrabhaya Warmadewa, this temple is renowned for its holy water source, which is believed to possess spiritual purification powers.
The name "Tirta Empul" itself means a holy spring that gushes out of the ground. According to legend, the spring was created by Lord Indra to revive his troops, who had been poisoned by an evil king named Mayadenawa.
Today, the spring flows into a bathing pool and is used for a soul cleansing ritual called melukat.
Meaningful Structure and Division of the Temple Area
Upon entering the temple area, you will notice that the Tirta Empul complex comprises three main parts, each with its own distinct function and significance in the spiritual journey.
Jaba Pura
This is the outermost part of Pura Tirta Empul, a sort of front courtyard. This is where you will first pass through the temple bentar gate and see the overall atmosphere of the temple.
Usually, visitors pause here to prepare themselves, wearing a kamen (sarong) which you can borrow at the entrance. This area is also often used for welcoming ceremonies or preparations before the ritual begins.
Middle Jaba
Jaba Tengah is the most crowded area because it is where the sacred bathing pool is located, which features several showers. There are a total of 30 showers that drain water from the Tirta Empul spring.
Each shower has a distinct name and function: some are designed to purify the mind, others to cure diseases, and still others to remove negative energy.
You will see a queue of local and foreign visitors who participate in melukat under the flow of water with great solemnity.
Offal
This is the most profound and most sacred part of the temple. Jeroan is a place of worship for Hindus who have finished melukat. The atmosphere is quieter and more spiritual.
Here you can see various pelinggih (shrines) and Balinese architecture filled with beautiful carvings. Even if you are non-Hindu, you are still allowed to enter, as long as you dress appropriately and maintain a respectful attitude.
Melukat Ritual: Self-Purification that Brings Inner Peace
One of the main attractions of Pura Tirta Empul is the melukat ritual, a spiritual self-purification procession performed by washing the body and head under a stream of holy water.
But you might ask, is this ritual only for Hindus? The answer is no. Melukat is open to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. Melukat is open to anyone, including those of different faiths or those who simply wish to have a profound inner experience.
This is because Balinese people are very open to anyone who sincerely and respectfully wants to participate in the ritual.
Although its origins and purpose are closely tied to Hinduism, many tourists from diverse backgrounds, including foreigners, participate in this ritual as a form of mental and spiritual rejuvenation.
Cost of Melukat at Pura Tirta Empul
There is no special fee to participate in melukat, but you will still need to pay the entrance ticket to Pura Tirta Empul, which costs IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children.
If you don't bring your own sarong (kamen) and shawl, you can rent them for around Rp10,000 to Rp15,000.
In addition, you can also make a voluntary donation for the offerings in the form of canang sari (small offerings) that are usually placed before starting the procession.
How is the Melukat Ritual Process?
To provide an overview of this ritual, here are some key points to note, from preparation to the melukat process.
- Preparation
Before entering the pool area, you are required to wear a kamen cloth and a shawl. Don't forget to bring a change of clothes as you will get soaked.
- Offerings
Place the canang sari in the prayer area and pray according to your beliefs. There is no obligation to follow the Hindu mantra; just do it with a calm and sincere heart.
- Walk to the Bathing Pool
Enter the pool from the left side. There are showers of holy water flowing from the Tirta Empul spring. It generally starts from the first shower on the left side and moves to the right in order.
- Melukat
Under each shower, wash your face, head, and body three times or as per belief.
There are two showers reserved for death ceremonies; the attendant will usually inform you which one is suitable for general visitors to use.
- Finish and Be Grateful
Once you're done, you can sit for a while, reflect, or just enjoy the atmosphere. Many people feel a sense of calm, relief, and even emotional release after this procession.
Spiritual and Cultural Attraction that Embraces All Visitors
Pura Tirta Empul is not only a place of worship for Hindus, but also a spiritual magnet for anyone who comes.
Here, you will see diversity, ranging from foreign tourists and local travelers to people of various beliefs, all united in a peaceful atmosphere.
The thick Balinese atmosphere, clear pools of water, the fragrance of incense, and the sound of gurgling water from the showers create an experience that touches the heart. You can come to perform rituals, take photos, or simply sit quietly and soak up the atmosphere.
Entrance Ticket Price and Best Time to Visit
To enter the Pura Tirta Empul area, you only need to pay a relatively affordable ticket, which costs IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children.
An additional fee for sarong rental is around Rp10,000 to Rp15,000 if you don't bring your own. To enter the area, a motorcycle parking fee of IDR 2,000 to IDR 5,000 applies, and for cars, a fee of IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 is charged.
The best time to visit is in the morning, around 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. WITA, so that it is not too crowded and the water still feels fresh.
If you want to experience a more solemn spiritual atmosphere, consider visiting on religious days such as Purnama (full moon) or Kuningan, but keep in mind that visitors will be much busier then.
Pura Tirta Empul is suitable for all types of travel. If you are traveling solo, melukat can be a meaningful moment of reflection. For a honeymoon, this ritual can be a unique shared spiritual experience.
For families, this place remains family-friendly, as long as children are comfortable and accompanied when participating in or observing the melukat procession.
You don't need to be a Hindu to feel the peace here, just come with an open heart and full of respect. Let's make Tirta Empul one of your subsequent inner journeys in Bali!
