Tirta Empul – Holy Spring Water Temple – Bali

TIRTA EMPUL was one of the Top 10 Things I Wanted to Do in Southeast Asia and it is one of the top experiences I had this whole trip! Tirta Empul is commonly known to tourists has the Holy Spring Water Temple. While this temple is a decently popular site for tourists to see, it’s even more popular with locals who frequent these pools.

This temple, dedicated to Vishnu was constructed in the 10th century. 

I love these beautiful offerings that are made daily. There are lots of stalls along streets that sell these tiny baskets holding flowers & incense.

The holy water comes from the river Sungai Pakerisan and Balinese Hindus come here for purification. There are two sets of fountains. The one to the left is meant to purify you of your past transgressions & the one to the right is meant to prepare you for receiving blessings. 

I wrapped myself in a sarong and waded into the pool. Families were crowded in line together, mothers bathed their children and they filled old bottles with water to take along home with them.

I was so excited as I grew closer and closer to the fountain. I was trying to stay calm and to balance myself in preparations for such a beautiful and meaningful moment. I was told by the people around me to put my head under and wash over my hair three times and then rinse my mouth out three times.

Although I’m not Hindu, I have a love for experiencing & learning about Eastern Religion, and I think that things are connected, that culture is powerful and that you can have spiritual experiences in all different situations, and for me this was one of those moments. The moment that I stepped out of the pool I felt a bit more inner-peace and I felt as though I had had a truly spiritual moment. I felt a little silly saying this to Stacey, but guess what??

… SHE FELT IT TOO.

After we dried off and changed clothes, we walked around the grounds of the temple and watched the people experience so many beautiful moments…

… like this woman praying …

… like these offerings…

… like these devotees bathing in the holy water …

… like this priest …

… like this pool filled with fish …

… and like these beautiful elaborate temples behind the springs & fountains. 

There’s truly something about Bali. Bali is magical. I never wanted to leave the Ubud-area of Bali. This Holy Spring Temple is an absolute MUST-SEE / MUST-DO for anyone visiting Bali. Take in the magic of the healing waters, the natural & artistic beauty of the temple-grounds and the Balinese Hindu culture.

Seriously, just go.

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