💧 Tirta Empul Temple
Indonesia
About This Sacred Site
Tirta Empul is a Balinese Hindu water temple famous for its sacred spring, which Balinese Hindus believe was created by the god Indra. Located in the village of Tampaksiring near Ubud, the temple was founded in 962 CE and is centered around a large spring that feeds into purification pools through a series of carved stone water spouts. Balinese Hindus and visitors participate in the melukat purification ritual, walking through each of the 30 water spouts in a specific order while offering prayers. The temple complex also houses a presidential palace built for Sukarno overlooking the springs.
Key Facts
- •Founded in 962 CE around a natural spring believed to be created by the god Indra
- •Features 30 carved stone water spouts used in the melukat purification ritual
- •Balinese Hindus visit to spiritually cleanse themselves of negative influences
- •A presidential palace built for Sukarno overlooks the temple springs
- •One of Bali's most important directional temples (Sad Kahyangan)
Location
Coordinates: -8.4153, 115.3155
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