Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple

About This Activity

Tirta Empul means 'holy spring water' in Balinese, and this 10th-century temple in Tampaksiring is the spiritual heart of Bali's water purification tradition. The sacred bathing pools are fed by a natural spring that the Balinese believe was created by Indra, the god of rain. Pilgrims and devotees wade through a series of pools, holding themselves under each of the 13 carved stone spouts to wash away spiritual impurities in a ritual called melukat. Visitors are welcome to participate (sarong required, rental available) or observe from the elevated walkway. The temple is set against lush tropical forest with dramatic stone carvings and offerings everywhere.