Pura Tirta Empul

History
Legend has it that the sacred spring was created by the god Indra. His forces had been poisoned by Mayadanawa, so he pierced the earth to create a fountain of immortality to revive them.
An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. Ever since - for more than a thousand years - the Balinese have come to bathe in the sacred waters for healing and spiritual merit.
What to See
The Tirta Empul Temple includes the traditional Balinese split gate along with shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Braham, Mt. Batur, and Indra. There is also a large open pavilion in the main courtyard, useful for relaxing in the shade.But the main attraction here is a long rectangular pool carved of stone, filled with koi and fed by the sacred spring via 12 fountains. Worshippers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray. Many collect the holy water in bottles to take home. Nearby there are two smaller pools fed by the spring.
Overlooking the temple on a hill above is a suprisingly modern building: the Government Palace, built in 1954. Originally a residence for Dutch officials, it was later used by former President Soekarno during his frequent trips to Bali.
Pura Tirta Empul is located in the village of Tampak Siring, accessible by public transportation from Ubud. The souvenir stands outside the temple specialize in the local craft, carved bone jewelry.

Quick Facts
Names: Pura Tirta Empul (Temple of Holy Water); Tampak Siring; Tampaksiring
Type of site: Temple; sacred waters
Faith: Balinese Hinduism
Status: Active
Date: 926 AD
Location: Bali, Indonesia


Getting here:
Located in Tampak Siring, somewhat in the middle between Ubud and Kintamani. Accessible by local private chartered van.

Description:
This temple is regarded as one of six most important temples in Bali, apart from the usual suspects like Pura Besakih and Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The name "Tirta Empul" signifies a crystal clear stream which is used as the holy water for various religious ceremony.

As usual, visitors are allowed only up to the main courtyard. From here, one could enjoy the exquisite twin shrines and split gate, common in most temples in Bali. Indeed, at the outside, I could see a clear stream flowing in the vicinity of the temple.

Inside the inner sanctum, there are a number of bathing pools for the Hindus. There is also a huge open-air complex in the courtyard where anyway could take a seat and do nothing.

Oddly, the way out is not the same as the way in. Supposedly the pura officials had diverted unsuspecting visitors to a few rows of wooden stalls selling cheap souvenirs. Only after 5 minutes of walk I found myself safe from the unfortunate taunting of cheap T-shirts and handicrafts.

My verdict:
Quite a well-landscaped temple. You might as well skip this and head straight to Kintamani.