We depart from Goa Gajah at 10.15
am and in round about 10.30 am we have arrive at the Tirtha Gangga,
Tampak Siring. Yes it is a rather short drive but the panorama
of the road is very peaceful and relaxing. We really enjoy them
as much.
Below is an information of Tirtha Empul in Tampak
Siring (from interview with local tourist information personnel)
The sacred spring of Tirtha Empul temple (founded
in 962 A.D) at Tampaksiring draws large crowds from all over Bali;
once a year they bathe in the holy waters, hoping thereby to be
purified. Legend has it that the spring was created when the God
Indra pierced a stone while seeking the elixir for immortality.
The bathing place was built in the 10th century and its waters
are reportedly imbued with curative powers. People journey from
all over Bali to purify themselves in the clear pools, especially
pregnant women and those who have survived the long illness. After
leaving a small offering to the spring's deity, men and women
go to the opposite site to bathe.
I n fact, the whole temple surrounding the Ubud and Gianyar area
is a continuous link during the Bedulu kingdom. Started off at
the Bedulu village, the former kingdom's village, to Pura Samuan
Tiga (temple of the meeting of 3 parties), to Pejeng village,
with its famous Puta Penataran Sasih with a large 190 cm of bronze
kettledrum thought to be the moon (sasih) of Pejeng.
The link continue to Pura kebo Edan (mad bull temple), Pura Arjuna
Metapa (temple where Arjuna meditate, Pura Pusering Jagat (temple
of the world's navel) to Gunung Kawi, a complex of rock-hewn candi
and monk's cells overlooks the Pakerisan river to finally the
Tirtha Empul, the Holy Spring temple.
The links did not stop here however but still continue to the
Pura Mengening and finally thought to be ended at Pura
Kehen (temple of the Hearth) in Bangli.
Watch out for
the coming story of this Bedulu Kingdom and temples, exclusively
written by Batukaru.com team.
Overlooking the temple is the palace retreat
of former President Soekarno, Indonesia's first President with
its two section linked by a spectacular raised walkways.
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