sacred spring

December 18, 2015

Pura Tirta Empul in Ubud

This sacred spring temple, near the source of the river Pakrisan, is a major tourist stop and is a pleasant place to visit.  The main feature is a series of courtyards containing rectangular bathing pools.  The spouts dispense specific kinds of holy water, which devotees request with elaborate ritual offerings.  The temple is thought to date from the 10th century; the present walls are recent.  The pavilions are in an on-going state of restoration, an indication of the temple's importance.  People come from all over the island for holy water and ritual ablutions particularly on the day of the full moon (purnama).