Tampaksiring Holy Spring Water Temple Bali

Tampaksiring Holy Spring Water Temple Bali

Tirtha Empul Temple is a Hindu Temple located in a valley between two hills with big springs and sacred by the local residents as a place to melt all the bad influences in the body and purifies the soul and mind. Tirtha Empul Temple or better known as Tampak Siring Temple or Holy Water Temple is a place to purify our self from the bad influences in life where we can discover the traditional showers sourced from the springs at this temple. The water that comes out from the shower is believed to eliminate all kind of diseases including adverse effect in the human life and give the new holy spirits. This place is very famous in Bali and many visited by local people and tourists every day since it has been appointed as one of the tourist destinations in Bali.

Location

Tampak Siring Temple is located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar Regency, about 39 km to the east of Denpasar City. It is strategically situated beside of the main street to Kintamani, one of the famous tourist destinations in the island of god. It is set in the valley surrounded by the hill where the west hill was set a president palace of Indonesia Republic.

Tirtha Empul History

Tirtha Empul’s name contained in an inscription which is now stored at Sakenan Temple, Manukaya Village, Tampak Siring District about 3 km from Tirtha Empul. In this inscription, the Tirtha Empul was called Tirtha ri air hampul and slow down the name was changed into Tirtha Hampul and finally change into Tirtha Empul.  Tirtha ri air hampul means that the holy water is rising or the holy pond where the water is raising.
According with the Balinese believe that the springs rising from the earth is the God’s creation, hence in 882 Saka (990 AD) arranged to be a pond purified by the kind of Indrajayasinghawarmadewa with the name of Tirtha ri air hampul. The data contained on an inscription at Sakenan Tempe.
Transcription of the inscription that mention the Tirtha Empul was in row and 5 those are:  Indrajayasingha Warmadewa masamahin tirtha ri air hampul. In addition to the above epigraphic data, at Tirtha Empul temple is also found the following archeological items as follows:

1. Linga Yoni is located in the second courtyard, on top of an altar (Bebaturan) behind the façade of the gate that faces to the west. Yoni Linga is a worship symbol of Lord Siva with Goddess Parvati to invoke the fertility, especially for the agricultural fertility.
2. The Lion Statue that was worn on it faces making difficulty to be identified. In the Hindu mythology, lion is a vehicle of Durga Goddess which is the wife of Siva God in angry aspect. In that aspect, the Siva God as Siva Mahakala. In the angry aspect, the Siva God is manifestation as the god who returns home all the contents of the universe.
3. Tepasana is a building or altar which was originally just a patio/Bebaturan. What seen now is a building that has been restored/renovated in 1067 AD.
4. Tirtha Empul pond with it water source from the earth because it’s location on the ground surrounded by hills that can be said a bless from the god. In 960 AD, the spring had been built and expanded by the Indrajaya Singhawarmadewa King where on his inscription says Masamahin Tirtha, which mean to build and expand the holy pond.

Tampak Siring Legend

In the Lontar (Holy Bible written on palm leaf) of Usana Bali is mentioned that Tirtha Empul is created by Indra God when fighting against the king from Bedahulu. He is known as a very powerful king, could be lost or disappear suddenly called cyberspace (Maya). Therefore he is called Mayadenawa. Because of his power, he become arrogant and claimed he was a god. Mayadenawa King has an assistant called by Kalawong. The forbid the people to do the ceremony, so frequently happened the natural disasters, diseases outbreak, unsuccessful agricultures that make people live in poverty.
To overcome this problem, the God Indra with his army and fought against Mayadenawa King and his assistant. It is said that the in a battle occur in Tampak Siring area, the soldier of Mayadenawa King was troops pressed and eliminate traces. Mayadenawa walk with his feet in the oblique position (oblique position = miring), so that this area called Tampak Siring. In this area, Mayadenawa also created the pond with it toxic water. After fighting, the soldiers of Indra God feel thirsty then they drink it water that make them died. After knowing the emergency situation, Indra God sticks the Umbul-umbul to the earth immediately then suddenly the holy water come out from the land that is called Tirtha Empul. By drinking this water, all soldiers who have died able to life back successfully. Because the purity of spring water has efficacious as Tirtha Amertha Pengentas Urip (The holy water revive the spirits)
After the crisis from the battle, it is said that Mayadenawa with his soldiers getting squeezed and run to the north. Mayadenawa disappear and change into a big bird and then that place is called by Manukaya (Manuk = bird, raya or aya = big). His tricks were soon known by Indra God and then finally Mayadenawa fled to hide behind of rock located in Pangkung Patas area. Nevertheless, because of his sin, finally Mayadenawa was killed, died because of Indra God’s arrow and his blood flow condemned as a river called by Petanu River.

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Ubud Monkey Forest

 Ubud Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. Its full name as written on a welcome sign is the Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The complex houses approximately 605 Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys (39 adult males, 38 male sub adult, 194 adult females, 243 juvenile and 91 infants —2011—). There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Ubud, and is often visited by over 10,000 tourists a month.The forest comprises approximately a tenth of a square kilometer (approximately 10ha or 27 acres) and contains at least 115 different species of trees. The Monkey Forest contains the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple as well as a "Holy Spring" bathing temple and another temple used for cremation ceremonies. The Monkey Forest is owned by the village of Padangtegal, and village members serve on the Monkey Forest's governing council. The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation manages the Monkey Forest and serves to maintain its sacred integrity and to promote the sacred site as a destination for visitors.
The forest has been populated by monkeys in greater numbers than an environment undisturbed by humans would allow for a number of years, with the population density now (2013) higher than ever. The visitor will notice the interesting phenomenon of numerous obese monkeys, a testament to the almost unbounded food supply the huge number of tourists entering in and near the forest provide. Tourists are bitten by monkeys daily and numerous of these attacks can be can be found by a key word searches on YouTube. The monkeys - crab eating macaques - will invariably approach human visitors in a large group and then grab any bags containing food. They may also grab bags not containing food. If the demanded food is readily provided the monkeys will usually not, although occasionally will, bite the human owner. If the demanded food is not provided quickly enough, one or more of the monkeys will certainly bite the human owner. Numerous bites occur because humans are not quick enough in producing a desired food item. Given that tourists don't enter and travel the monkey forest armed and ready to fight relatively small monkeys, and that dogs are not allowed inside, the monkeys have none of the normal environmental competitors to keep them in check. They have also lost the fear of humans normal to almost all animals.
Monkey bites are a very serious medical event given the variety of viruses monkeys carry that can be transferred to humans. For example, Herpes B virus is very prevalent in crab eating macaques, should be assumed to be very prevalent in the populations in Ubud Monkey Forest, and frequently causes death in humans. Given their apparently increasing aggressiveness, and the risk they pose to human health, there have been calls by Balinese politicians for a cull of macaques in Bali. These calls have not been formally accepted by authorities.

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Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple

45 minutes from Nusa Dua, or 1 hr 15 minutes from Kuta or Tuban area. From Nusa Dua, the hilly road will pass through Pecatu, (in)famous for its uncompleted monument and luxury homes. If you are from Kuta, similar hill climbing road through Kedodongan and Jimbaran Hills (and Bay) will bring you here.

Officially known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (yes, that's the real name: "Luhur" means "something of divine origin" while "Uluwatu" can be broken into "ulu" which means "land's end" and "watu" means "rock" in the old language). Nonetheless, merely mentioning Uluwatu will get you here in no time.

To me, this is the most spectacular temple on the island of Bali. The inner sanctum of the pura is perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of southern Bali.

While I'm not too sure what the view is like from within the inner temple itself, the views are best enjoyed on two different vantage points on both northern and southern portions of the area.

I try not to mention much about the monkeys here. Precautionary signs have been put at a few places to remind about their aggressiveness. I did not experience any bad incidents with them, but I did take off my sunglasses and hid my camera in my pocket, just in case. At sunset, Kecak dance performance is held here everyday. And, it goes without saying that sunset viewing at Uluwatu is one of the must-do in Bali.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is regarded as one of the six most important temples in Bali (along with Pura Besakih, of course!). Its location on the south westernmost precinct of this magical island guards the Balinese from the evil spirit of the ocean.

There is a minimal entrance fee to enter. I'm not particularly sure about the need to have a "local guide" to explore the pura just like what I have experienced in Pura Besakih. Sarongs are available for rental at the entrance. It was indeed a hassle free experience for me. And the view is out of this world.

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Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah Temple

Goa Gajah word probably derived from the word of Lwa Gajah, the name of Vihara (Buddhist Temple) or the park for Buddhist monks. This name had been written on Lontar (palm leaf) of Negarakertagama compiled by Mpu Prapanca in 1365 AD. Lwa or Lwah/Loh means river so what is meant here is the hermitage located in Gajah River or Air Gajah. It was also mentioned in the inscription year 944 Saka that Ser Ring Air Gajah that is means the chief of Subak (irrigation system organization) at Air Gajah. It is signaled that the hermitage of Lwa Gajah located at Gajah River Subak. In the inscription year 1103 Saka issued by Jayapangus King (the king who famous with it authority, which make the Bali’s name become famous in that era) mentioning that Air Gajah is a hermitage for Shiva Priest. Based on this date, it can be concluded that the hermitage is now renamed to Goa Gajah.

In the past named:

1. Air Gajah is a hermitage for Shiva Priest
2. Lwa Gajah is a hermitage for Buddhist monks

In addition to the name of Air Gajah and Lwa Gajah, it is also mentioned the hermitage’s name of Antakunjarapada that is on Dawan Inscription year 975 Saka and Pandak Bandung inscription year 993 Saka. If we consider the sense of word, then Kunjara means Gajah, Anta means end or limits, Pada means area/region. When it is combined the word means Gajah Border Region, probably means the hermitage located on the Subak Border Region (Air Gajah). Based on this prediction, the hermitage of Antakunjarapada is the hermitage of Gua Gajah. So in the past century, the Goa Gajah has 3 designations to name of hermitage located on the Subak Border Region (Air Gajah) includes Air Gajah (name in the ancient of Bahasa Malayu or Bali), Lwa Gajah (name in the ancient of Java Language) and Antakunjarapada (name in the Sanskrit).

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Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is the biggest Hindu Temple in Bali that is famous called by Mother Temple located in Besakih Village, Rendang District and Karangasem Regency. It is situated on the southwest slope of Agung Mount and blessed by the beautiful natures, cool temperatures and peaceful atmospheres. Besakih Temple is one of the famous tourist destinations in Bali and many visited by domestic and foreign tourists. The location on the foot of mountain is deliberately choose based on believe that Agung Mount is the highest mountain in Bali Island like the high and secret of Agung Mahameru Mount at the heaven. 

Besakih in History

Name of Besakih is come from the word Basuki. In some Lontar (Bible made from palm leafs) are mentioned Basuki or Basukih. Basuki is deriving from Sanskrit and in ancient Javanese language means safety. In mythology Samudra Manthana is mentioned that Basuki is a dragon wrapping the Mandara mount. The relics from megalithic tradition such as Menhir, Stone Throne and Pyramid Structure Terrace found in Besakih Temple complex suggesting as a sacred place, it seems that Besakih is come from very old era, long before the Hindu influence in Bali.  

Based on the traditions after the Hindu influences around 8 century, it was mentioned that Rsi Markandya in earth Pancadatu (gold, silver, copper, bronze and iron) at Basukian Temple. Next the ancient Balinese king, Sri Kesari Warmadewa established Merajan Selonding Temple at Besakih Temple Complex. He also ordered the establishment of Blanjong Monument at Sanur Village in year 913 AD to commemorate the victory against other regions.

On the governance of Erlangga, Mpu Bharadah came to Besakih Temple based on Batu Madeg Temple Inscription in year (Candra Sangkala) mentioning that 'Nawa San Apit Lawanng' 929 saka (1007 AD).

Sri Kresna Kepakisan King who ruled around 1352 AD at Samprangan Kingdom has ordered their assistants to worship the god at Besakih Temple.

Gelgel King like Dalem Ketut Ngulesir, Dalem Waturenggong  and his successors order to worship at Gunung Toh Langkir Temple that is the different name of Besakih Temple.

The first Klungkung King is Dewa Agung Jambe and other kings in Klungkungs as well as other kings in Bali Island conducted the ceremony and maintenance at Besakih Temple.

Besakih Temple Complex is built based on the balance of cosmos. Over natural conception underlying the spread of Besakih complex organized multiple directions, so that the building could represent the balance of natures as a symbolic of the universe balances.

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Bratan Temple

   Bratan Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Shivaite and water temple on Bali, Indonesia — the other major water temple being Pura Ulun Danu Batur. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).

Built in 1663, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11 stories of pelinggih meru dedicated for Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha statue also present inside this temple.

Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertility of this area. Located 1200 m above sea level, it has a cold tropical climate.

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Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot means "Land [sic: in the] Sea" in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

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