TAMPAKSIRING/TIRTA EMPUL

Tirta Empul is the real name of the temple and its water spring, but more people prefer to call it Tampaksiring eventhoughbthis latter name is the name of a village, 2 kilometers down the hill, and has no connection with the spring nor temple.

According to the legend of the locals this spring was created when the lord of heaven Indra had to fight against a demon king Maya Denawa, and his blow then pierced the earth creating the springs. One of year, on the fourth fullmoon of thenlunar calendar, the locals present a ceremony to purify the temple. the date of this ceremony, was found the same as what was written on a stone document kept in the temple of Sakenanof (of the same village). That stone was read by Dr. Stutterheim, who found that the spring of "Air Hampul" was built by king Chandrabhayasingha Warmadewa in 960 AD.

The springs of Tirta Empul are believed to be sacred, so it is not allowed for people bath there, but in the lower parts of temple there are several places built for those who want to have a bath. Close to the springs, on hill side, stands the rest house for the Dutch colonial officer which was restored and used for the palace of first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno.