10/04/2022
History of Tirta Empul Temple
It is narrated in Lontar Usana Bali that Tirta Empul or Tirta Ri Air Hammpul was created by Bhatara Indra when he was at war with king Mayanadenawa from Be predecessor, the king is said to be very powerful and has the ability to disappear. Because of his supernatural powers, Mayanadenawa considered himself to be God, for that reason Bhatara Indra fought him. In a battle that took place in an area, Mayanadenawa and his troops were pressed, then they walked with their feet tilted, therefore, the area where the battle was then called Tampaksiring.
In a state of urgency, Mayanadenawa created a poison spring (Yeh Cetik) to destroy Bhatara Indra's troops. It turned out that the tactic worked, because of fatigue due to constant fighting, finally many of Bhatara Indra's troops drank Yeh Cetik. Not a few of Bhatara Indra's troops were poisoned by drinking the poisoned water. As a result of this cunning tactic, the strength of Bhatara Indra's troops was greatly reduced. To deal with the problem, Bhatara Indra then stuck a pennant-shaped weapon into the ground. Instantly a spring appeared that pooled upwards from the former stab of the celestial king's weapon. After drinking the spring, Bhatara Indra's troops recovered as usual. Centuries later the spring was arranged and perfected into a water garden by king Indrajaya Sigha Warmadewa in 882 aka and was given the name "Tirta Ri Air Hampul" or "Tirta Empul" which means steaming Pathirtaan.
That is the story behind the creation of Tirta Empul Temple or Tirta Ri Air Hammpul which is located in the Tampaksiring area. In later times, Padharman was built, which means a sacred building in the Tirta Empul bathing complex to worship Lord Indra. Based on historical sources, this Padharman was built two centuries later after the construction of Pathirtaan during the reign of King Masula Masuli. The entire sacred building was designed by someone named Banddesa. Meanwhile, the spring, which is said to have been created from the puncture of the god of war's weapon, is used as holy water for various purposes. For free information, you can contact [email protected]