Tirta Empul: Purification in the New Normal
September 2020 - September 2016 was the first time I moved from Jakarta to Bali, officially, yes, I moved from Jakarta to Bali. Administratively I am a citizen of Jakarta but my job and residence are legally in Bali. During that time, I have been explored every tourism places in the island. Unfortunately, I lack the island of God's culture.
Yes, in the past four years I have never personally seen the purification process carried out by Hindus in Bali. And, the opportunity finally came, because one of a friend from Jakarta who has lived longer in Bali, she decided to do a purification process which she has done before while living on the island of Gods.
The day has come for us headed to Tampaksiring to accompany her to do purification guided by one of our Balinese friends.
We departed from Denpasar to Tirta Empul which is located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali. It takes about an hour's drive without significant traffic in the new normal.
Along the way, our Balinese friend told us about the melukat or purification process that has been carried out from generation to generation by Hindus in Bali. So, the process of purification itself can be possessed in several places that have designated and determined by the pandita, a Hindu religious leader who has received an insight into a place that can be consecrated for prayer. So, apart from Tirta Empul, many other places can be used for melukat or purification for Hindu in Bali. As for the purification process itself, it is highly recommended to do it every full moon, which means it can be done every month.
The purification process can be done independently or led by a pandita. As for my friend, this time she will do it independently guided by our Balinese friend.
Three main divisions define the temple complex. A front section has tropical gardens and a park-like atmosphere belying that this is an ancient site. Statues and tropical plants lead to the entrance while perched up above is the presidential palace, Istana Tampaksiring, built by the first president of Republik Indonesia, Soekarno.
The first rectangular purification bath can be found after the entrance which has 13 spouts. The Hindus believe it provides safety for those who might travel outside Bali or abroad, healthy, prosperity, and a soul mate-seeking. A pool that has 2 spouts is believed to cleanse from curses and bad births. Meanwhile, the third rectangular purification bath has 6 spouts that are believed to be able to cleanse from black magic, mystical aura, and to be able to rid the serious illness that cannot be treated medically.
During the first 3 months of lockdown, Tirta Empul did not serve the public and they are reopened for the visitors in June 2020.
The temple area has implemented a health protocol by providing a hand wash basin at the entrance and other sinks are easily found in several spots of the location. Meanwhile, stickers that are alert visitors and pilgrims of physical distancing have to be obeyed while in the area.
As the rules of visiting the temple in Bali, it’s always important to dress respectfully. The visitor has to wear traditional kamen wrap or sarong around the lower body.
The ticket fee will be applied for those who might visit for sightseeing only, and it will cost you Rp 30.000 per person. And free entrance for those who wish to carry out the purification process. It is highly recommended to bring your change of clothes and towels because the place does not offer towel rentals. Lockers and toilets are also available at a location that can be used by pilgrims and tourists.
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