Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat offers guided purification rituals at Tempak Siring Water Temple, the most sacred water spring temple in Bali.
Tempak Siring is home to the most sacred healing springs in Bali, Tirta Empul. Balinese Hindus from all over Bali journey to the natural springs to help cure their ailments, spiritually cleanse themselves, and return to their villages with holy water to use for a multitude of purposes.
On the preceding day Putu lead the participants in an offering making class so each person could create their own meaningful offering to use in the cleansing ceremony at Tempak Siring. Some added special personal items to the offering to heighten the potency and meaning.
The retreat group with offerings just prior to the cleansing ceremony at Tirta Empul
We have lead many retreat groups to this sacred spot and each time we are left with a feeling of profound transformation. It something I am never able to articulate but there is something much more than simply ‘water coming out of a fountain into a pool’.
The retreat leader, Cat (center) receives the holy water from one of several fountains at the temple.
As with many aspects of Balinese history, religion and holy sites, there are several explanations and legends involved.
This temple is regarded as one of six principal temples in Bali, along with other temples such as Pura Besakih and Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The name “Tirta Empul” signifies a crystal clear stream, used as holy water for countless sacred rituals.
Several things about the holy springs of Tirta Empul are for certain. The Balinese Hindus flock to the clean cool springs because they believe the springs offer wellness and have magical curative properties. We know from an inscription, as well as carbon dating, that the temple itself was constructed on the site of the natural spring in 926 A.D. during the rule of Warmadewa.
It is customary to drink from each fountain 3 times, wash the water over one’s head 3 times and then place one’s head under the stream.
The Tirta Empul Temple is of a traditional style and includes shrines to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, as well as one for Indra and Mount Batur. It is considered one of the five or six most holy temples in all of Bali and is perhaps the most holy water source (the other being Pura Ulun Danu Bratan).
Each fountain has a particular meaning for the Balinese. Our retreat group set a specific intention for each fountain.
In the inner courtyard of the temple is a large walled off rectangle that houses the spring itself. The water is fed into a series of fountains in which the devout balinese Hindus will ceremoniously bathe (with the exception of two fountains which are kept for the deceased).
The majestic temple at Tempak Siring was established in 926 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty (10th to 14th centuries), at a site where there was a large natural water spring.
Worshipers will first make an offering at the main temple and then proceed to the 15 fountains and allow it to wash over them three to thirteen times.
One by one the retreat participants take their turn at each fountain.
We also know that the name Tampak Siring comes from two Balinese terms. Tampak in Bahasa Bali means palm but can also refer to the ‘palm’ or sole of the foot and the Balinese word siring means angled or tilted.
The holy water is fed into a series of stone fountains in which the devout Balinese Hindus will ceremoniously bathe (with the exception of two fountains which are reserved for the deceased).
Here is where there is some debate. The prevailing legend comes from an epic battle between a powerful and magical king named Mayadenawa and the God Indra. Mayadenawa possessed the spiritual power to transform himself into any form he desired. But he became careless with his powers and used them for black magic.
The retreat group first had a small ceremony to give their offerings and then they entered the pool to be cleansed by the sacred waters.
Indra took exception to this and brought his army to right the wrongs of the evil King. Mayadenawa caught wind of the plan and snuck into Indra’s camp as the army slept. He created a beautiful but poisonous pond that the army would drink from upon their awakening.
The participants were able to take part in several ceremonies during their Bali retreat. Many met with several Balians, or traditional Balinese Healers.
As Mayadenawa snuck into the camp, he walked on the sides of his feet so as not to leave footprints- thus the name Tampak Siring or tilted palm. In the morning Indra awoke to find many of his men dead and scores more sick and dying. It was then, with mighty power that the God Indra piercing the ground with his staff and created the sacred healing spring of holy water.
It meant something different for each person, but all shared a profound and meaningful experience.
Whatever the legend may be, these compassionate and adventurous women unanimously reported a reflective and significant experience. I thank all of these fantastic ladies for a meaningful and truly beautiful retreat. A special thank you to Cat Rhyne who is responsible for gathering these kind souls and bringing them halfway around the world to come stay with us.
Even though this is a sacred site for the Balinese, they graciously welcome others to take part along with them
The Yoga and Wellness Retreats offered at Floating Leaf Eco-Resort often feature trips to the sacred springs of Tempak Siring and some groups are able to partake in special private cleansing ceremonies called Melukat at the temple and springs lead by a Balinese Hindu Pedanda (Healer or high priest). Contact us today to find out about upcoming retreats.
On the South side of the temple sits a precarious modern villa on a steep hill. Built for President Sukarno’s visit in 1954, it is now used to welcome important guests.
Would you like to have a life enhancing experience like this?
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Clearly moved by the experience, the retreat group returned to Floating Leaf for a celebratory, healthy, and well deserved, feast.
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4 Comments. Leave new
Suksuma Mikaku for sharing these wonderful pictures of our incredible experience of Tempak Siring. Our retreat at Floating leaf was filled with sacred, cultural, beautiful experiences. It was a trip of a lifetime and I’m forever grateful.
Hello Julie and thank you once again. Your Bali retreat was simply marvelous, profound and life-enhancing. All of us at Floating Leaf still talk about your phenomenal group daily and you are missed. It was a true spiritual journey and we are overjoyed to hear all of the positive feedback we have received in letters, postcards, emails, TripAdvisor, etc. From your group.
It was a true joy and we hope you can come back to see us again.
More photos on the way!
Warmest regards,
Mikaku, Putu and the entire Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat staff