The Mystery of Taman Mumbul: The Story of the Water-Selling Grandma and the Hidden Miracles

Taman Mumbul (Source: Personal Collection)

Once upon a time, in the heart of the hidden Taman Mumbul, there was a story that perhaps only a few knew of. On the edge of the lake that served as the source of water in this park, there stood a statue that often went unnoticed by many. The statue depicted an old grandmother who, as it turns out, played a central role in the miraculous origin story of Taman Mumbul.

The grandmother, in a story passed down through generations, was a kind-hearted water seller. She spent her days carrying a bamboo container filled with water from village to village, offering it to thirsty people, and making every effort to sell every drop. This grandmother was a remarkable figure. In some villages, she was renowned for her kindness, always pouring water for her customers, providing relief to those suffering from the heat.

However, one day, after a long journey that left her extremely tired, the grandmother decided to take a break by the edge of the lake, the source of water in Taman Mumbul. Since her sales were not complete, she decided to enjoy the remaining water in the bamboo container she had been carrying. Then, accidentally, she poured all the remaining water onto the ground. The water flowed onto the plants around, even though it was no longer for sale, and the earth greedily absorbed it.

Goddess Statue in Taman Mumbul (Source: Personal Collection)

Suddenly, with an unexpected miracle, the water that fell to the ground not only remained pure as it had been throughout the journey but also became a small, continuously flowing water source. The grandmother's resting place, which initially was just an ordinary resting spot, transformed into the largest and most abundant water source in Taman Mumbul. This is what inspired the name Taman Mumbul itself.

This spring has had significant benefits for the surrounding community. In ancient times, this water source was used for various purposes, including personal cleansing rituals and agriculture. Although it is now rarely used for these purposes, the abundant flow of water is still utilized for subak irrigation, nourishing the fields in several nearby villages. Within this pond, there are various springs, one of which is a warm, red-colored spring located just west of the temple in the middle of the pond.

Taman Mumbul is also known as a place with magical powers. It is said that the holy water there can dissolve everything or negative traits within oneself, including laziness, procrastination, dark thoughts, disrespect or harm to others, stubbornness, lying, cruelty, adultery, causing others to suffer, and dishonest behavior. Over the years, people have come to Taman Mumbul to seek purity and cleanse themselves of these negative traits, creating legends and enduring miracles in the never-ending flow of water in this place.

Taman Mumbul is not just a physical place; it is a manifestation of the human connection with nature and also a cultural guardian that we need to preserve. This heritage belongs not only to the local community but is also a valuable cultural heritage for all of Indonesian society and the world. The miracles contained within the flow of water in Taman Mumbul reflect the importance of preserving and celebrating our own cultural richness.

In addition to the natural beauty and strong spirituality present in Taman Mumbul, this place also holds profound significance in Balinese religion and culture. There are 11 springs and shrines scattered within the park, each with its own distinct functions and meanings.

1. Gangga: This spring embodies the power of Dewi Gangga, symbolizing the goddess of fertility and water ruler, believed to provide purification and cleansing, as well as neutralizing negative forces or influences during purification rituals.
2. Saraswati: This spring is believed to hold the power of Dewi Saraswati, symbolizing the Goddess of Knowledge, thought to impart enlightenment and wisdom during purification rituals.
3. Wisnu: This spring is believed to possess the power of Dewa Wisnu, a manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi tasked with the role of protector. Wisnu is believed to govern the northern direction.
4. Sambhu: This spring is thought to possess the power of Dewa Sambhu, also known as Sang Hyang Kawia, a ruler of the northeastern direction.
5. Iswara: This spring is believed to hold the power of Dewa Iswara, a deity governing the eastern direction.
6. Maheswara: This spring is believed to embody the power of Dewa Maheswara, governing the southeastern direction.
7. Brahma: This spring is believed to carry the power of Dewa Brahma, known as the creator god and ruler of the southern direction.
8. Rudra: This spring is believed to hold the power of Dewa Rudra, a ruler of the southwest or nairiti direction.
9. Mahadewa: This spring is believed to contain the power of Dewa Mahadewa, seen as a deity to seek purity and progress in life, governing the western direction.
10. Sangkara: This spring is thought to possess the power of Dewa Sangkara, a ruler of the southwestern direction.
11. Siwa: This spring is believed to hold the power of Dewa Siwa, a central deity in the concept of Dewata Nawa Sanga and governing the central direction.

Eleven Springs Taman Mumbul (Sumber: Personal Collection)

The story of the water-selling grandmother and the wisdom of Taman Mumbul reminds us of the power of small acts that can change the world, and how local wisdom can infuse meaning into seemingly ordinary places. Let us preserve and cherish Taman Mumbul so that it can continue to provide inspiration and wisdom to future generations. Taman Mumbul is a place that revives traditional values, the wonders of nature, and respect for local wisdom. Its existence serves as a reminder of the beauty found in simple actions and the power inherent in nature. May this story continue to inspire us to safeguard and honor the cultural and environmental diversity around us, reminding us of the importance of caring for the treasure left behind by the water-selling grandmother and the wondrous Taman Mumbul.

Nowadays, the statue of the grandmother that once stood by the lake in Taman Mumbul is no longer visible. This is because of a disaster that befell Taman Mumbul, namely the falling of an old banyan tree, which damaged the iconic grandmother statue. Even though the statue of the water-selling grandmother is no longer by the lake, the goodness of the water seller is still felt by the local residents to this day.

At present, the spring that holds memories of the water-selling grandmother is utilized as a recreational area, a place of worship for Hindus, and a tourist destination. Additionally, the water in Taman Mumbul can be enjoyed directly by both locals and tourists. Every year, thousands of visitors from various places come to Taman Mumbul in search of purity, self-purification, or simply to experience the wonders of this place. They arrive with hopes of shedding their burdens of negative traits and filling themselves with the wisdom of nature.