Tirta Tawar Temple: A Sacred Spring that Calms the Soul in Ubud

Tirta Tawar Temple is located in Petulu Village, Ubud, Bali, and is a sacred temple that holds a spring with spiritual significance. The temple is known by the local community as an important place for the melukat ritual (spiritual purification), which has been practiced for centuries.

The existence of Tirta Tawar Temple is closely connected to the belief of the Balinese Hindu community in self-cleansing and the purity of the soul through the power of holy water flowing from the temple's natural spring. Known for its beautiful architecture and sacred spring, Pura Tirta Tawar has become a spiritual destination for both locals and tourists seeking peace and purification.

Pelinggih at Pura Tirta Tawar (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

History of Tirta Tawar Temple

According to the elders of Petulu Village, the existence of the temple is linked to the story of Ida Dhangiang Nirata during his journey along Ulun Tukad Tawa, passing through several villages, including Pakraman Kuruh Village. He continued his journey north, passing Banyuame Village towards Ulun Tukad Tawa. There, he performed tapa brata and planted his staff into the ground. A miracle occurred when he pulled out the staff, and water flowed out, which he drank and named Tirta Sudamala.

After drinking the water, he suddenly felt pain in his stomach. He replanted his staff into the ground, and when he pulled it out again, water flowed once more. After drinking this water, the stomach pain he experienced instantly disappeared. This water was then named Tirta Penawar Racun, or antidote water, which is now known to the community as Tirta Penawar at Tirta Tawar Temple.

Fountain at Pura Tirta Tawar (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Natural Beauty and Traditional Architecture

Built with the concept of traditional Balinese architecture, this temple features several pelinggih(shrines) used for worship and various cultural ceremonies. One of the main attractions of this temple is its spring water, which is believed to have spiritual power to cleanse the soul and mind from negative influences. The Balinese Hindu community often conducts purification rituals here to achieve inner peace and restore harmony in their lives.

Surrounded by the lush green beauty of Ubud, Tirta Tawar Temple offers a spiritual experience that connects with nature. The forests and rice fields surrounding the temple create a peaceful and cool atmosphere, perfect for meditation or simply enjoying tranquility. The temple's location in Petulu Village, known for its habitat of white storks that arrive every evening, further enhances the sacredness and beauty of this temple.

Pesiraman Lanang (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Visitor Attractions and the Charm of Spiritual Traditions

Tirta Tawar Temple is often visited by tourists who wish to experience tranquility and witness the culture and spiritual traditions of the Balinese people firsthand. Visitors can participate in the purification ceremony by following rituals guided by the temple pemangku. This ritual involves the sprinkling of holy water from the Tirta Tawar spring as a symbol of self-purification from sins and spiritual impurities.

Beyond the spiritual activities, Tirta Tawar Temple also offers pristine natural scenery. Its location in the midst of Ubud's rural landscape, surrounded by rice fields and lush forests, enhances the tranquility and beauty of the atmosphere. It serves as an ideal place for those seeking to meditate, find inspiration, or simply enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Pelinggih Suci (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

As an active temple used by the local community,Tirta Tawar Temple serves as a site for various important religious ceremonies. In addition to the melukat ritual, this temple is also the center for the odalan ceremony (the temple's anniversary) and various other Hindu celebrations. Hindus from all over Bali frequently visit this temple to pray and make offerings, seeking health, well-being, and blessings in their daily lives.

Tirta Tawar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual destination that offers peace, purification, and a profound experience that touches the soul. The surrounding natural beauty, along with the strong religious traditions, makes this temple a must-visit location when in Ubud.