The Tirta Empul Temple was built around the springs and special bathing where its pond is believed to cure some sickness. Tirta empul means water that comes from the earth naturally. And until this day Balinese still believe the miraculous healing powers of the water.

Based on a legend, Bali was ruled by Mayadenawa (a very powerful giant) and ran the empire as a dictator. He became very arrogant because of his power and even prohibited the Balinese to pray to the God as he claimed to be their god. The Balinese people suffered and was afraid of Mayadenawa.

God then came to earth as a knight and challenged Mayadenawa. After a great fight, Mayadenawa ran and tried to hide. He was so angry with the Balinese people that he uses his magic and made the river water to became so poisonous that anyone who drank it, would die.

When the Knight (God manifested) found out, he took his arrow and shot it to the earth. And as the arrow pierced the earth, suddenly clear water appeared and flowed into the contaminated rivers to replace the poisonous water. From that day onwards, the water is used as medicine for people who get sick. And has since been called Tirta Empul or sacred spring. To honor the knight and miracle, the Balinese built a temple there.

And when there is a festival or ceremony in this temple you can see many people bathing in the ponds that has seven pancuran. The source of the water is from the sacred spring in the middle area. Not only can the water cure sickness but can also purify sins.

Took the above footage where clear water emerging from underneath. Clear & clean water - drinkable!