Located in Tampak Siring, Gianyar regency beside President's palace, there's a temple named Tirta Empul 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, when Bali was ruled by Mayadenawa (a very powerful giant), people suffered and they were afraid. Mayadenawa ran the empire as a dictator; he was "absolute" and no one could stop whatever he desired. 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.

At that time many people prayed to God and asked for help which would not be given if they were stopped from giving offerings to their gods. Of course, this ceremony this ceremony was held without Mayadewa's knowledge. Had he found out, his people would have received severe punishment.

God came to earth as a knight and challenged Mayadenawa. After a great fight, Mayadenawa felt that he would loose this fight, so he ran and tried to hide. As he made his escape, he was really angry with Balinese, so with his magic he made 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 water appeared and flowed into the contaminated rivers to replace the poisonous water, and from that day, the water is 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.

Excellent hotels are available in Bali but the ones closed to Tampak Siring, Gianyar, include Kamandalu Resort and Spa and Natura Resort and Spa