Being such an important temple, there were plenty of intricate works of art, particularly stone work – something that the Balinese are very good at. This is of a mythical warrior carrying a kris, an asymmetrical dagger used both as a weapon and a spiritual object.
The holy spring bubbles up from underground in this pool. Considering how much water polution Indonesia has, this pool is startlingly clear.
But the purpose of a visit to Pura Tirta Empul for most people was to wash themselves in the ancient spring, which is channelled into a series of pools. Since it was a festival day, the pools were full of people coming from the city (locals usually go on a non-feast day). Everyone gets into the act, from children to the elderly. People also collect the holy water for their homes.
This week we’re visiting Pura Tirta Empul, otherwise known as the Holy Spring Temple. Water plays an important part in all belief systems, and in Bali, being cleansed at this temple is particularly special – so special in fact that pilgrims have been coming there for a thousand years.
Another symbol of the tropics is the banyan tree. This is a large, old tree. One can imagine that it was a seedling when the very first pilgrims came to Tirta Empul.
A chicken or two, anyone?
Balinese women have good posture, balance, and above all, are strong as an ox. Traditionally, they are the ones who do the heavy labour, like (I kid you not) road works. We saw quite a few women carrying offerings on their heads that day, but I think this lady takes the cake.
We drive further into the foothills, and was greeted by the sight of Gunung Agung, Bali’s highest peak.
This is a rare sight in the middle of the monsoon season, as most of the time the peak is shrouded in cloud.
On the footpath, we saw a lizard, hogging a patch of sun. It kind of looks like a bluetongue but it definitely doesn’t have a blue tongue.
We walked along a rushing stream – rushing because of the high rainfall received in the monsoon. Along side it were the ubiquitous shops, however most of the shops were closed on festival day. We certainly enjoyed the peace and lack of crowds that morning.
We’re going into the jungle now. We visited an area called Goa Gajah, or Elephant’s Cave in English. The cave, near Ubud, was used as a shrine since the 9th Century, although these steps down to the river were built much sooner. I can imagine monks and pilgrims resting in this cool place.
Static and Silence 