العنوان: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar
Of the numerous sacred Hindu temples across the island, the Balinese Temple of Tirta Empul (Temple of the Water that Flows from the Earth) is the perfect place to rediscover one’s sense of mysticism, peace and spirituality. A wondrous complex of temples and pools, among the most visited in all of Indonesia and a national cultural patrimony, the sacred water of which is used by the local and visiting faithful for prayer and purification in the ritual of melukat. In the central courtyard of the temple (jaba tengah), about thirty aligned springs flow into two rectangular pools (pertitaan), where bathers wait their turn patiently for the purification ritual which concludes only after one has passed their praying hands under every stream of water, except for those two reserved for the purification of the dead. A large pool filled with Koi fish and various souvenir shops occupy another level of the temple, while the internal courtyard is composed of a pool in honour of the gods Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, as well as a series of altars, statues and votive sections. Founded in 926 A.D. during the Warmadewa Dynasty and dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, Tirta Empul is found in the village of Manukaya in Tampaksiring near the Presidential Palace. It is said that the miraculous springs of Tirta Empul were the work of the god Bhatara Indra, who, to bring his army that was poisoned by the evil King Mayadenawa back to life, created a spring of healing water by striking the soil with his staff.
Located within a large forest of nutmeg trees, Pura Bukit Sari was built in the 17th century as a meditation temple by the son of the King of Mengwi. It is certainly an evocative place, especially at dawn, when the monkeys come down from the trees to feed while the rays of the early morning sun filter through the tree canopy.
Written by Balinese scholar Professor I Made Bandem and American art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, this stunning study of masks as an ancient art form is a richly illustrated book, with over 1000 color images by photographer Doddy Obenk.
He is an Indonesian-born artist based in Bali. He finished his education in Fine Arts practice at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in 2020. His artistic practice originates from his lived experiences and observations as a Balinese and the religious aspects of Bali.
Chinese New Year welcomes the arrival of the Year of the Dragon
Although predominantly Hindu, Bali is home to an important Chinese community which on the occasion of the New Year organizes uniquely aesthetic events with a mix of Chinese traditions, Balinese charm and fusion cuisine.