Pura Tirta Empul was built in 962 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty. Situated in Tampak Siring in a valley between two hills with two large springs, the water that emanates from this holy water temple is considered the most holy in the island.  The temple consists of three courtyards and two rectangular spring-fed bathing pools, which are used separately by each sex. The worshippers make their offerings here and pray in front of 15 fountains, each with a different name and spiritual function.

The sacred water that emanates from these springs is considered to be blessed and holy.  People journey from all over Bali to bathe in this sacred cleansing springs to receive protective blessings, purification and deliverance from illnesses. A statue of a terrifying garuda scowls down on the naked bathers among the lily pads.