October 2016
The Tirta Empul temple is a Balinese Hindu water temple, located near the town of Tampaksiring, northeast of Ubud. The temple compound consists of a petirtaan, or large bath, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification in holy spring water, filling the bath through dozens on fountains.
During Odalan, the anniversary of the temple, groups of worshippers from villages across the island come to pray and make offer at the temple. The villagers often bring along their own dancers, who take turns to perform inside the temple ground. Some of the most spectacular performance is the sacred Baris Tombak, which is often accompanied by Rejang, Topeng and Kupu-Kupu dance.
The sacred Baris Tombak is often performed as an important predecessor of holy temple ceremonies. Baris Tombak portrays a troupe of royal guards with spears, defending the kingdom from an enemy. Other scenes are symbolic of a welcoming gesture to the arrival of the supreme God and deities who come to bless the people.
