Pura Tirta Empul — meaning "holy water spring" — was established in 962 CE during the reign of the Warmadewa dynasty, making it one of the oldest continuously active Hindu temples in Bali. The temple is built around a natural freshwater spring that the Balinese believe was created by the god Indra to revive his soldiers poisoned by the demon king Mayadanawa. The sacred spring feeds into two large rectangular purification bathing pools lined with 30 individual fountain spouts (pelukat). Balinese Hindu devotees — dressed in white and moving in quiet procession — perform the melukat purification ritual by immersing themselves under each spout in sequence, each representing a specific prayer and intention. The ritual takes approximately two hours to complete. The temple complex includes three inner courtyards, a museum, and beautiful candi bentar gates. Non-Hindu visitors are welcome to observe respectfully, and many choose to participate in the bathing ritual with guidance. Sarongs and sashes are mandatory and available for hire at the entrance.