Tirta Gangga / Water Palace
Long ago, in the lush eastern highlands of Bali, there lay a tranquil kingdom blessed with fertile lands and sacred waters. The people revered the spring of Tirta Gangga, believing it was a gift from the gods. They called it the Water of the Ganges, likening it to the sacred river in India.
The spring flowed endlessly, providing life to the rice fields below. Yet, the king of Karangasem, a wise ruler named Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, saw more than just a source of sustenance in the waters. He dreamed of creating a sanctuary—a place where mortals could feel the divine presence of the gods.
vision of Dewi Danu
One night, as the king meditated beside the spring, he had a vision of Dewi Danu, the goddess of water. She appeared shimmering like moonlight on a rippling lake and spoke softly:
“Build a palace of water here, where the spirits of nature and mankind may dwell in harmony. Guard it well, for its waters carry blessings and the power of renewal.”
The king awoke and immediately called for his architects and artisans. Guided by his vision, they designed a majestic palace with tiered fountains, serene pools, and intricate stone carvings. At the center stood the Nawa Sanga Fountain, symbolizing the nine directions of the Balinese cosmos.
As the palace took shape, the spring flowed through it, filling pools and cascading over stone terraces. The people marveled at its beauty, but they were also taught that the waters were sacred. Pilgrims came from distant lands to bathe in the pools, seeking purification and blessings.
Years later, during World War II, tragedy struck when bombs destroyed parts of the palace. The villagers wept, fearing that the sacred site had lost its power. But the king, undeterred, rallied his people to rebuild Tirta Gangga. Together, they restored it, piece by piece, as a testament to their devotion and resilience.
Today, the waters of Tirta Gangga still flow, offering peace and renewal to all who visit. The pools glisten under the tropical sun, the fountains sing with the gentle rhythm of falling water, and the spirit of Dewi Danu lingers, a reminder of the sacred bond between nature and mankind.
This story blends historical elements with Balinese mythology, reflecting the spiritual essence of Tirta Gangga as a place of beauty and reverence.
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