Bali Personal Drivers - Tirta Gangga is a water garden owned by the royal family of Karangasem and lies in Ababi village, Karangsem Regency, approximately 83 km or a 25 minute drive from downtown Denpasar. Because of its place on the roadside, then to reach this place is pretty easy. Tirta Gangga is also located on a network object which is adjacent to Puri Karangasem, Taman Ujung Karangasem and ± 17 km from Tulamben Marine Park.
Introduction
Tirta Gangga is a magnificent royal water garden complex. Its existence reflects a society culture patterns that define "water" (spring water) at the position and the meaning which is very important for life. In Tirta Gangga complex there are shrines, springs, springs protective building, water tower, a variety of large and small forms of pond, fountain, preservation of fish and a variety of plants and flowers. "Tirta" means the water is blessed and "Gangga" taken from the name of the river "Gangga" in India. The water from the springs of Tirta Gangga considered as holy water by Hindus in Bali. Overall, the Tirta Gangga complex is a form of a harmonious relationship among human, nature and culture imbued with religious values.
Historically before Tirta Gangga was built, in the garden area there is a large spring that peoples around this place a call "embukan" which means spring. About when the advent of spring can not be known with certainty. But according to the villagers' story, this spring began as a sacred holy spring is estimated to be around 200-300 years ago. This spring at the time being used by the villagers for drinking water and holy water, therefore, these springs are very sacred by the people around Tirta Gangga area. The presence of springs later made King of Karangasem got an idea to set up a garden, besides having a clear water and cold, also the air around Tirta Gangga area is also very cool. Some buildings and ornate then deliberately made in accordance with the spirit of the Puri Agung Karangasem.
Formerly, Tirta Gangga has a name Rejasa and a heritage garden of the deceased King of Karangasem the last, Anak Agung Ketut Karangasem Anglurah (I Gusti Bagus Djelantik) for the tenth of his son, that used as "druwe tengah" (jointly owned), then since 1981 the management is delegated to Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik.
Tirta Gangga development itself began in 1948. In 1963, when the eruption of Agung Mount, the garden had experienced heavy damage where many buildings and the channels destroyed in the earthquake and the raging of lava. Then since 1981, the garden was restored and developed based on initiatives and programs of Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik in collaboration with PAM (Water Company) and the Regional Government of Karangasem.
Currently Tirta Gangga has three functions :
.:. The first is a religious function, where its springs provide holy water, for the community to religious ceremonies.
.:. The second is a social function, Tirta Gangga is a place for the Dewa Yadnya ceremony and "metirtayatra".
.:. The third function is entertainment, Tirta Gangga is a place of entertainment and recreation for the community and tourists.
What is interesting here ...?
Tirta Gangga has architectural blend of European, Chinese and traditional Balinese architecture which covers an area of 1.8 ha and consists of three levels of land that stretches from east to west. As a water garden, Tirta Gangga are equipped with swimming pool that has pure spring from the foot of the mountains. You can soak or swim in the pool with clear and cold water. You can also watch the rustic atmosphere, with a stretch of rice fields and the cool air in the area around Tirta Gangga.
Entering Tirta Gangga, you can see that there is a pond on the right side is decorated by ornamental stones placed around the pond. Statues of gods and goddesses standing majestically in the middle of the pond. Goldfish swim in the water, their scales shine like the sun reflected in the water. In the pond there is also a small stepping-stones for people to walk on the pond. The stepping-stones have a hexagon shape and each lined up to each another. Once the fish pond, there is a water tower in the middle of a small circular garden that is surrounded by ten soldiers statue holding a mace. The water tower looks like a lotus flower bud and about 10 meters tall with a form of Meru "tumpang solas" (11 storey), which is commonly found in the temple. From the top of the tower, water flows and falling through each of its storey composition. This section is the first level or "Swah", and has an area of about 90 acres.
At the secondary level or "Bwah", to the right of the garden entrance with a higher ground, a water source protected by a large banyan tree. These springs are often used as holy water for worship for Hindus and is also a source of drinking water for residents of Karangasem.
At the bottom of the water sources there are two clear water ponds, one of which is used as a common pool to which the local people or visitors can enjoy a swim in the cold springs. The pool has a traditional Balinese design and made of materials such as padas stone. The pool also has different depths, in the western part is commonly used by children as more superficial, while the eastern part of the deeper used for adults. While the other pond, is a fish pond area of about 50 x 20 square meters. This pond is the most extensive in Tirta Gangga and there are many kinds of fish. Moreover, in pond there is also a bridge which is made of padas stone with four dragon statues decoration on each side.
At this level, you can also see a "bale bengong" (resting hall) is large, which is used every visitor to relax while enjoying the beauty of the ponds in the garden.
While on the third level or "Bhur", there is a large pond with the an island in the middle of it. The upland consists of three separate section. Most western section, originally is provided by the late King of Karangasem to build a place of worship. In the center occupied by a family of Puri Karangasem, Anak Agung Gede Rai, who was given permission by the royal family to establish inn and restaurant. While the eastern section, with the circular pond below is a "pesanggrahan" (guesthouse) of Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik.
Surrounded by beautiful panorama makes Tirta Gangga is a worthy goal for your visit. Fill your holiday in Bali with a visit to Tirta Gangga is a wise choice. You can take some photos in the park or the beautiful scenery around it. This is a great place to escape from the hot weather in this area. Go for a walk or just dip your feet into cold water would be very nice.
Reference : wisatadewata.com
Photo : commons.wikimedia.org
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