Tirtagangga Park

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Water of ‘the Ganges’ at Ababi Village

Karangasem remains to have two tourist attractions in the form of royal water park denoting the heritage of the Karangasem Kingdom. Other than the Soekasada Ujung, there is also Tirtagangga Park. The park with a number of ponds has been famous since ancient times. It lies between the beautiful terraced paddy fields and the foothills of the Tanah Lengis, Ababi village, Karangasem.
Authority of the Tirtagangga Park, A.A. Dharma Ngurah Sanjaya, said that the park was built in 1948. The construction was made by his grandfather, namely the King of Karangasem, A.A. Anglurah Ketut Karangasem.
It is unknown how long the park was built. He said that the park spreads across approximately two hectares of land. It was originally composed of five large ponds and one small pond. Currently, other than functioned as tourist attraction, two ponds are opened for bathing place or swimming pool for local and foreign travelers, while three others functined as ornamental pond. Small pond located in the northeast is planted with lotus, while a large pool with water tower in the middle constantly spouting water serves as an ornamental pond.
The pond with clear water is inhabited by various ornamental fish. Above the mini pond, other than being embellished with dozens of statues depicting puppet characters, it is also filled with a foothold resembling a labyrinth. Travelers often walk in the labyrinth foothold in the middle of the pond, while being absorbed in immortalizing the visit with their camera. The largest pond in the south also contains fish.

The word Tirtagangga is derived from the word ‘tirta’ which means holy water and ‘Gangga’ refers to the sacred river in India, the Ganges. So, the initiators or builder gave the name as a form of adoption as well as respect for the sacred and great river of the Ganges. Indeed, its water sources from the Rijasa springs. The large springs emerge from the foothills under a large and old banyan tree. Aside from having crystal clear water, the spring is also famous for its coolness. Allegedly, the spring originates from the infiltration of great rainwater catchment on the Mount Agung. Properly, everyone helps keep the water catchment area on the highest and sanctified mountain by the Hindus in Bali. This spring is also made a melasti destination or perform purificatory rite by surrounding villages, such as the Temega.
Anak Agung Sanjaya delivered that there is a temple under a banyan tree right on the spring since ancient times. It has already existed before the park was built in 1948. The temple is supported by residents of the Temega customary village. (BTN/kmb)www.bali-travelnews.com
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