Bali Water Purification Ceremony [A Guide to Bali’s Melukat Ritual]

Looking for a unique spiritual experience? Then I have a great recommendation for you. Melukat, a Bali Water Purification Ceremony, is one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had in Bali, Indonesia. In this article, we’ll uncover the essence of this ancient tradition and guide you to the beautiful locations where you can join in this sacred cleansing. I’ve done Melukat twice, and I can tell you it’s a journey worth taking. So let’s dive in.

What is Melukat?

Melukat is a centuries-old Balinese ritual for purifying the body, mind, and spirit. It’s a symbolic cleansing, and they say it helps to remove negative karma and bring about spiritual renewal. The ritual is deeply rooted in the rich spiritual fabric of Bali. It’s often conducted by a priest or spiritual guide, who leads the participant through various prayers and blessings.

What is the meaning of Melukat?

The word “melukat” means “to cleanse” or “to purify” in the Balinese language. It was derived from the Old Javanese word “lukat,” which has the same meaning.

Where can I do Melukat in Bali?

There are several locations in Bali where you can do the Melukat ceremony, and here are some of them:

Sebatu Holy Water

Sebatu Holy Water is a temple located in the village of Sebatu, about 15 kilometers from Ubud. This place is serene and non-touristy, making it the perfect setting for this ritual. The temple can be reached by car or motorbike from Ubud. The drive takes about 30 minutes. You can also take a taxi or hire a private driver. There are changing rooms and lockers available for rent.

📍Address: J72W+6G8, Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80561, Indonesia
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala

Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala is about 2 hectares in size and has a number of open-air pavilions, statues, and shrines. It’s located in the village of Abuan, about 20 kilometers from Bangli and can be reached by car or motorbike. There are changing rooms and lockers available for rent.

There are several waterfalls in this temple where you will do the Melukat ritual each time. Please note that some parts of these waterfalls are deep, and you might need to do a little bit of swimming to get closer to the cascade.

📍Address: G8XG+5W7, Abuan, Susut, Bangli Regency, Bali 80661, Indonesia
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Obyek Wisata Gunung Kawi

Obyek Wisata Gunung Kawi is a historic and cultural site located in the Tampaksiring district of Gianyar Regency, Bali. The site consists of a series of rock-cut temples and shrines that are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It’s believed that it was built in the 11th century by King Udayana Warmadewa.

There is an entrance fee of Rp 30,000 (US$ 2) to enter this temple. Aside from doing Melukat, you may also stroll through the complex, visit the temples, and watch the ducks and the koi fishes in the big ponds.

📍Address: H7WV+2GM, Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80561, Indonesia
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu Balinese temple located in the village of Tampaksiring, about 30 kilometers from Ubud. The temple compound has a petirtaan or bathing structure, with spring water. It has three sections: Jaba Pura (front yard), Jaba Tengah (central yard), and Jeroan (inner yard).

📍Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Can I do Melukat even if I’m a foreigner?

Yes. Melukat is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. The Balinese people are welcoming and appreciate visitors who respect and embrace their traditions. It’s also an opportunity for cultural exchange and a chance to connect with the island on a deeper level.

Can kids do Melukat?

Yes. Children may do Melulat with adult supervision. It is often a family affair in Balinese culture. Inform your guide that you will be bringing kids so they can arrange an experience suitable for them.

What should I wear during a Melukat?

Women and men alike are required to wear sarongs to do a Melukat. If you don’t have one, you may rent a sarong in the temple. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily change.

In my case, I wore a bathing suit underneath the sarong. There are changing areas in the temples and lockers that you can rent to leave your belongings.

What is Canang Sari?

Canang Sari canang sari (pronounced “cha-nang sa-ree”) is an offering on a small, woven basket or tray called a bebanten. These offerings are placed in front of the shrines or spring in the temple.

The canang sari is a symbol of gratitude and respect for the gods and spirits. The Balinise believe that it helps appease the gods and bring blessings to the person performing the melukat.

A canang sari often has the following:

• Flowers symbolize beauty, purity, and new beginnings. Some common flowers used in canang sari include frangipani, orchids, and hibiscus.
• Fruit symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Some common fruits used in canang sari include bananas, oranges, and coconuts.
• Incense creates a fragrant and sacred atmosphere, and the smoke dispels negative energy.
• Others: rice, betel leaves, and holy water, may also be used for the ritual.

How much should I pay for Melukat?

While Melukat is a sacred ceremony, many locations welcome donations to maintain the temples and facilitate the ritual. The suggested donation varies, but a respectful offering is customary. Remember, your contribution goes toward preserving the cultural heritage of these sacred sites.

Here are the estimated costs of doing the Melukat or Bali Water Purification Ceremony:

• Guide fee: IDR 100,000 – Rp 300,000 (US$ 7-21)
• Entrance fee to the holy spring: Rp 30,000 (US$ 2)
• Sarong rental: Rp 10,000 (US$ 0.70)
• Canang Sari Offering: Rp 10,000 – 20,000 (US$ 0.70 – 1.40)

In addition to these costs, you may also want to tip your guide. A tip of 10% of the total cost is customary.

How do I do Melukat?

Participating in Melukat is a straightforward process. A temple priest or guide will lead you through the ritual, providing guidance on the prayers and cleansing actions. Approach the ceremony with an open heart and a respectful demeanor, and you’ll find the experience deeply enriching.

Here is a step-by-step description of the melukat ritual:

1. Cleanse your body: Before entering the holy water, you will need to cleanse your body by washing your hands and feet.
2. Make offerings: Present your offerings or canang sari in the shrines within the temple.
3. Enter the temple: Enter the holy water temple and stop at each designated praying station.
4. Bathe and pray: Bathe in the holy water while reciting prayers or mantras.
5. Drink the holy water: Drink some of the holy water to purify your inner self.
6. Offer gratitude: Express your gratitude to the gods for the opportunity to perform melukat.

What to expect during a Melukat?

• Adhere to the guidelines provided by the temple priests and show respect for the sacredness of the ceremony.
• You have to wear a sarong before entering the temple. You may rent a sarong if you don’t have one.
• Bring canang sari, which will be offered to the gods in the temple.
• Menstruating women cannot enter the temple.
• There will be some trekking involved in some temples, like Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala. Be careful as the paths may be rocky and slippery especially those leading to the waterfalls.
• You may leave a donation to the temple, which they will use for the upkeep of these temples.

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Have you experienced the transformative power of this Bali Water Purification Ceremony, or are you curious to give it a try? Share your thoughts below!

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