“Melukat’: ancient water rituals: purification ceremony in bali

Melukat in Bali: an ancient water purification ritual

Traditional healing? Spiritual cleansing? Karmic purification? YES, PLEASE! The YOGI TIMES team couldn’t resist the chance to experience a water purification ceremony in Bali, known as Melukat.

What is Melukat?

Melukat is a sacred water blessing ritual believed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. It’s used to treat physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments and to wash away karmic impurities.

The ceremony takes place at a water temple, built around a holy spring. These temples are scattered across Bali and are revered for their therapeutic and spiritual power. Holy water (Tirta) plays a central role in countless Balinese Hindu ceremonies — from birth rituals to cremations.

Seeking authenticity

While many visitors flock to popular water temples, we sought something more intimate. We joined a private ceremony organized by Usada Bali Shala, a cultural center in Ubud dedicated to preserving Balinese spirituality and traditions.

Their offerings go beyond Melukat, ranging from fire ceremonies to temple visits, always led in partnership with the local spiritual community.

For this experience, we were guided to Pura Menenging, an ancient Buddhist temple tucked in the forest of Tampaksiring.

The ceremony begins

Arriving after dusk, a cool breeze greeted us, and we quickly realized the water would be brisk. A few nervous glances within our group confirmed we were all wondering the same thing: “What have we gotten ourselves into?”

But as we stepped into the temple garden under a blanket of stars, anxiety gave way to gratitude.

We met Jero Mangku Eka Adi Buddha of Tegallalang, the priest who would guide us. Dressed in white, he radiated calm and kindness as he explained the purpose: cleansing the body, mind, and spirit while releasing negative energy from the past and present.

Immersed in ritual

We sat in meditation as incense swirled through the air and the priest prepared holy water with flowers and rice. He chanted mantras in Sanskrit, sprinkling water over our heads before inviting us to wash our faces and mouths.

The ceremony then moved to the sacred pools, with separate sections for men and women. I was instructed to rinse my mouth, splash my head, and bow beneath the fountains to let the water rush over me.

The shock of the cold water was instant and exhilarating. It awakened my senses and released tension from my body. For a moment, I felt entirely present — deeply connected to myself.

Reflections and renewal

Did the water cure our ailments? That part may take time. But what was undeniable was the energetic shift in our group. We ended with meditation and prayer, grounded and content.

Some described feeling lighter, others spoke of clarity and peace. For me, it was a profound reminder of the island’s spirituality and the beauty of surrendering to its rituals.

Why join a water purification in Bali?

If you’re seeking an authentic spiritual experience, Melukat is unforgettable. More than a ritual, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and let go.

Usada Bali Shala offers private and group bookings with Balinese healers and priests, including water blessings, chanting, meditation, and other traditional ceremonies.

Practical tips

🧘 Respect dress code: Wear a sarong and sash (provided at most temples).
💧 Be prepared: The water is cold — bring a towel and dry change of clothes.
🙏 Mind your mindset: Enter with openness and humility. It’s a sacred ritual, not just a tourist attraction.
📍 Recommended organizer: Usada Bali Shala, Ubud.

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