What is Melukat: Spiritual Cleansing Ritual of Bali, Purify Mind, Body, and Soul

If you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, or feeling weighed down by burdensome emotions, Bali may be just the place for you. While many come to Bali for its lively party scene, it’s also a destination for spiritual healing. One of the most popular Balinese-Hindu rituals for tourists to experience is melukat, a sacred cleansing ritual. Here you will learn about What is Melukat, a Balinese cleansing ritual and how you can take part!

If you find yourself on the island on the tail end of the dry season, we have some other ideas for What to do in Bali October.

What is Melukat?

Melukat is a sacred ritual traditionally performed in holy springs, but it can also be done in water fountains, on the beach, or in holy rivers. As a crucial part of the Manusa Yadnya ceremony, melukat is performed to cleanse and purify one’s soul.

In Bali, melukat is practiced as a way to release burdens through Balinese-Hindu worship-related ceremonies or processions. A guide will lead participants through the entire ceremony and instruct them on how to pray in a Balinese-Hindu way.

Melukat is typically performed on special days in the Balinese-Hindu calendar, such as during full moons, Tilem, and Kajeng Kliwon.

What is Melukat: What You Need to Know Before Melukat

While Melukat can be performed at home or even at the beach, many tourists choose to participate in the ritual in a water fountain or holy river. There are several special locations that have been designated for the ritual, which are quite popular among visitors.

If you’re interested in trying Melukat, I recommend checking out one of the five most popular locations. These places are not only stunning but also have the necessary facilities to support the ceremony for tourists.

It’s important to note that at these locations, there may be local sellers who overcharge visitors. To avoid falling prey to these scams, it’s best to hire a tour guide before you go.

When choosing a tour guide, I recommend finding someone through reputable websites or social media rather than relying on a guide at the location. It’s never a good idea to just show up without someone who knows the area well. A tour guide can protect you from scammers and guide you through the entire process of the ceremony.

Most popular places for Melukat in Bali

As mentioned before that there are a lot of popular places for Melukat, Here are our top five picks for you to consider visiting:

1. Pura Tirta Empul

Located in Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Pura Tirta Empul is a sacred temple situated in Ubud, a popular nature-focused tourist attraction in Bali.

Built in the 10th century, Pura Tirta Empul features 14 holy water fountains and is the top choice for international tourists to experience Melukat. According to local beliefs, the temple was created by the God Indra, who has the power to control the weather. It’s said that whoever bathes in the blessed water will purify and cleanse their inner self. Pura Tirta Empul was built for Vishnu, the Hindu God of water.

2. Pura Taman Mumbul : What is Melukat

Located in Sangeh, Pura Taman Mumbul is approximately 60 minutes away from Denpasar. Although not as well-known as Pura Tirta Empul, this sacred temple is an excellent option for those seeking a peaceful environment to perform Melukat.

At Pura Taman Mumbul, people immerse themselves in a pond with crystal-clear water and many fish. Visitors can interact with the Jegeg, Julit, and Mujair fish swimming in the pool..

The Pura Taman Mumbul area is well known for its green area park. After Melukat, you can relax at the Warung or Food Court in the local area.

3. Pura Dalem Pingit

Pura Dalem Pingit boasts a small yet powerful waterfall that holds great significance to the locals who come to pray and seek guidance from the gods. Many visit the temple to find solutions to issues such as marital problems, fertility, black magic, and long-term illnesses.

Located in Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Sebatu, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, this sacred site requires a descent down a zigzag staircase, which may be a bit of a trek but well worth the effort.

4. Pura Tirta Sudamala : What is Melukat

Located in Bangli, Bali, Pura Tirta Sudamala is situated at the heart of the Island of Gods. Unlike other temples, it has a lush green surrounding with minimal renovation. The temple is bordered by trees, and beside it flows a clean and cold river.

With 15 plus 3 holy water fountains, the temple boasts nine water fountains that are quite high (3.5 meters) on the South, known as Dewata Nawa Sanga–Sanga means nine.

To the north of the temple, you can find six water fountains that are divided into two parts. Both sections are regarded as Sang Hyang Taksu, the great spirit in the field of art. Additionally, there are three small water fountains named Widyadara, Widyadari, and Tirta Sudamala.

It is essential to note that pregnant women should avoid visiting this sacred site, as locals believe that it can bring misfortune.

5. Pura Mengening Tampaksiring

If you are looking for a greener scenery to try melukat in Ubud, then this sacred temple located not too far away from Pura Tirta Empul in Gianyar can be another option.

This temple, located in Ubud, Gianyar, boasts 10 holy water fountains built in the 11th century. It is the second most frequented place in Bali for melukat among international tourists, with many other popular tourist spots in the area. One such spot is the Tampaksiring Palace of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno.

What is Melukat: Preparation Before Melukat

When visiting a temple or other sacred places in Bali for the first time, it is important to follow the local customs and traditions. One such rule is to dress appropriately, avoiding clothing that is too revealing or provocative.

Although the temple may provide a special fabric to borrow for a fee, it’s recommended to follow local customs and wear appropriate attire when visiting sacred places in Bali, especially if it’s your first time. Here are some tips to prepare for melukat:

• Dress in traditional Balinese clothing
• Wear a yellow scarf (selendang kuning)
• Tie your hair back
• Wear long clothes that cover your arms and legs
• Show respect and reverence in the sacred place
• Participate in the ritual by making an offering (canang)
• Women should not visit during menstruation
• Avoid using soap and shampoo while bathing in the holy water

Tour guides typically charge around 500K IDR per person to accompany you during the ceremony, but the cost may vary. Let us know in the comments if you find this information helpful!

Melukat is a traditional Balinese Hindu ritual of purification and cleansing the inner self. It involves bathing in holy water from sacred fountains in temples or other sacred places. Bali has numerous sacred temples where melukat can be performed, with each temple having its unique history and cultural significance. Visitors to Bali can experience melukat and immerse themselves in the Balinese culture by following certain guidelines and traditions. Melukat is a beautiful and meaningful practice that offers a chance to connect with oneself and the Balinese culture on a deeper level.

We understand it can be tricky to get around Bali, if you plan to rent a scooter to make it a little easier, please do read our guide on How to Ride a Scooter in Bali for our Safety tips.