Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — The ancient Balinese tradition of melukat, a sacred cleansing ritual, has recently gain attention on social media platforms like TikTok, with many users encouraging tourists to participate. While some Balinese residents welcome the newfound appreciation, others express concerns about the potential disruption to the sanctity of this spiritual practice.
Melukat is a profound Hindu Balinese ritual aimed at cleansing both the body and soul through the use of tirtha or holy water. The ritual is believed to purify negative thoughts and energies, reflecting the Balinese Hindu philosophy that water is essential not only for physical survival but also for spiritual well-being.
The ritual believed as a path to inner peace, achieved through prayers, blessings from religious leaders, and purification with holy water. According to Balinese tradition, the ritual can remove misfortunes, heal illnesses, aid in business success, and prepare couples for marriage.
A Surge in Popularity
Following the pandemic, melukat has become a significant draw for Western tourists seeking spiritual renewal. According to BBC News Indonesia, luxury hotels in Bali now offer exclusive access to sacred water sites and arrange private ceremonies led by village priests.
The Intercontinental Bali Jimbaran has seen a 15-fold increase in guests interested in the ritual, while the newly opened Anantara Ubud has incorporated melukat as part of its wellness tourism packages.
TikTok has played a major role in this surge. Viral clips of tourists participating in melukat at sacred temples and waterfalls have sparked curiosity and inspired others to try the ritual.
Cultural Significance and Sacred Practices
Marlowe Bandem, curator of the Museum Saka in Bali, explained that “melukat” originates from the Sanskrit word lukat, meaning “freedom from suffering.” The ritual is often performed on auspicious days such as full moons, new moons, or Balinese birthdays.
Melukat can be performed at a family shrine, temple, river or beach with the presence of a religious leader.
“Melukat includes offerings, prayers, the gentle sound of bells, and the aroma of incense, all directed toward invoking divine blessings,” Bandem shared. “A pure heart and genuine intentions are the keys to fulfilling this ritual.”
Rising Interest of Melukat in Ubud
Dewa Gede Bawa, a yoga teacher from Ubud, has observed a sharp increase in visitors seeking to partake in melukat, a traditional Balinese purification ritual, specifically in Ubud.
Nestled in Gianyar, Bali, Ubud has become a sanctuary for those seeking inner peace. The name “Ubud” itself derives from the Balinese word for “medicine,” and the town is renowned for its wellness centers, including yoga retreats and holistic therapy hubs.
One of the most visited spiritual sites near Ubud is the 1,000-year-old Tirta Empul Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tampaksiring. The temple features three sacred purification pools, attracting tourists eager to cleanse themselves of negative energy.
“After the pandemic, people are combining travel with healing. Being stuck at home for months led many to depression. That’s why they’re coming to places like Bali to reconnect with themselves,” said Gede, as reported by BBC News Indonesia.
While he appreciates the growing interest in Balinese culture, Gede urges participants to remember that melukat is fundamentally a religious tradition.
“In the past four or five years, I feel this ritual has been overexposed. Some treat it like a trend, and that worries me. I don’t want the authenticity and spiritual meaning of melukat to be lost,” he added.
Respecting Sacred Traditions
Visitors are welcome to take part in melukat rituals provided they adhere to local customs, such as wearing sarongs and abstaining from participation during menstruation. However, Gede emphasized that some tourists disregard these guidelines, which risks diluting the sacredness of the ritual.
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“Balinese people must be wise in sharing our traditions,” he said. “This is a challenge we face, especially after the pandemic’s economic impact. Many are desperate to capitalize on our culture, but this often comes at the expense of respecting the rules we hold sacred.”
Preserving the Spirit of Melukat
Marlowe Bandem, advises those interested in melukat to seek guidance from religious leaders to ensure the ritual stays true to its roots. He also warns against reducing the practice to a spectacle for social media.
“The purity of melukat can be diminished if people prioritize selfies or commercial gains,” Bandem said. “Melukat is not meant to be a grand performance. It should feel sincere, respectful, and spiritually grounding. Anyone participating should leave with a clear heart.”
While the growing interest in melukat has raised awareness of Balinese culture, some locals concerns over the commercialization impact of the sacred tradition on the ritual sanctity.
For the Balinese, melukat ritual is more than a wellness trend, it is a deeply meaningful connection to their heritage and spirituality. As the tradition gains global attention, preserving its sanctity will remain a critical challenge for both locals and visitors.
(Raidi/Agung)
