Transform Your Spirit: 3 Must-Visit Melukat Temples in Bali

Discover the top 3 sacred Melukat temples in Bali! Experience spiritual cleansing, healing, and cultural immersion at these must-visit purification sites

If you’ve lived in Bali Island for a while, you’re probably familiar with the tradition of Melukat. Melukat is a sacred purification ritual aimed at cleansing the body and soul.

This spiritual practice uses water as its medium, often sourced from holy springs, beaches, or the confluence of rivers and seawater. For both locals and visitors, Melukat is not just a ritual—it’s a transformative experience that brings peace, clarity, and renewal.

Balinese Hindus typically perform Melukat on auspicious days such as Purnama (full moon), Tilem (new moon), Saraswati, Nyepi, and Galungan Kuningan. However, many also choose to perform it on other days, depending on their personal needs. Beyond its spiritual significance, Melukat leaves participants feeling refreshed and at peace. 

The History and Significance of Melukat: A Balinese Tradition of Purification

The tradition of Melukat has deep roots in Balinese Hinduism, a unique blend of Hinduism, animism, and local customs. The word “Melukat” comes from the Balinese word “lukat,” which means “to cleanse” or “to purify.”

Balinese Hindus have practiced this ritual for centuries, dating back to the time when Indian traders and priests influenced the development of Balinese Hinduism.

Ancient texts describe how Melukat emerged as a way to cleanse individuals of negative energies, sins, and spiritual impurities.

The ritual aligns with the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy that emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. By purifying themselves, individuals can restore balance and harmony in their lives.

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The Spiritual Beliefs Behind Melukat

In Balinese Hinduism, water is considered a sacred element that symbolizes purity, life, and renewal. The Balinese believe that water from certain sources, such as holy springs, rivers, and the ocean, is imbued with divine energy.

This energy, known as tirta or holy water, is believed to have the power to cleanse both the physical body and the soul.

Melukat is often performed to:

• Remove negative energies: Such as bad luck, curses, or spiritual blockages.
• Heal physical and emotional ailments: Many believe that the ritual can cure illnesses and bring emotional relief.
• Prepare for important life events: Such as weddings, childbirth, or religious ceremonies.
• Seek blessings: For prosperity, fertility, or protection from harm.

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1. Pura Tirta Empul: A Sacred Journey of Purification in Bali

The History and Significance of Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Tirta Empul, which translates to ‘Temple of Holy Water,’ dates back to 962 AD during the Warmadewa Dynasty. (Learn more about its history and significance on its Wikipedia page.)

According to legend, the god Indra created the temple’s sacred spring by striking the ground, forming a pool of healing water to revive his soldiers after a battle. Today, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and remains a vital site for Hindu Balinese rituals.

The Melukat Ritual at Pura Tirta Empul

The heart of Pura Tirta Empul is its purification pool, fed by the Kelebutan spring. The pool features 11 water spouts, each with its own significance. Visitors line up to bathe under the spouts, starting from the left and moving to the right. The ritual involves:

1. Splashing water on the face to cleanse negative thoughts.
2. Pouring water over the head to purify the mind.
3. Submerging the body to wash away impurities.

While the ritual is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, tourists of all backgrounds are welcome to participate. Many describe the experience as transformative, leaving them feeling refreshed and spiritually renewed.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• Facilities: The temple complex includes parking areas, restrooms, and a variety of shops selling sarongs, offerings, and souvenirs.
• Dress Code: Visitors must wear a sarong and sash, which can be rented or purchased at the entrance.
• Timing: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For a quieter experience, arrive early in the morning.
• Etiquette: Respect the sacredness of the site by following the guidance of temple priests and avoiding loud behavior.

Why Pura Tirta Empul is a Must-Visit

• Cultural Insight: Participating in Melukat offers a deep dive into Balinese Hinduism and its emphasis on purification.
• Natural Beauty: The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and traditional architecture, making it a photographer’s dream.
• Healing Properties: Many visitors report feeling a sense of peace and clarity after the ritual.

How to Get There

Pura Tirta Empul is located approximately 1.5 hours from Ubud and 2 hours from Denpasar. You can hire a private driver,(Book Rent Car and Scooter From Hey Bali) join a guided tour, or rent a scooter to reach the temple. The scenic drive through Gianyar’s rice terraces adds to the overall experience.

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2. Pura Beji Dalem Pingit Sebatu: A Hidden Gem for Spiritual Healing in Bali

The History and Significance of Pura Beji Dalem Pingit

Pura Beji Dalem Pingit is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, who is revered for her life-giving and purifying powers. The temple’s name, “Beji”, refers to a sacred spring, while “Dalem Pingit” means “a secluded inner sanctuary.” This name reflects the temple’s peaceful and secluded location, surrounded by dense forests and rice terraces.

According to local lore, the temple’s spring was discovered under mysterious circumstances. In 2007, a French tourist stumbled upon the site while exploring the area. At the time, the location was overgrown with thick bushes, and even locals were unaware of the sacred spring’s existence.

This strange event sparked curiosity among the locals, who later uncovered the spring and established it as a sacred site. Today, Pura Beji Dalem Pingit is believed to possess powerful healing properties, capable of curing physical ailments and cleansing negative energies. Over the years, it has become a sacred destination for those seeking spiritual renewal and blessings.

The Melukat Ritual at Pura Beji Dalem Pingit

The Melukat ritual at Pura Beji Dalem Pingit is a deeply personal and transformative experience. The temple features a natural spring that flows into a small pool, where visitors can perform the purification ritual. Here’s what the process typically involves:

1. Preparation: Before entering the pool, visitors are required to change into a sarong and sash, which can be rented at the temple.
2. Prayer and Offerings: A pemangku (temple priest) will guide you through a short prayer and help you prepare small offerings, such as flowers and incense.
3. Purification: You’ll step into the pool and bathe under the flowing water, starting from the head and moving down the body. The water is believed to cleanse both physical and spiritual impurities.
4. Reflection: After the ritual, many visitors take a moment to sit quietly and reflect, allowing the peaceful atmosphere to deepen their sense of renewal.

The Mystical Experiences at Pura Beji Dalem Pingit

What sets Pura Beji Dalem Pingit apart is its reputation for mystical experiences. Many visitors report unusual phenomena during their Melukat ritual, such as:

• Emotional Release: Some people suddenly feel overwhelmed with emotion, crying or laughing uncontrollably as the water purges negative energies.
• Water Color Changes: Locals believe the water can change color based on the bather’s spiritual condition, turning murky if deep-seated impurities are present.
• Healing Reactions: Those with physical ailments often experience reactions like nausea or dizziness, which locals interpret as the body releasing toxins.

Additionally, the temple is renowned for helping couples who are struggling to conceive. Many believe that performing Melukat here can bring blessings of fertility and harmony.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• Location: The temple is located about 30 minutes from Ubud, making it an easy day trip. The journey involves descending a series of winding stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Facilities: While the temple is more secluded than Pura Tirta Empul, it offers basic facilities like restrooms and a small parking area.
• Timing: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the atmosphere is most serene.
• Etiquette: As with all Balinese temples, dress modestly and follow the guidance of the temple priests.

Why Pura Beji Dalem Pingit is a Must-Visit

• Tranquility: The temple’s secluded location offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, allowing for a more intimate Melukat experience.
• Healing Properties: Locals believe the sacred water has powerful healing and purifying effects, benefiting both the body and the spirit.
• Cultural Insight: Participating in Melukat here provides a deeper understanding of Balinese Hinduism and its emphasis on spiritual cleansing.

How to Get There

Pura Beji Dalem Pingit Sebatu is located approximately 30 minutes by car from Ubud. You can hire a private driver, rent a scooter (Book Rent Car and Scooter From Us), or join a guided tour to reach the temple. The scenic drive through Gianyar’s lush forests and rice terraces adds to the overall experience.

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3. Pura Tirta Sudamala: A Sacred Site for Spiritual Renewal in Bangli

The History and Significance of Pura Tirta Sudamala

Pura Tirta Sudamala dates back to the Bangli Kingdom, one of Bali’s ancient kingdoms. Local inscriptions reveal that Ida Brahmana Hender, a revered priest, established the temple to fulfill his task of finding sacred water sources for purification rituals. The temple’s name, “Sudamala”, refers to a purification ceremony mentioned in ancient Balinese texts.

The temple has a close connection with Pura Kehen, one of Bali’s oldest and most important temples. Locals believe that Pura Kehen used water from Pura Tirta Sudamala for purification ceremonies, highlighting its spiritual significance.

The Melukat Ritual at Pura Tirta Sudamala

Pura Tirta Sudamala features 11 water spouts, each with its own spiritual meaning:

• 9 spouts represent the Dewata Nawa Sanga (the nine guardian deities of the directions in Balinese cosmology).
• 2 lower spouts are dedicated to Widyadara and Widyadari (celestial beings), often used by those who have recently undergone the Mepandes (tooth-filing) ceremony.

The Melukat ritual here involves:

1. Preparation: Change into a sarong and sash, and prepare small offerings.
2. Purification: Bathe under the spouts, starting from the head and moving down the body.
3. Prayer: Conclude the ritual with a prayer at the main temple.

Many visitors describe the experience as deeply calming and spiritually uplifting. The temple’s serene atmosphere, combined with the sound of flowing water, creates a perfect environment for introspection and renewal.newal.

What to Expect During Your Visit

• Location: Pura Tirta Sudamala is located in Bebalang Village, Bangli, about 1.5 hours from Ubud.
• Facilities: The temple offers basic facilities, including restrooms and a small parking area.
• Timing: The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the best experience, visit early in the morning.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly and follow the guidance of the temple priests. Avoid visiting during menstruation.

Why Pura Tirta Sudamala is a Must-Visit

• Historical Significance: The temple’s connection to the Bangli Kingdom and Pura Kehen adds a layer of cultural depth.
• Spiritual Atmosphere: The serene setting and sacred waters make it ideal for Melukat and meditation.
• Unique Ritual: The 11 spouts and their spiritual meanings offer a unique experience not found in other temples.

How to Get There

Pura Tirta Sudamala is located approximately 1.5 hours by car from Ubud and 2 hours from Denpasar. You can hire a private driver, rent a scooter, (Book Rent Car and Scooter From Us) or join a guided tour to reach the temple. The scenic drive through Bangli’s lush landscapes, with views of rice terraces and traditional villages, adds to the overall experience.

Why We Chose the Top 3 Melukat in Bali Spots (Plus a Map of 10 Sacred Locations)

Whether you’re looking for a serene escape, a historical site, or a hidden gem, these resources will guide you to the perfect spot.

Comparison Table: 10 Best Melukat in Bali Spots

No.	Temple Name	Location	Unique Feature	Facilities	Best Time to Visit
1	Pura Tirta Empul	Tampaksiring, Gianyar	11 sacred spouts for purification; historical significance.	Parking, restrooms, souvenir shops	Early morning (7-9 AM)
2	Pura Beji Dalem Pingit	Sebatu, Gianyar	Known for emotional healing and fertility blessings.	Basic facilities, parking	Weekdays (less crowded)
3	Pura Tirta Sudamala	Bangli	11 spouts representing Dewata Nawa Sanga; linked to Pura Kehen.	Restrooms, parking	Early morning or late afternoon
4	Pura Mengening	Tampaksiring, Gianyar	Quiet and serene; 10 natural springs.	Basic facilities	Early morning
5	Pura Campuhan Windu Segara	Denpasar	Confluence of river and sea; ideal for spiritual cleansing.	Parking, restrooms	Purnama or Tilem days
6	Taman Beji Griya Waterfall	Abiansemal, Badung	Waterfall setting; believed to heal physical and emotional ailments.	Parking, small warung (food stalls)	Early morning
7	Pura Dang Kahyangan Taman Sari Mengwi	Mengwi, Badung	Sacred spring under a banyan tree; known for healing and fertility prayers.	Basic facilities	Weekdays (less crowded)
8	Pura Tirta Pingit	Karangasem	Secluded location; ideal for deep meditation and purification.	Basic facilities	Early morning
9	Pura Luhur Tamba Waras	Penebel, Tabanan	7 spouts (Pancoran Sapta Gangga); known for physical and spiritual healing.	Parking, restrooms	Hindu holy days
10	Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu	Sebatu, Gianyar	Combines natural beauty with spiritual significance; less touristy.	Parking, small warung	Early morning

Explore 10 Sacred Melukat in Bali Locations with Our Interactive Map

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Have More Questions About Melukat?

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand this sacred ritual:

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