Whenever Bali is mentioned, people mostly think about all the stunning beaches and beach clubs it has to offer. But beyond that, Bali offers a rich culture that only enhances the beauty of the island.
Despite the wave of modernity that comes in as the result of globalization, Balinese still strongly hold on to their traditions; passing it down from one generation to another in the hopes of preserving it until years to come.
Among those traditional knowledge is the true meaning of healing – Melukat. It’s not just about surrounding yourself with nature, it’s also utilizing it for traditional healing rituals that will instantly cleanse the body and the mind.
Find out about this Bali purification ceremony, here is all you need to know about Melukat: what it is, the principles behind it, the benefits, and how you can find good organizers in Bali!
What is Melukat in English?
More than the modern definition of healing that we know, Melukat is part of a Bali purification ceremony called tirthayatra that uses a type of holy water or also known as tirtha. The word Melukat itself is derived from the local language: “sulukat”, with “su” meaning good and “lukat” meaning purification. All in all, Melukat in English literally means good purification.
The Bali purification ceremony is typically done by Hindunese as an effort to cleanse your soul of negativity, such as anxiety and nightmares. But luckily for you, it’s not only limited to Hindunese – as its cleansing effects become increasingly known by tourists, a lot of Hindu priests become welcoming to travelers who are looking to try it out for themselves.
The Belief Behind Melukat
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In Balinese cosmology, the universe consists of two properties named sekala (physical world) and niskala (spiritual world). To exist peacefully, you need to keep a mindful balance between the two by not letting negativity cloud you.
It is believed that you can harmonize the two worlds through Melukat. This Bali purification ceremony takes place in a body of water such as man-made pond, beach, or river; where you can immerse yourself in holy water and surrender yourself to higher beings. Only then can you finally achieve a balance between physical and spiritual worlds.
Don’t worry! You’ll be assisted by a Balian (local shaman and healer) throughout the entire process. Therefore, you’ll be able to safely go through each step and achieve the best results possible.
Wanna know more about what they do? Read more about Balian here.
7 Types of Melukat and Their Wonderful Benefits
At this point, we know that Melukat is a cleansing ritual. But what exactly does it cleanse ourselves of? Well this Bali purification ceremony comes in several types, each with its own specific benefits. This way, you can also pick out ones that resonate more with your needs.
Here are the 7 types of Melukat you can try out during your stay in Bali:
- Melukat Prabu & Melukat Nawa Ratna is suitable for those who are looking for success and prosperity by cleansing yourself of bad luck and harmful obstacles.
- Melukat Gini Ngelayang is suitable for those who are looking to rid any looming illness and diseases.
- Melukat Gomana aims to get rid of inherent bad character traits and can only be done on your birthday according to the Balinese calendar.
- Melukat Astupungku is suitable for those who believe in zodiacs! It cleanses you of the negative influences of your day of birth.
- Melukat Semarabeda is suitable for couples who are planning to get married soon, as it removes bad luck on your upcoming marriage.
- Melukat Surya Yomana is a type of Melukat that removes stains and dirt, made specifically for babies.
Find Authentic Balians! Best Tips to Find Great Melukat Organizers
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Melukat is an up-and-coming tourism attraction with little to no information available to the public, making it perfect for scammers to squeeze their ways in. Thread carefully, here are a few tips on how to find the best Bali purification ceremony:
✅ Be sure they have an official website. This is the first step into ensuring that they are consistent with their services and won’t end up marking up the price once you contact them.
✅ While this can take a little bit of research, it’s best if you look for testimonials or reviews of their services online. This way, you’ll know what to expect during the process as well.
✅ Look for ones that are done by authentic Balians, as some may just imitate the process without having the spiritual knowledge behind it.
Bodhi Leaf Wellness, Your Quick & Easy Fix to Find the Best Balians
Photo by The Bodhi Leaf Wellness
Well if you want a quick one-step solution through all the researching hassle, Bodhi Leaf Wellness offers the best experience for those who are looking for a healing retreat while being surrounded by Bali’s best panoramic view.
From authentic shamanic healing, wellness spa, to soul guidance, you can easily find information on our services here. Not to mention, the sterling reviews from our guests only goes to show that our retreats are one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re looking to join a shamanic healing retreat or plan one of your own, we are always ready to assist you! Let’s start your healing journey with Bodhi Leaf Wellness.
