Introduction to Balinese Healing Rituals: Melukat and Melaspas

Overview of Balinese Healing Rituals

Bali is renowned for its deep spiritual culture and holistic approach to well‑being. Many visitors come to the island seeking purification, balance and renewal. Two important rites in Balinese Hindu tradition are Melukat and Melaspas. Both rituals centre around purification, but they serve different purposes: Melukat cleanses the mind and body of an individual, while Melaspas purifies newly built or renovated structures. Together, they reflect the Balinese belief that harmony between people, spaces and the divine promotes health and prosperity.

What Is Melukat?

Melukat is a water‑based purification ceremony intended to cleanse a person’s mind, body and spirit. During the ritual a Balinese priest chants mantras and sprinkles holy water over participants, who then bathe in sacred springs or under temple spouts. The water used in Melukat often comes from holy sites such as Tirta Empul Temple, and may also include coconut water and flowers. Many Balinese schedule Melukat during auspicious days like Purnama (full moon) or Kajeng Kliwon to maximise the cleansing effects.

Steps in the Melukat Ceremony

• Preparation: Participants bring offerings (canang sari) and dress respectfully in temple attire.
• Mantra chanting: A priest guides the ritual, chanting mantras to invite divine energy and bless the water.
• Cleansing: Participants wash their heads and bodies with the holy water, sometimes moving from one fountain to another. The act symbolizes letting go of negative thoughts and impurities.
• Prayer and gratitude: After bathing, participants pray and thank the gods for purification and blessings.

Visiting a purification site can be a powerful addition to a wellness itinerary. After your Melukat ceremony, you might enjoy relaxing treatments at a local spa—our guide to Top  5  Spas  in Ubud 2025 provides some excellent options.

What Is Melaspas?

Melaspas is the Balinese purification ritual for new or renovated buildings, homes or temples. It is performed to cleanse and empower the structure so that it becomes a safe and harmonious space. Unlike Melukat, which focuses on personal purification, Melaspas blesses the physical environment. The ceremony involves offerings, blessings and a series of rites carried out by a pemangku (temple priest) (Melaspas).

Steps in the Melaspas Ceremony

• Purification of the site: Before the main ceremony, the priest purifies the building using holy water, incense and offerings.
• Invocation and offerings: Offerings are placed at key points (entrances, corners and main rooms) to invite protective spirits and ancestral blessings.
• Blessing ritual: The priest recites prayers and sprinkles holy water throughout the structure, symbolically cleansing it of negative energies and inviting harmony.
• Community meal: After the ritual, family members and community often share a meal to celebrate the new or renewed space.

Tips for Visitors and Participants

• Respect local customs: Dress modestly in temple sarongs and sashes, and follow the instructions of the priest and local guides.
• Bring offerings: Small floral offerings (canang sari) are customary; you can ask locals where to purchase or how to prepare them.
• Time your visit: Rituals are often held on specific days. For Melukat, check local calendars for Purnama or Kajeng Kliwon. For Melaspas, ceremonies align with construction completion.
• Stay mindful: These ceremonies are sacred, so maintain a quiet and respectful attitude. Ask permission before taking photos.

Conclusion

Melukat and Melaspas are fundamental to Balinese healing traditions, illustrating how purification rituals nurture both personal well‑being and the spaces we inhabit. Experiencing these rites offers insight into Bali’s spiritual heritage and can be a meaningful component of a wellness journey. For broader context on the island’s history and environment, see our article Discover Bali: Facts, Climate, Population and Geography.