BALI, Indonesia — Mental health has become a much discussed issues in recent years around the world. In Indonesia, a variety of methods have been employed to deal with both healing and achieving mental well-being.

Aside from traditional methods such as counseling with psychologists and psychiatrists, many people explore various other methods. In Indonesia, "melukat" has become one of the most-practiced methods when it comes to healing and purifying the mind, heart and soul.

Melukat is a religious activity hailing from Bali rooted in Hindu beliefs. It originates from the word “sulukat,” meaning purification.

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Traditionally, Hindu followers perform melukat ceremonies with the goal of cleansing themselves from negative elements in mind, body and soul. Due to its aim of purifying from negativity, melukat has gained significant interest around the world, making it a popular activity in Indonesia in recent years.

Melukat has evolved as a cross-religious method of healing and soul purification. It is no longer confined to Hinduism, as it is believed to help cleanse all negative aspects from the body and mind.

Bali and healing tourism

Bali is a place visited by many tourists from across the globe. Bali offers natural beauty, rich culture and plenty of wellness options aimed at alleviating stress. Many domestic and international tourists visit Bali for a refreshing experience.

Combined with the practice of melukat, Bali is increasingly recognized as a healing destination. In fact, melukat and Bali seem inseparable.

In Hinduism, melukat involves specific rituals, including offering “banten” and “canang” to the God. Banten comprises three elements: First, it is derived from plants; second, it involves animals that give birth such as pigs, goats and cows. Third, it involves life born from eggs, such as chickens, ducks and geese. Additionally, water, fire or incense is included as complementary elements.

On the other hand, canang consists of various components. Its container is made from young coconut leaves, filled with specific flowers, aromatic powder, food and even money. While canang has several variations, the principles and objectives remain the same.

Regarding attire, women are advised to wear cloth and “kamen” around their waist and a long-sleeved shirt or kebaya (Indonesian traditional attire) as a top. For men, wearing a sarong or long pants is acceptable; a shirt is optional.

Non-Hindu participants are not required to bring canang and banten. They can pray, according to their own beliefs. They are accompanied by a Hindu religious leader, referred to as a “pedanda.”

Experiencing melukat

I have personally experienced melukat in Bali, specifically at Tirta Empul in Ubud. There is a large water pool and various natural springs. Participants enter the pool and bathe under the natural spring showers.

I wore cloth and kebaya and kept my hijab on. I believe this does not affect my faith as a Muslim. I simply wanted to experience bathing under natural springs as part of soul cleansing. It felt incredibly refreshing. During the melukat process, I set my intentions and prayed to Allah. I felt physically and mentally fresher afterwards.

A Hindu follower, Putu Ayu Anggraeny, expressed her love for the sensation after melukat. She felt peace within her soul.

“I feel more serene and at peace,” she said.

She shared that melukat doesn't necessarily involve bathing under natural springs or waterfall, but can be done by washing specific body parts with water placed in a container. This includes washing the face, gargling, washing the ears or the upper forehead — each done three times.

This is similar to “wudu” or partial ablution in Islam. The principle is to cleanse and purify oneself. However, the sensation is more refreshing when bathing under natural springs. Returning to nature, the purity of nature can indeed help improve human life.

Anggraeny said sometimes a religious leader accompanies people and provides life advice, especially when going with a partner. After melukat, couples can reconcile with each other.

“During melukat, I can truly think clearly and get closer to God,” she added. “Grateful for everything we have, so many blessings. Sometimes we feel lacking and complaining about life, forget about our luck and blessings. So, the mind becomes clearer after melukat.”

Melukat everywhere!

Although popular in Bali, melukat can be performed anywhere.

Anggraeny, who lives in Surabaya in Indonesia, said she practices melukat in temples closer to home and in Gresik, located in East Java Province. It can be done anywhere, similar to how Muslims undergo “wudu” or partial ablution and full ablution.

In Bali itself, melukat has become a destination and a new holiday activity. Many travel agencies or institutions offer melukat packages. Some even add bonus activities such as palm reading and counseling sessions — especially for Westerners without a firm faith tradition.

Dahlia Rera Oktosian, who experienced melukat three times, shared her Bali experiences with Religion Unplugged. She said she always felt refreshed, calm and clear-minded after melukat.

“Because the essence of water itself is fresh, clear and cleansing. I feel physically and mentally refreshed,” she said.

Oktosian recalled that she once did melukat accompanied by a traditional leader. At that time, she was asked to shout out her emotions and trapped stress. Crying was not a problem, she said.

“I became more confident expressing emotions rather than shouting and crying alone, which is weird,” she added.

As a Muslim, she did not feel that melukat influenced or changed her beliefs.

"It's unrelated. It doesn't mean we will become Hindu when we melukat,” Oktosian said. “Instead, it strengthens my faith. We are instructed to pray according to our respective religions and beliefs. It was amazing!”

Indra Zakaria said she had a similar experience. Initially curious about the popular melukat trend on social media, Zakaria, a Christian, sees melukat only as a healing method.

“I want to melukat again, but in a non-commercialized and quiet place, for a more solemn experience," she said.

Laras Novalia said she expressed the same belief She tried melukat once — accompanied by a religious leader — with her husband and friend in Ubud, Bali.

“That was a new experience for me. After melukat, I felt cold because it coincided with rain,” Novalia said. “The sensation was like after taking a shower.”

Dewi Suci Rahayu is a journalist based in Indonesia. Currently, she covers food and travel, after previously working in the political and legal desk. She recently took part in the Asia Pacific Journalism Institute, sponsored by The Media Project, held in Manila.