Unlocking Balinese Culture: Tanah Gajah’s Purification Ceremony

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, has recently embraced the sacred essence of its surroundings, introducing an exclusive Purification Ceremony experience for its guests on the property. This water-based ritual, deeply rooted in the island’s traditions, offers a cleansing experience, helping individuals rid themselves of what no longer serves them, and has steadily gained popularity among the island’s visitors over time.

In the past, the resort sought the support of nearby temples for such ceremonies. However, it eventually discovered that its own property, enriched with temples and a profound history, was a more convenient and equally special choice.

According to Deasy Swandarini, the resort’s general manager, “The village of Bedulu, near our resort, was the capital of Bali’s first ancient kingdom of Bedahulu, with the territory extending to the surrounding area. Some of our local residents believe artifacts from the ancient kingdom are still buried deep under the village of Tengkulak and even our property, Tanah Gajah Ubud.”

Moreover, the Petanu river, one of the island’s most revered rivers, flows in front of the resort.

“As we learned about all these stories of the rich history that envelops our location, we felt that our property was the ideal setting for hosting the purification ceremony,” Swandarini further explained.

The purification ceremony, known locally as Melukat, is a spiritual cleansing ritual frequently attended by locals to rid themselves of negative energies and purify both their bodies and souls. This experience is not limited to locals and spiritual enthusiasts; it also piques the interest of those eager to explore Balinese culture. The 60-minute ceremony is led by a Hindu priest who initiates the ritual with the chanting of ancient Sanskrit mantras. The ceremony incorporates prayers, offerings, and the use of incense and water to cleanse participants. The water plays multiple purifying roles – being poured, consumed, and sprinkled – although participants are not fully submerged (although a change of clothing is required).

The best time to partake in this ritual is in the morning, with bookings typically scheduled for 7 am. The cost is IDR 650,000++ per person, with a minimum booking requirement of two people. For additional details, you can visit: https://www.tanahgajahubud.com/experiences/purification-ceremony.