Indonesia: What Is A Water Cleansing Hindu Ritual And Its Benefits
- Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
My Water Cleansing Ritual at Taman Beji Griya Waterfall in Bali
Cultural Experiences - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
I’ve had many transformative experiences during my travels—some so deeply personal and remarkable that I can’t help but wonder if others felt the same way I did. The only way to find out is to share my story! In 2024 alone, I immersed myself in a Turkish bath at a traditional Hammam built in 1584 in Istanbul, swam alongside sharks in the Maldives, participated in a sacred Sak Yant tattoo ritual in Bangkok, and raced ATVs with my brother across the Dubai desert. But if I were to rank these moments, my number one experience this year was undoubtedly the Water Cleansing Ritual at Taman Beji Griya Waterfall in Bali.
To reach this place, I hopped on a bike from my base in Canggu. If you're staying in Ubud's central area, it's even closer. The waterfall is easy to find, and once you arrive, you’ll see clear signage for parking and ticketing. I didn’t book ahead but had no issues securing access on the same day.
At the ticket counter, local guides warmly introduced me to the options available, explaining each package based on your preferences and schedule. I chose the Purification Package, which included everything I needed: offerings, a sarong, towels, lockers, a private guide, and a journey through the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of the waterfall temple.
What is this place?
Taman Beji Griya Waterfall, located in the serene village of Punggul, Bali, is a sacred site deeply embedded in Balinese Hindu tradition. The term "Beji" refers to a holy spring, and "Griya" signifies a priest's house, indicating the site's historical and spiritual importance. Historically, it served as a sanctuary for ancestors of the Griya Gede Manuaba Punggul family, intertwining its legacy with the Balinese way of life. In 2018, following a spiritual calling, the landowners revitalized the area, opening it to the public for purification rituals and spiritual rejuvenation.
Who can visit this place?
Honestly, anyone with an open heart and a respect for Balinese culture can visit. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual aspects or just want to connect with nature, this place is for you. I love that you don’t have to be Hindu to participate—you just need to be respectful and willing to immerse yourself in the experience. The purification ritual, known as "Melukat" is open to everyone, offering a unique opportunity to experience Balinese Hindu traditions firsthand. However, it's essential to approach the site with respect and an open heart, honoring the sacredness of the rituals performed there.
How is the ritual?
The Melukat is something I’ll never forget. It started with putting on a sarong, which is a traditional Balinese garment. That simple act felt so beautiful like I was stepping into another world with intention and respect.
My guide led me through the steps of the ritual. Each stop along the way had its own purpose and sequence:
Drinking the holy water: This is the first step, and it’s meant to cleanse you internally. I took small sips, imagining all my negativity and doubts washing away.
Washing my face: This step symbolizes clearing your perception—seeing the world and yourself more clearly.
Pouring water over my head: This was my favorite part. As the water cascaded over me, I felt like years of worry and stress were melting away.
Each action felt purposeful, and my guide encouraged me to stay present and pray at each station.
What are the offerings? To whom are they offered? Why?
Before starting the ritual, I placed offerings called Canang Sari at the temple. These are small, intricate arrangements of flowers, rice, and incense placed in palm leaf baskets. They’re a way of expressing gratitude and inviting blessings.
For me, this moment was deeply personal because I’ve recently felt a connection to Goddess Saraswati, who is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, arts, wisdom, and learning. She’s often depicted as a serene figure seated on a lotus, holding a veena (a stringed instrument) and sacred scriptures.
As someone seeking clarity and creativity, I’ve found her symbolism incredibly inspiring. Praying to Saraswati felt natural, like reaching out to a guide who could help me navigate my journey.
What is the water cleansing ritual itself? What is it for?
The water cleansing ritual is all about purification—cleansing not just your body but also your mind and spirit. Standing under the powerful waterfall felt like shedding layers of negativity and doubt.
The ritual goes beyond the physical act of washing; it’s a spiritual reset. The steps of drinking, washing your face, and pouring water over your head are symbolic of purifying your thoughts, speech, and actions. It’s a way to realign yourself with positive energy and let go of anything holding you back.
Why is it suggested to scream three times at the waterfall? What are the benefits of this ritual?
My guide suggested I scream three times under the waterfall, and I’ll admit—I was hesitant at first. But when I finally let go, it was one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done. Each scream felt like I was releasing something buried deep inside—stress, fear, frustration.
It’s symbolic of letting go of negativity and allowing yourself to be free. By the third scream, I felt lighter, like I had truly let go of things I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
What is expected to get from this experience?
For me, this cleansing ritual was a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with myself. I left feeling clearer, calmer, and more aligned.
My connection to Saraswati deepened during this experience. I’ve been seeking guidance in areas like creativity, learning, and wisdom—things she embodies—and I felt her presence throughout the ritual. It’s as if she’s become a guide for me moving forward, helping me embrace clarity and purpose in my life.
This experience sparked a transformation in me. If you’re open to it, this kind of cleansing can be a powerful reset for the soul, and I recommend it to everyone, regardless of beliefs or religion!
Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
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