Purification Ceremony at Taman Beji Waterfall

When you arrive at Taman Beji Waterfall and arrange to participate in the purification ceremony, the experience begins with changing into a sarong and receiving a basket of offerings. These offerings typically include bamboo baskets filled with coconuts, flowers, incense, and biscuits.

The Journey Begins

When you arrive and arrange the purification ceremony, you are asked to change into a sarong and each is given a basket full of offerings. These offerings consist of bamboo baskets filled with coconuts, flowers, incense and biscuits.

First, you are taken to an open area filled with shrines, where you are asked to place a handful of offerings. You must remove your shoes here and walk along a rocky path to the base of the waterfall. Water falls between rocks into a small pool that flows through crevices and along the path. It is beautiful.

The rocks have various carvings of animals, or perhaps gods, and are covered in moss and lichen. The sound of rushing water is very strong and echoes through the gaps of the cave you are about to enter.

Before entering, you are given a sign to place some offerings at the foot of another stone shrine before continuing along the path further into the cave.

You will be surprised because you did not expect to enter a cave like this. The cave was filled with vines that hung in front of my head, and plants that grew along the rock walls; it was wet and humid, but surreal and ethereal.

Stage 1: Penglukatan Tamba Sunia (Tamba Sunia Purification)

“Holy water to cure all diseases, bless descendants, bring harmony to relationships, and promote family unity.”

Upon entering the cave, you will be led through a narrow gap to the “hidden canyon fountain” located inside the rift cave. You will place your final offerings, stand under the waterfall before heading to the holy spring to drink and pray.

The secluded nature of this experience encourages a personal connection with the environment and detachment from the outside world. You will find the sound of gently flowing water and the secluded atmosphere creating an atmosphere for reflection.

The fountain is a symbolic cleansing in preparation for the deeper stages of purification to come.

Stage 2: Bulakan Rambut Sedana (Spring Water of Rambut Sedana)

“Holy water to seek fortune in life and enhance business, trade, and career prosperity.”

You will sit before the blessing is done, this time by pouring holy water on our heads. “Dipping” into this spring water is believed to cleanse dirt physically and spiritually.

The sensation of cold water falling on the head, gives a rejuvenating sensation. Maybe it can be said as a kind of renewal, like removing old layers and starting a new beginning.

Stage 3: Twin Waterfalls of Goddess Gangga

The twin waterfalls offer two unique experiences:

The first waterfall is a place to release negative energy, emotions, burdens of thought, anger, resentment that is in the heart and mind by screaming or crying as much as you want. The second waterfall attracts and produces positive energy by expressing happiness by laughing, having fun, dancing or singing as much as you want.

Stage 4: Worship of Queen Niang Sakti & Ida Betara Lingsir

“Holy water to ask for blessings: blessings to always be given health, fortune, eternal happiness, and all goodness”.

After you finish laughing, you must climb out of the waterfall via several carved steps before you can enter the calm pool. It should be noted that the pool is a bit slippery so caution is required.

The ritual bathing in the calm pool, alongside koi fish, signifies further refinement of the purification process.

Stage 5: Coconut Purification by the Priest

The final stage of the Balinese purification ceremony is to be cleansed in young and yellow coconut water. This is done under the guidance of a priest who sprinkles the water on your head before you drink and then spreads the water on your face.

This ritual is done in three stages and is carried out at each holy spring. The process involves pouring holy water on your head, drinking the water, and then washing your face with the water.

In Balinese culture, coconut water is a symbol of purity and renewal, making it the perfect source to end the ceremony. The presence of the priest adds a spiritual dimension, giving blessings and intentions to the ceremony.

After that, there is a final prayer, a little rice on the forehead, flowers above the ears, and white, back, and red cotton thread bracelets. The bracelets are the final step of the purification ceremony and are traditionally worn by Hindus for protection