Penglukatan Alas Metapa: Traces of Spirituality Through the Eleven Sacred Fountains

Penglukatan is a self-purification ritual that has deep meaning in the Balinese spiritual tradition. This ritual aims to cleanse oneself physically and mentally, get rid of negative energy, and ask for blessings and prosperity. Lubrication is often performed at holy water sources, which are believed to carry spiritual power and purity. The water in this procession is believed to have symbolic powers to cleanse the body and soul, and connect individuals with divine energy.

Dec 22, 2024 - 22:34
Nov 15, 2024 - 10:50
Penglukatan Alas Metapa: Traces of Spirituality Through the Eleven Sacred Fountains
Penglukatan Alas Metapa (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Peninjoan Village, which is located at the eastern tip of Bangli Regency, is known as a village rich in natural beauty and spiritual heritage. This village not only offers stunning panoramic views of the hills, but also has important spiritual tourist attractions, one of which is the Alas Metapa Cave.

Natural Pool in Front of Pancoran (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Penglukatan Alas Metapa is one of the main attractions in Peninjoan Village, combining natural beauty with a deep spiritual experience. This place has 11 fountains which are used for the painting procession, with water coming from clear natural springs. The eleven fountains originate from different springs that surround the Alas Tapa area, which then made a channel so that several waters could be combined and divided into eleven fountains. Each pancoran is named differently, from the west there are Tirta Alas Tapa, Tirta Bulan, Tirta Surya, Tirta Julit, Tirta Dedari, Tirta Banyumas, Tirta Barong, Tirta Sudamala, Tirta Tunggang, Tirta Blutbut, Tirta Mampeh. Apart from that, there is a large pond in front of the pancoran equipped with lotus plants and fish which adds to the peaceful and holy atmosphere.

Penglukatan Procession (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Alas Tapa has quite an interesting history, where the term "Alas Tapa" consists of two words, namely "Alas" which means dense forest and "Tapa" which means meditation or yoga, which symbolizes an effort to get closer to God in order to achieve prosperity. . Based on the explanation from the penglingsir or traditional leaders in Dalem Tarukan, whose temple is located in Pulesari, Alas Tapa is listed in the Babad Dalem Tarukan. It is said by local people that Bhatara, who resides in Dalem Tarukan, did penance at Alas Tapa to ask for peace and fertility during times of war. Apart from that, Alas Tapa is also known as a special place for spiritual figures in the past who underwent yogic asceticism to achieve Moksa, which is a state of inner and outer happiness.

The Atmosphere Around the Alas Metapa Penlukatan (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Visitors who come to Alas Metapa can feel the calm and peace offered by the beautiful rural nature. In addition, the healing ritual in this place not only functions as spiritual cleansing, but also as a way to harmonize with nature and gain positive energy. Visitors are advised to come on holy days, such as full moon and tilem, to maximize their spiritual experience.

With adequate road access and a large parking area, visitors can easily visit Alas Metapa without worrying about transportation problems. In this place, statues of dragons emitting water from their mouths add symbolic meaning to the circumcision ritual, creating a solemn and magical atmosphere.