Taman Beji Samuan: Religious Tourism and Spiritual Tranquility in Carangasari Village

Bali, an island in Indonesia renowned for its cultural richness, history, and captivating tourist destinations, holds a cherished culture highly sought after by tourists—Melukat. Melukat is a spiritual ceremony performed to deeply cleanse the mind and soul.

Talking about the Melukat tradition, there are various places to perform this ritual, one of which is Taman Beji Samuan. Located in the village of Carangsari, District of Petang, Badung Regency, Bali, this destination allures adventurous travelers who enjoy natural beauty, nestled within an unspoiled forest.

Initially, Taman Beji Samuan was a simple sacred place with a single shrine, connected to the existence of the Pura Desa Adat Samuan, as explained by the local temple priest, Jro Mangku Wayan Pagiana. However, when the shrine was damaged and locals aimed to restore it, access to the site was blocked by debris.

Taman Beji Samuan (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Locals then cleared the path to the shrine. Unexpectedly, during the clearing, they discovered a water source concealed under rocks. "This water source has been continuously flowing until now. Initially, we were skeptical about the sustainability of this water flow," stated Wayan Pagiana to detikBali on Sunday (15/1/2023) afternoon.

This water spout was later named Sapta Rsi spout, reflecting the belief in the presence of a priest living in that location. Overall, this site is recognized as Taman Beji Samuan. "In 2019, we then opened it to the public," Wayan Pagiana added.

Since then, Taman Beji Samuan has gained recognition. Even foreign tourists seeking tranquility come to these spouts. They engage in a series of self-cleansing processes at the seven spouts and can take a dip in the pool. According to Wayan Pagiana, this spiritual journey is not restricted to any specific group or religion. Visitors, predominantly from diverse religious backgrounds and even abroad, can participate in the purification process and enjoy the refreshing Yeh Penet water, provided the river isn’t rushing due to weather conditions.

Taman Beji Samuan is approximately 28 kilometers from Denpasar City, accessible by a 45-minute motorbike ride. It's also close to the Sangeh tourist spot, around two kilometers away. Access to Taman Beji Samuan is via the Sangeh highway, turning after SD 2 Sangeh, following the village road to reach the site.

Pemedek in Prayer (Photo Source: Private Collection).

The beauty and freshness of this place provide joy to all human senses. Vision is captivated by the natural and stunning landscape. Hearing indulges in the sounds of babbling water, bird chirps, and other natural melodies. Additionally, the sense of smell experiences the freshness of the natural water source. The refreshing oxygen-rich air from the lush greenery can be savored through the sense of smell. The cool sensation of the water in this environment can also be felt.

Around 300 steps descend, where the faint sounds of bells mix with the calming river ripples. Further down, several devotees prepare prayer facilities, while some finish the Melukat ritual. Before the ritual, prayers must be performed.

The Visitors Following the Sequence of Penglukatan Rituals (Photo Source: Private Collection)

For first-time visitors, offering a "pejati" is mandatory. There are resident priests and locals available to guide first-time visitors. Here is the sequence and stages of Melukat performed at Taman Beji Samuan:

Firstly, the Penglukatan Campuhan is performed at the river's edge as the initial stage of the Melukat ceremony. Next, the Penglukatan Suda Mala is believed by Hindus to eliminate various diseases. The subsequent stage is the Penglukatan Dasa Mala aimed at cleansing ten negative qualities in humans. After that is the Penglukatan Rambut Sedana, a prayer for blessings and abundant fortune. Lastly, the most crucial stage, Penglukatan Sapta Rsi, is performed within the pool, the most vital step in the Melukat ceremony at Taman Beji Samuan.

'Pejati' as Prayer Facilities (Photo Source: Private Collection)

The necessary equipment for conducting the Melukat ceremony includes 1 daksina pejati and 19 canang sari. The temple priests are available from 9 am to 5 pm on Hindu religious holidays. The ceremony commences with the first prayers at the seventh spout, using 1 pejati as a ritual tool to seek permission and safety before the Melukat. Subsequently, the journey continues towards the waterfall area, where one can descend into the area where the river and waterfall merge.

The next journey is towards the river stream. Several spots can be visited here. Firstly, there's the 'Bulakan' (pool) used for Melukat using the 'Centong/Cedok' (coconut shell ladle). This area also features a very high water spout, sourced from Beji Pura Dalem Jemeng on the upper right side.

Note that during bad weather or heavy rain, it's advisable to avoid Melukat activities in the river area due to the possibility of rising water levels. Rain can occur suddenly. Observe the sky for dark clouds in the north as it can rapidly raise the river's water level. After finishing Melukat in this river area, one can return to the seventh spout to complete the final ritual. At the parking area, there's a donation box. These contributions play a significant role in maintaining and funding the care and development of Taman Beji Samuan. Visitors are expected to preserve the cleanliness and sanctity of this Melukat site, considering its sacred status.

The Visitor Engaged in One of the Rituals of Penglukatan (Photo Source: Private Collection)

The self-purification process at the seven spouts, with various stages of Melukat, offers an experience that elevates spirituality and holistic positive energy. However, it's crucial to remember that despite being open to the public, there are rules and regulations that must be followed with utmost respect for the cleanliness and sanctity of this place.

Regulations regarding the prohibition for menstruating women to enter the pool, and the necessity to wear appropriate attire, are part of honoring the specificity and spiritual existence of Taman Beji Samuan. Voluntary contributions from visitors are highly appreciated, and a portion of these contributions will be used for the maintenance and development of this site. Therefore, it's hoped that the spiritual experience and tranquility obtained from Taman Beji Samuan can be preserved and beneficial to all who visit it.

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