Written by Camphuan River, Where Two Rivers Meet
In the traditional village of Ubud , there is one particular river there, situated below Pura Gunung Lebah (Gunung Lebah Temple). That river is called Camphuan River, it is a place where two rivers meet.
Balai Kukul of Pura Gunung Lebah
This photograph depicts the Balai Kukul from Pura Gunung Lebah. Balai Kukul is a structure that is part of the Temple Compound. Kukul means bell or cymbal.Something that is struck to make a strong sound during ceremony.
The meaning of Camphuan
The word ‘Camphuan’ comes from the word ‘campur’, which means ‘to mix’. It is this particular definition in Bali, that Camphuan is the meeting of two ends of a river, becoming one. This river may be said to be quite special for the Pitra Yadnya Ceremonies. Pitra Yadnya means ceremony that relates to cremation. It is here in this river, where two rivers meet as one, that the symbolic representations of the departed is offered into the waters to be taken to the sea after their cremation ceremony. This is the final stage of their purification ceremony.
This photograph shows the River Camphuan, whereby it is named due to the meeting of two water sources meet and become one. In Bali, there are several rivers such as this, the only difference being how large or small they are. not all carry the same significance for ritual as this river in Ubud.
Aside from the significance of the two water sources, there are several flat rock formations at this river’s junction. These large flat rocks were usually used to sit on, or place washing before people bathed there once upon a time. However, because this location has been through a purification ceremony, it has been blessed , there is no longer anyone who would use these flat rocks as seats or the river as a place to bathe anymore.
‘There’s no possibility of anyone sitting on the Flat Rock today, let alone place laundry there. It is as though the rock already has someone residing there that is not visible to us. Maybe that does not make sense to everyone, but in Bali, according to each owns beliefs, this is a tangible reality.’ In other words, in this world we live alongside another world that can not be seen. Many things happen that does not always follow logic.
Because of that, people would not sit on the Flat Rock, out of respect for the residing presence there. It is a practice of mutual respect to safeguard the harmony between the two worlds.
In the present times, if we go for a walk or sit by the River Camphuan, generally, we will find people enjoying the morning fresh air. Many come to do their exercises with their friends or pets. There is a popular scenic track that begins from this location. Every day the Flat Rocks and the River is visited by many people from different countries.Perhaps they might feel a peaceful calm there.
People go to the River Camphuan, for specific purpose or just happen to pass by. Regardless of which, many are often seen to wet their heads with the water from where the two rivers merge. Because they believe the water brings blessing and purification to them.
People go to this river to release the symbolic remnants of a loved one. That ceremony is the last ceremony of a person’s life. It is called Nyekah.
There were not many cars, it is as though, it felt still very calm and assuring, when we go there. There were still a lot of rice fields and the area was very clean. A very peaceful and cooling atmosphere. Although it is beautiful today, those changes were noticeable. The impact from drastic increase in congestion.
Since the Covid Pandemic disaster came to Bali, there is a positive perspective one can see.We are given an opportunity to think and reflect. Because the reality today, the River Camphuan has returned to same pristine, peaceful and calming atmosphere that I remember from years ago. Since we visited there these past weeks, it can be felt, the positive changes that is present in the Nature here.