You searched for: “absolution
ablution, absolution
ablution (ab LYOO shuhn) (noun)
1. A washing of one’s body; washing, bathing, cleaning, bath, lavation: Because of the heat, Pete, a long distance runner, felt the need for more than just one daily ablution.
2. A washing or cleansing as a religious ceremony of purification; ceremonial washing, ritualistic washing: After his ablution in the river, the holy man continued on his journey.
absolution (ab" suh LOO shuhn) (noun)
A freeing from sin, guilt, or blame; or a declaration that frees a person from guilt or punishment for sin: The priest gave absolution to church members which always makes the parishioners feel a great deal better.

There were many visitors to the religious shrine earlier and the water was obviously murky; so, some of the people decided not to take part in the ablution; however, they did participate in the absolution by the religious leader.

absolution (ab" suh LOO shuhn) (s) (noun), absolutions (pl)
1. Forgiveness of sin, guilt, or blame; a declaration that frees a person from guilt or punishment for sin: The priest gave absolution to church members which always made the parishioners feel a great deal better.
2. Release from a duty or promise; a discharge: The soldier obtained absolution from the charges made by a fellow soldier.