Legenda Putri Mandalika | Cerita Rakyat Lombok | Kisah Nusantara
true nobility shines through kindness, not arrogance.
Once upon a time, in the country of Tonjeng Beru, there was a kingdom called the Sekar Kuning kingdom, which was located on the coast facing the Indian Ocean. The king's name was Raden Pandji Kusuma, commonly known as the king of Tonjeng Beru. He had a wife named Dewi Seranting. Both of them ruled wisely, ensuring that their people lived prosperously and happily. The happiness of the palace family and all the people increased after the empress gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Mandalika.
Princess Mandalika grew up to be a polite and humble girl who loved her people very much. She was always willing to help the people with her own hands, without considering her noble status. "Thank you, Princess Mandalika," a young boy would say. To which she would respond, "Yes, little brother, you're welcome." The admiration for Princess Mandalika was evident, as another child exclaimed, "Wow, Mandalika's daughter is beautiful! I'm sure Mandalika's daughter is the best daughter!"
"Thank you, little sister. I always try to do the best for my people," Mandalika would reply. Young girls expressed their aspirations, saying, "I want to be a princess like the princess when I grow up." Mandalika encouraged them, saying, "That is a good idea. But the most important thing is that you become the kind and loving person you are now." The children would promise, "I will try to be a good person, princess," to which she would affirm, "I'm sure you will be an extraordinary person." Their exchanges reflected the deep bond between Princess Mandalika and her people, showcasing why she was so loved and proud of them.
As word of Princess Mandalika's beauty and noble character spread beyond the kingdom, many princes from other realms became interested in marrying her. One day, a prince arrived at the Sekar Kuning palace. "Welcome, prince, to the Sekar Kuning palace. I am really happy to have guests from a faraway country," King Raden Pandji Kusuma greeted him. The prince replied, "Greetings, King Tonjeng Beru. Long distance does not prevent me from meeting Your Majesty. And thank you very much for the warm welcome."
Curious about the prince's intentions, the king asked, "If I may ask, what is the prince's purpose in visiting our country?" The prince humbly responded, "Forgive your noble servant. So far, I have heard news about Princess Mandalika. Not only is she beautiful, but she also has a very noble character." The king inquired further, "Yes, then?" The prince continued, "The purpose of my arrival is to propose to Princess Mandalika if Your Majesty is willing. I intend to make Princess Mandalika empress."
"As a father, I would be very honored if Mandalika became empress. However, for this matter, I will discuss it with Mandalika first," the king replied. The prince expressed his gratitude, saying, "Okay, thank you, sire, for being willing to consider my application." The king then offered, "For the time being, the prince can rest first in the palace specifically for royal guests."
Days passed, and it became apparent that not only one prince was interested in Princess Mandalika. Dozens of princes arrived from various countries, all with the same goal: to propose to her. They were handsome, educated, and charismatic, bringing gifts of gold, silk cloth, and regional delicacies to win her heart. The pile of gifts accumulated in the princess's room. However, instead of feeling happy, all these beautiful objects became a burden for Princess Mandalika.
Recognizing the situation, King Tonjeng Beru held a meeting with the empress and their daughter. "My daughter, of course you already know that many princes have come from various countries and are now in our palace. This is not normal," he stated. Mandalika responded, "Yes, father, of course I have heard about it! So what is the purpose of their visit here?" The king explained, "They are here to propose to you, my daughter! However, I cannot choose which prince to accept. I will leave this decision to you." The empress added, "Mandalika, mother and father will approve of whoever the prince you choose!"
Mandalika replied, "Okay mother, I can't give you any answer yet because I don't know who they are. I'll try to see them later tonight." While waiting for her decision, all the princes who had arrived were in the guest-only palace, eagerly discussing their chances.
"Princess Mandalika will definitely choose me; my father was a great king who controlled the northern region!" one prince boasted. Another chimed in, "Oh... No way! I am the only crown prince of the eastern kingdom, famous for its abundant food production. Of course, the princess will choose me. Don't forget, I have a strong navy." A third prince interjected, "Hey hey hey... it's not that easy; my father is the ruler of the west. You guys are nothing. My wealth is abundant, and all my people are prosperous. The princess will definitely choose me."
Princess Mandalika, who had been observing, was taken aback by the arrogant and childish attitudes of the princes, who were praising themselves and denigrating other kingdoms. As their conversation grew more heated, it became increasingly cruel. "If you are chosen, I am sure that my troops will attack your kingdom," one prince threatened. "You think I'm afraid to face you? My troops have more complete weapons! It's really easy to flatten your kingdom," another retorted. The tension escalated as one prince declared, "If I am not elected, then I swear, all my father's war fleet will destroy this country. I will burn the earth until there is nothing left. Hahaha..."
Princess Mandalika, witnessing the hostility, felt a deep concern for her kingdom and the future that lay ahead.
True leadership is not about power or wealth; it's about selflessness and the courage to choose peace over conflict.
Hey hey hey... it's not that easy. My father is the ruler of the west; you guys are nothing. My wealth is abundant, and all my people are prosperous. The princess will definitely choose me."
The princess, who had been observing, was surprised to see the arrogant and childish attitude of the princes who were praising themselves and denigrating other kingdoms. The longer their conversation became, the more cruel it became.
"If you are chosen, I am sure that my troops will attack your kingdom."
"You think I'm afraid to face you? My troops have more complete weapons! It's really easy to flatten your kingdom."
"If I am not elected, then I swear, all my father's war fleet will destroy this country. I will burn the earth until there is nothing left. Hahaha..."
"If you dare to disturb Mandalika's daughter, step over my corpse first!"
"You two, never mind. I will definitely be chosen, so you don't need to waste your energy and time."
Disappointed by what she witnessed, Princess Mandalika returned to her room while shedding tears. Now, Princess Mandalika was not only confused but also afraid of making the wrong decision. In reality, all the proposals weren't just about her; they were also about war, which could make all people suffer.
The Princess finally negotiated again with her father and mother. The King and Queen also felt the same way as Princess Mandalika; they were also confused. Until her father suggested that Princess Mandalika go ask the Almighty Creator for guidance. Whatever answer they get, the King and Queen will accept and support it.
The Princess departed for the cliffs of Seger Beach to meditate. "Huh... That's it!" After three days of meditation, the princess returned to the royal palace. She also gathered the princes.
"Will we get the answer, princess?"
"Oh... It's really beautiful, worthy of being my queen."
"Ehhhh, the princess definitely chose me!"
"We can't wait to hear your answer, princess!"
Princess Mandalika just smiled sweetly. "Okay, princes, thank you for being here. I just want to let you know that early tomorrow morning, come to the cliffs of Seger Beach. I will give you the answer there."
All the princes didn't understand what the princess meant. However, they unanimously agreed to the Princess's wish. The long-awaited day arrived, and this news spread among the people of the Sekar Kuning kingdom. The Seger Beach area was filled with residents who were curious about Princess Mandalika's answer.
The princess arrived accompanied by her parents. She looked stunning in the colorful silk dress she wore. Her long hair flowed beneath the crown, and her eyes looked firm but calm. After seeing the princes, Princess Mandalika walked alone, heading to the cliff where she had meditated. This made her visible in the crowd.
“Princes, listen carefully to what I have to say, because I will not repeat it. I don't want bloodshed and the countries in Lombok going to war with each other. I just want the people of our country to live prosperously, safely, and peacefully. I really can't bear to see war and hostility. You princes will certainly still be able to live comfortably. However, remember the fate of your people. It is the people who are always the victims and suffer as a result of war. Because of that, I decided to accept all of your proposals. That is my decision, and this decision is to spare innocent people from the cruelty of war.
Mother…. Father….. Thank you for raising me with love. I don't feel filial enough to repay the kindness of both of you. But fate has already decided. For the good of us all. Later, colorful Nyale will appear on this beach. Let the people take it. They can cook it or sprinkle it on their rice fields and fields. Goodbye, mother, father."
Everyone present did not understand what the Princess was saying. Suddenly, Princess Mandalika faced the ocean and then plunged into the sea.
"Mandalika......"
"My daughter..."
"Hah... Princess Mandalika!"
"Princess...!"
Big waves came to greet and swallow her body. Seeing his beloved daughter fall into the sea, the king immediately threw himself into the water, followed by the princes and all the people who gathered on Seger beach.
"Save my daughter, search until we find her."
"Where is your princess!"
Everyone tried to save the princess, but no one found her. Princess Mandalika had decided to merge with the ocean. When everyone was tired of looking for the Princess, suddenly thousands of colorful worm-like animals appeared from the sea. The worms were the same color as the cloth worn by Princess Mandalika, causing many people to be fooled and catch them.
The King and Queen finally realized that the beautiful colored worms were the incarnation of their daughter, who had sacrificed for the people. The king ordered the people to collect the worms and take them home. Some of them were cooked, and some were sown into paddy fields or fields so that the plants would grow well, as Princess Mandalika wished.
Meanwhile, the princes returned home without bringing the empress. However, they became leaders who appreciated, respected, and were willing to sacrifice for their people, just like the Princess. Every year, on the 20th day of the 10th month of the Sasak calendar, the "Bau Nyale" ceremony is held to honor the good and wise Princess Mandalika.