Sometimes we do not realize that our district or village has an amazing story. If we want to explore more from our local community, we may be surprised to know something we never know before. The beauty of a place in our village hides unspoken or even forgotten tale.
This time, as the opening of my fun English educational blog, I want to share a legend of a cave that is located in the border of Senden village-Kampak subdistrict and Pakel village of Watulimo subdistrict. This cave is called Ngerit.
The beauty of Ngerit can be felt as we step our feet to the surrounding of this place. The majestic stone garden and stone cliff dominate the view. The stream and scattered rocks add the magic of this place. Well, as we all know, almost everything in our area has story, now please enjoy the legend of Ngerit cave.
The Legend of Ngerit Cave
Long time ago, in the deep forest of Trenggalek, in the southern part of East Java, did live a very beautiful woman. Reputedly, she was a daughter of a king from Kediri. This beautiful young lady was known as Putri Ngerit.
This princess was the youngest among three brothers. Each brother got a different place as a king in Java Island, while she was commanded to lead the south sea of Java. She had to rule all the creatures resided in the south sea. Therefore, she meditated in the jungle of Trenggalek to gain the power and wisdom.
Meanwhile, in Pakel village of Watulimo lived a village headman. His name was Demang Tangar. He was a nobleman and the offspring of a noble from Banten, West Java. As a religious man, he wanted to build a mosque in his territory. So, he went to the jungle to find the best wood for his mosque. Unlike other people did, Ki Demang Tangar looked for the wood at night. He thought that the silence of the night was the best time to find the best wood. It was because the nature was calmer and more peaceful at night.
In the middle of his search, Ki Demang Tangar heard a faint sound of a melodious song sung by a woman. He did not believe what he heard, so he tried to find who was singing. After a while, the beautiful song he heard was disturbed by the random sound of women pounding rice. He was so angry because it was not at the right time. He shouted and cursed, “Hey uncivilized women! It is not the time to play mortar at night. Listen… YOU WILL BE OLD MAIDEN AND YOU CAN’T FIND YOUR SOULMATE.” Because of his curse, many women in this place become spinsters. Later the village was called Mbawuk which means very old and virgin.
Ki Demang Tangar continued his search until dawn broke. Finally, he met the one who sang that heartbreaking song. He was amazed by her beauty and fell in love at once. To this beautiful princess, Ki Demang Tangar asked, “Oh young lady, who are you? And what are you doing here?”
The princess answered, “I am a wanderer, and here I am meditating to forge my body and soul so I can rule the south sea.”
Ki Demang said, “Why would you be a ruler of all kinds of genies, ghosts, and horrible things? You can live in prosperity if you become my wife.”
“No thank you, stranger. It is the command of my father to be the ruler of the south sea. I can’t be your wife. It is my way of life,” said Putri Ngerit.
Being rejected did not make Ki Demang Tangar gave up. He kept on persuading the princess. At last, to stop the effort of this man, Putri Ngerit mentioned a requirement. She would be his wife if Ki Demang could make her a majestic hermitage that was fragrant and full of flower.
Ki Demang Tangar then prayed to God. He begged to God to give what putri Ngerit wanted. Surprisingly, God granted Ki Demang’s prayer. Magically, there stood a huge stone garden that was beautiful and full of flower above a river. And this place later was known as Princess Ngerit Cave or goa Ngerit. After having what she asked, Putri Ngerit went into the cave and continued her meditation. She asked Ki Demang Tangar to wait for 40 days. Being overwhelmed by joy, Ki Demang Tangar did not realize that it was only Putri Ngerit’s trick to avoid him. And this expectation continued forever until no one knows.
If you are interested in exploring more you can directly go to this place. Witness the beauty of pure nature which is rich in history. Here, I post a video in Bahasa in order that you can feel the gorgeous panorama of Ngerit.
source: www.bioz.tv (youtube: https://youtu.be/2GdIoHQXO7Q)
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