Once upon a time, in the heart of West Java, there stood a peaceful kingdom called Umbul Wening. The name meant “clear spring,” and true to its name, the land was blessed with sparkling waters and lush greenery. The people lived in harmony, led by their wise and caring king, Prabu Ranubahu.
The king had a daughter named Dewi Arum, a princess so beautiful that even the flowers seemed to bloom brighter when she walked by. But Dewi Arum had a peculiar habit—she loved to swim. More than anything else, she loved diving into the cool waters of a sacred pond within the palace gardens. Every day, she would spend hours there, lost in the ripples and reflections, dreaming beneath the open sky.
Although the pond was beautiful, her obsession worried the king and queen. “My dear daughter,” the queen would gently say, “you mustn’t lose yourself in the water. There are royal duties waiting for you.”
But Dewi Arum often forgot everything when she swam—her lessons, her tasks, even mealtimes. This made the king concerned. “A princess must not ignore her responsibilities,” he warned. “You are no longer a child who can play all day!”
One day, the joyful atmosphere in Umbul Wening changed. A mysterious illness began to spread throughout the kingdom. Villagers grew weak and feverish, and no one knew the cause. Prabu Ranubahu was heartbroken to see his people suffer. He immediately summoned the royal healer, hoping for a cure.
But even the palace healer, who had cured many ailments in the past, shook his head in despair. “Your Majesty, I’ve tried all my remedies, but nothing works. This illness is beyond my understanding.”
The king, heartbroken by the suffering of his people, turned to prayer. 🌙 Day after day, night after night, he knelt in silence, whispering his hopes to the skies. “Please,” he pleaded, “show me how to heal my kingdom.”
One night, while asleep in his chamber, Prabu Ranubahu had a strange and vivid dream. In the dream, an old man with a long white beard and a glowing aura appeared before him. His voice was calm and wise, like wind rustling through ancient trees.
“Your Majesty,” the old man said, “there is still hope. Deep within the Krendawahana jungle lies a hidden pond. In that sacred place bloom magical flowers unlike any other. If the princess, Dewi Arum, picks these flowers with a pure heart, the illness will vanish.”
The king awoke with a start. The dream felt so real, so urgent. Without delay, he summoned Dewi Arum to his throne room.
“My daughter,” he said gently, “I had a vision… a message from above. It told me that only you can gather the flowers that will heal our people. They grow in a distant pond, hidden deep in the jungle of Krendawahana.”
Dewi Arum was surprised—but she saw the worry in her father’s eyes and heard the desperation in his voice. Though she had never traveled so far, she nodded bravely. “If I can help, I will go, Father.”
Even so, the king was deeply concerned. The jungle was wild and far from the safety of the palace. Not wanting to send Dewi Arum alone, he ordered several loyal ladies-in-waiting and royal guards to accompany her on the journey. With prayers and blessings, the princess and her companions set out on a path that would change everything.
After a long and difficult journey, Princess Dewi Arum and her ladies-in-waiting finally reached the mysterious Krendawahana jungle. The path was not easy—thorny vines covered the trails, and eerie animal calls echoed through the trees. No one from the palace had ever entered this jungle before. Strange eyes seemed to watch them from the shadows, and the rustling of leaves made them clutch each other in fear. Still, their hearts were filled with hope. They just wanted to find the magical pond, pick the healing flowers, and leave the wild forest behind.
At last, after what felt like forever, they stumbled upon the pond hidden deep within the jungle. It was breathtaking. The water sparkled like glass under the sunlight, and colorful birds fluttered around its edges. The whole place looked like a secret paradise. For a moment, everyone forgot their worries. They stood in silence, mesmerized.
Princess Dewi Arum was especially enchanted. “It’s even more beautiful than the royal pool at home,” she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. Without hesitation, she slipped into the water with a joyful laugh. The cool, crystal-clear water wrapped around her like a gentle embrace, and she swam happily, just like she used to at the palace.
The ladies-in-waiting, though amazed by the beauty, grew more and more anxious. They gently called to her, “Your Highness, please, don’t forget the mission. We must find the flowers and return home.” But Dewi Arum didn’t listen. She was lost in the magic of the pond, swimming for hours, completely forgetting why she came.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, King Prabu Ranubahu was pacing back and forth, worry written all over his face. He couldn’t sleep, and he couldn’t eat. His people were still suffering, and the healing flowers had not yet arrived. Every moment felt like forever.
“I can’t wait any longer,” the king finally said. “I must go after her myself.”
Without hesitation, the king rode deep into the jungle, his heart full of hope and fear. After a long journey, he finally reached the hidden pond—and what he saw made his heart sink.
There, in the shimmering water, was Dewi Arum—still swimming, laughing, completely unaware of how much time had passed. The king’s heart burned with anger and disappointment.
“Dewi Arum!” he shouted. “What are you doing?! Our people are suffering, and you're here playing in the water? I’ve warned you not to neglect your duties! Swimming is fine, but not when it comes before your responsibilities. You were sent here with a purpose!”
His voice shook with emotion. “I’m ashamed… You don’t deserve to return to the palace. If you care more about this pond than your people, then stay here—forever!”
As soon as he spoke those painful words, a strange silence fell.
Suddenly, the water rippled... and Dewi Arum vanished beneath the surface.
In her place bloomed a radiant flower—its petals delicate and glowing softly, as if kissed by moonlight. The king gasped in disbelief.
“No… what have I done?” he whispered, falling to his knees. But it was too late. Dewi Arum was gone—transformed into a beautiful flower, born from her love of water and her unfulfilled duty.
The king picked the flower gently and brought it back to the palace. To everyone’s astonishment, the flower’s presence healed the sick. Joy returned to the kingdom, and the people rejoiced.
They named the flower Seroja/Teratai, or Lotus, in memory of the princess who became both a symbol of sorrow and a source of hope.
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| Dewi Arum’s Spirit in Bloom — A gentle reminder that true beauty blossoms from sacrifice and love. |
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| Pink Lotus |
🌿 Fun Fact – Lotus vs. Water Lily 🌿
Did you know? 🌸
In Indonesia, the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) is commonly called “teratai”. But technically, that’s a mistake! 🌱
The term teratai actually refers to the water lily (Nymphaea spp.), whose flowers float on the water’s surface.
Meanwhile, the lotus stands above the water—tall, graceful, and deeply symbolic in many Asian cultures.
✨ So although we called it “teratai” in this story, the flower that bloomed from Dewi Arum’s spirit is actually the lotus, a sacred bloom born of sacrifice and serenity. 🌺🌊
🌿 Additional Note: Lotus vs. Water Lily in Culture and Healing 🌿
🔹 Lotus (Seroja / Nelumbo nucifera)
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Spiritual Symbolism:
The lotus holds deep significance in Asian cultures, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. In Buddhism and Hinduism, it is often associated with the soul’s journey toward perfection and inner peace. -
Medicinal Uses:
Almost every part of the lotus plant is used in traditional medicine. The rhizome (root) is known to reduce fever, inflammation, and digestive disorders. The seeds are traditionally used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
Reference: PMC Article
🔹 Water Lily (Teratai / Nymphaea spp.)
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Cultural Symbolism:
The water lily is often admired for its beauty and serenity. While it holds aesthetic and poetic value, it is not as deeply tied to spiritual symbolism as the lotus. -
Medicinal Uses:
Some species of water lily are used in traditional remedies for fever, digestive issues, and as a mild sedative. However, they are not as commonly used in traditional healing practices as the lotus.
Reference: PMC Article
🔹 Conclusion
Though the terms “lotus” and “water lily” are often used interchangeably in daily conversation, they represent different plants with distinct roles in culture and healing.
In the tale of Dewi Arum, the magical flower born from her sacrifice is more accurately described as a lotus (seroja) — reflecting a spiritual transformation and her lasting gift of healing to the people.
i took this. thank you..
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