Putri Ayu Sundari: The Origins of Palembang and the Power of Love That Bridges Worlds
Palembang >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia
Folklore from South Sumatra
Pesan Moral
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Folklore from South Sumatra
Once upon a time, in the celestial realm high above the earth, there lived a beautiful goddess named Putri Ayu Sundari. Her graceful appearance was matched only by the serene light that followed her wherever she went. Yet, despite the beauty and peace of the heavens, Putri Ayu Sundari seemed restless.
One evening, as she gazed out across the boundless clouds, her father, a wise and kind elder deity, approached her.
"My daughter, I can see that something weighs on your heart. What troubles you?" he asked gently, his voice filled with concern.
Putri Ayu Sundari hesitated, unsure if her desire would seem too trivial to her father. "I have heard stories from the other maidens about a river on earth. They say it is clear, flowing, and lined with lush greenery," she began, a light of longing in her eyes. "Father, may I visit it just once? Just to see its beauty for myself."
The elder deity pondered her request. "I know how much you love the waters, my daughter. You may go, but remember, you are a goddess, and the earthly realm is not our home. You must be careful, and you must not reveal your divine origins. Take some ladies-in-waiting to watch over you and remember to return soon."
"Thank you, Father," said Putri Ayu Sundari, her heart leaping with joy. She embraced him before setting off, her spirit lightened by the thought of her impending adventure.
Descending from the heavens, Putri Ayu Sundari and her ladies-in-waiting gently touched down on earth beside the Musi River. The river was even more enchanting than she had imagined, its waters shimmering like polished glass under the sunlight, framed by towering trees that whispered softly in the breeze. Mesmerized, she decided to build a small, modest home by the river, intending to spend her days in this paradise.
In the beginning, the area around the Musi River was untouched by humans. Only the occasional ship passed by, carrying traders and adventurers. When these travelers spotted the goddess’s house by the river, they were curious and often stopped to rest and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Soon, word spread of the beautiful, tranquil land near the Musi River. One by one, settlers arrived, drawn by the peace of the place. They built homes and cleared land for farming, gradually transforming the area into a small but vibrant village.
Putri Ayu Sundari, though disguised as a mere human, was beloved by the villagers. Her kindness, wisdom, and gentle nature brought comfort to those around her. She taught the villagers about the local plants and herbs, helping them use nature’s gifts to heal minor illnesses and pains. Little did they know that she was a goddess, a divine being in their midst.
One day, a grand ship sailed down the Musi River, its elegant design marking it as belonging to nobility. Aboard the ship was a young prince, who, though handsome and strong, was gravely ill. His soldiers and advisors looked on with worry, fearing for his life. The ship had not planned to stop by the river, but the prince’s health grew worse with each passing hour.
"Do you know of a healer in this place?" a soldier asked the villagers upon docking.
“We don’t have an official healer,” a villager responded, “but there is a wise lady here, the first to live in this land, and she knows many remedies.”
The soldiers followed the villagers to Putri Ayu Sundari’s house. When they explained the prince’s condition, she nodded solemnly.
"Bring him inside," she said, her voice calm and steady. She prepared a mixture of herbs, crushing the leaves and stems with careful precision, and administered it to the prince. Day by day, she nurtured him, attending to his needs with a dedication that impressed everyone around.
The prince slowly regained his strength, and as he recovered, he found himself captivated by the gentle, mysterious healer who had saved his life. She was unlike anyone he had ever met — graceful, wise, and full of quiet strength. As for Putri Ayu Sundari, she, too, felt her heart flutter whenever she was near the prince, sensing a profound connection between them.
When the prince had fully recovered, he approached Putri Ayu Sundari, his heart beating with nervous anticipation.
"My lady," he said, bowing respectfully, "you have saved my life, and in doing so, you have captured my heart. Would you honor me by becoming my wife?"
A radiant smile spread across Putri Ayu Sundari’s face. Though she knew it would mean staying on earth permanently, her love for the prince had grown deep and genuine. She nodded, accepting his proposal, and soon, preparations were underway for their union.
The prince and his soldiers decided to settle in the land alongside Putri Ayu Sundari and the villagers. He named the area Lembang, which in the old Malay language means “lowland,” a fitting name for the lush river valley they called home. Over time, people began referring to the area as "Pa Lembang," using "Pa" to denote the place, meaning "the land of Lembang." Eventually, as generations passed, the name evolved into what we now know as Palembang.
Thus, the city of Palembang was born from the love between a goddess and a mortal, a union of heaven and earth by the banks of the beautiful Musi River.
Pesan Moral
This story teaches us the wisdom of using one’s power for good, the sincerity in helping others, and the strength of love that can bridge any divide. Despite coming from different worlds, the goddess and the man can live together in harmony, showing that peace and love can unite us all. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with nature and one’s community, as these are the foundations of a prosperous and harmonious life.
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