Long ago, in the land of Banten, there lived a wealthy merchant named Ki Sarmin. His house was large, his fields were fertile, and his storehouses were always full. Yet despite his wealth, Ki Sarmin never looked down on others. He was known throughout the villages as a kind and generous man.
Whenever a farmer suffered a poor harvest, Ki Sarmin would lend him rice. Whenever a traveler needed shelter, his doors were open. Because of his kindness, the people loved and respected him.
One year, however, a great misfortune fell upon Ki Sarmin.
Without warning, both of his legs became paralyzed. He could no longer walk or stand. Many healers came to examine him. Herbal medicines were prepared, prayers were offered, and traditional treatments were tried, but nothing worked.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.
Although he was saddened by his condition, Ki Sarmin refused to give up hope.
"If this illness is a test," he often said, "then I must face it with patience."
Each day he prayed for strength and healing.
One night, while he slept, he had a strange dream.
In the dream, an old man with a long white beard appeared before him. His eyes shone like stars in the darkness.
"Ki Sarmin," the old man said gently, "go to the foothills of Mount Karang. There you will find a hollow stone. Sit upon it and meditate for forty days and forty nights. When your meditation is complete, a hot spring will emerge from the stone. Bathe in its waters, and your illness will be cured."
When Ki Sarmin awoke, he dismissed the dream as imagination.
Yet the following night, the same old man appeared again and repeated the message.
On the third night, the dream returned once more.
Ki Sarmin realized this was no ordinary dream.
"I must follow this guidance," he said.
The next morning, he began his journey toward Mount Karang.
The road was long and difficult. Because he could not walk properly, every step required tremendous effort. Sometimes he crawled. Sometimes he used a wooden stick to support himself. Rain soaked his clothes, and the mountain paths were steep and slippery.
Many times he felt exhausted.
Many times he wanted to turn back.
But he remembered the old man's words and continued onward.
At last, after many days of travel, he reached the foothills of Mount Karang.
Dense forests surrounded him. Mist drifted between the trees, and the cries of distant birds echoed through the valleys.
For days he searched.
Then one afternoon, he discovered a large concave stone hidden among the trees.
"This must be the place," he whispered.
Ki Sarmin climbed onto the stone and began his meditation.
The days passed slowly.
During the first nights, cold winds howled through the forest.
Later, strange sounds surrounded him. He heard whispers among the trees and saw shadows moving through the darkness. Sometimes it seemed as though unseen creatures were watching him.
Fear crept into his heart.
But Ki Sarmin remained steadfast.
"I have come this far," he said. "I will not abandon my purpose."
The disturbances grew stronger as the fortieth night approached.
Thunder shook the mountains.
Lightning flashed across the sky.
Yet Ki Sarmin continued his meditation with courage and faith.
Finally, the fortieth day arrived.
As the first rays of morning sunlight touched the forest, Ki Sarmin opened his eyes.
His meditation was complete.
Slowly, he stepped down from the hollow stone.
Suddenly, the earth trembled.
A rumbling sound rose from beneath the ground.
Then, to his amazement, hot water burst forth from the center of the stone.
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| When Ki Sarmin's meditation came to an end, a miraculous hot spring burst from Batu Kuwung, bringing hope and healing. |
Steam swirled into the cool mountain air.
The spring flowed clear and warm.
Remembering the old man's instructions, Ki Sarmin entered the water and bathed in it.
The warmth spread through his body.
A strange energy filled his limbs.
When he emerged from the spring, he felt stronger than he had in years.
Carefully, he moved one leg.
Then the other.
His eyes widened.
His legs responded perfectly.
He took a step.
Then another.
Soon he was walking freely once again.
"My legs are healed!" he cried with joy.
Kneeling beside the spring, Ki Sarmin offered thanks for the miracle he had received.
He returned home and told everyone about the mysterious stone and the healing spring at Mount Karang.
People traveled from distant villages to see the place for themselves. Many came seeking peace, blessings, and healing.
Over time, the miraculous stone became famous throughout Banten.
The people called it Batu Kuwung, or the Rainbow Stone, and the hot spring that emerged from it continues to be remembered in local legend to this day.
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