Naga Besukih and Manik Angkeran: The Bali Strait Legend of Kindness, Greed, and Responsibility
Edisi Bahasa Indonesia: Naga Besukih
Folklore from Bali
Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Daha, there lived a wise and powerful Brahmin named Empu Sidi Mantra. He was respected throughout the land for his knowledge and spiritual strength. But behind his calm demeanor, a deep worry weighed on his heart—his only son, Manik Angkeran.
“My son… You are clever, blessed with potential. But why do you keep chasing the illusions of gambling?”
— Sidi Mantra spoke with sorrow in his eyes.
Though intelligent, Manik Angkeran was drawn to vice. He had fallen into the world of gambling, and with each passing day, his debts grew deeper. In desperation, he even began to pawn family belongings and seek favors from dishonest men.
Seeing his son lose himself, Sidi Mantra retreated into the forest, fasting and meditating on the slopes of Mount Agung, seeking a way to save him.
In his deep prayer, the mountain trembled, and a sacred voice answered.
From within the heart of the volcano emerged the mythical being Naga Besukih—a dragon of divine origin, its scales shimmering like gold and its breath carrying the scent of sacred incense.
“You seek help for one who is lost,” the dragon said. “Very well. I shall give you gold and gems—but know this: your son must abandon his path of destruction. These treasures are not for the greedy.”
Sidi Mantra bowed in gratitude and brought the treasure home, placing his hope in his son’s redemption.
🐉 The Return to Vice
At first, Manik Angkeran accepted the treasure with humility. But greed lingered like a shadow in his heart. It wasn’t long before he returned to his old habits, gambling away the dragon’s gift and falling even further into debt.
In desperation, he stole his father’s sacred bell, an artifact with the power to summon Naga Besukih, and climbed Mount Agung by himself.
“Just one last time... I promise this will be the end of it,” he whispered, eyes full of hunger and fear.
He rang the bell at the edge of the crater. The ground rumbled. Naga Besukih appeared once more.
“You are not the one who made the pact,” the dragon growled, “But I will grant you a final mercy.”
It released a few more gems from its tail and turned to leave. But Manik Angkeran’s eyes gleamed with desire.
As the dragon turned, he crept forward and cut a portion of its tail, stealing the glimmering stones embedded in its scales.
🔥 The Wrath of Naga Besukih
A deafening roar echoed through the heavens. Storm clouds gathered. Thunder cracked across the sky.
“You dare betray me, human child?!”
— Naga Besukih’s voice roared across the mountain.
The dragon surged forward, unleashing a torrent of flames. Manik Angkeran tried to flee, but the fire consumed him—leaving nothing but a pile of ash and a lingering cry of regret.
🧘♂️ A Father’s Plea
Sidi Mantra, sensing a disturbance, followed his son’s trail and found the sacred bell lying at the mouth of the dragon’s cave.
He dropped to his knees, tears soaking the ground.
“Please… forgive him. He was blinded, not wicked. I beg you, give him another chance.”
Naga Besukih emerged, injured and silent. Its tail—torn and broken—slithered behind it like a scar of betrayal.
“If you can heal what he has broken, I shall restore what you have lost,” the dragon finally said.
With care and reverence, Sidi Mantra gathered sacred herbs and bound the dragon’s wound with chants and holy water. By dawn, the tail was whole once more.
And true to its word, Naga Besukih breathed new life into the ashes.
Manik Angkeran rose from the earth—trembling, dazed, and changed.
“Father… I remember everything. I’m so sorry.”
Sidi Mantra embraced him but said softly,
“My son, I love you. But we can no longer walk the same path.”
🌊 The Birth of a Strait
With a heavy heart, Sidi Mantra planted his staff into the ground and recited a sacred mantra. The earth shook. A great wave of water rose between them.
Thus, the Bali Strait was formed—dividing the land of Java from Bali, separating father from son, the spiritual from the worldly.
🌟 Reflections
This story speaks of:
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The dangers of greed and unchecked desire
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The sacredness of promises and the price of betrayal
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A father’s deep love and difficult choices
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The origins of Bali’s geography rooted in spiritual legacy
Moral Message: Consequences of Bad Habits
The moral of this tale underscores the importance of respecting parental advice, steering clear of detrimental habits, and not succumbing to the allure of wealth. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of owning up to our actions and refraining from seizing what doesn't belong to us. It serves as a reminder of how our actions, whether virtuous or destructive, can significantly impact ourselves and those around us.
Origin of the Besukih Dragon
In the legend of the Bali Strait's origin, Naga Besukih bears resemblances to Basuki from Hindu mythology. Much like Basuki, Naga Besukih is depicted as a formidable creature endowed with mystical abilities. The tale describes Naga Besukih residing in Mount Agung, a revered place. Despite differing renditions regarding appearance and deeds, the parallels with Basuki in Hindu culture reflect the profound influence of Indian mythology on Balinese folklore.
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| Dragon and Volcano |
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