Once upon a time, in the lush and prosperous land of Bogor, West Java, there was a great kingdom called Pakuan Pajajaran. The kingdom was ruled by a wise and powerful king, Prabu Siliwangi. He had a beloved queen and several concubines, each of whom bore him children. Among them, the most cherished was Princess Kandita, the daughter of the queen.
Princess Kandita was exceptionally beautiful, a reflection of her mother’s grace and elegance. Her beauty, however, was not just skin deep—she was also known for her kindness, wisdom, and gentle heart. She treated everyone with respect, from the nobles of the court to the common folk of the kingdom. Her warmth and generosity made her deeply loved by the people.
Prabu Siliwangi adored Princess Kandita more than any of his other children. He saw great potential in her and believed that one day, she would make an excellent queen. To prepare her for this future, he gave her special attention, teaching her the ways of leadership and governance.
However, the king’s favoritism did not go unnoticed. The concubines and their children, consumed by envy, grew resentful. They saw Princess Kandita as an obstacle to their own ambitions and began plotting against her. Their goal was cruel and heartless—they wanted her banished from the palace forever!
One of the concubines, driven by jealousy, sought the help of a wicked witch. She pleaded with the witch to create a deadly poison, offering her a hefty sum of gold in return. The witch, known for her dark magic, agreed and handed over a powerful potion.
With wicked intent, the concubine laced the princess’s food with the poison, ensuring that her beauty and favor would be destroyed. But fate took a cruel turn—the queen, unaware of the evil plan, shared the meal with her beloved daughter. And so, both the queen and Princess Kandita unknowingly consumed the poison that would change their lives forever…
Not long after consuming the poisoned food, the queen and Princess Kandita began to suffer from a mysterious illness. Angry red spots appeared all over their bodies, and a foul odor soon followed, spreading through the palace halls. The once-radiant princess and her graceful mother now looked weak and unwell.
Alarmed by their condition, Prabu Siliwangi immediately summoned the kingdom’s most skilled healers, hoping to find a cure. However, despite their best efforts, no remedy could ease their suffering. Days turned into weeks, and the queen’s condition worsened.
Weakened by the illness, the queen could barely move. Her once-bright eyes dulled, and her voice became faint. The palace was filled with sorrow as the people prayed for her recovery. But fate was cruel—one fateful night, the queen took her last breath.
Her passing sent a wave of grief across the kingdom. Prabu Siliwangi mourned deeply, his heart shattered by the loss of his beloved queen. Princess Kandita, devastated, wept for her mother, unable to accept that she was gone. The people of Pakuan Pajajaran, who had adored their kind and gentle queen, also grieved, their hearts heavy with sorrow.
But while the kingdom mourned, the concubines saw an opportunity. Seizing the moment, they whispered poison into the king’s ear, twisting the situation to their advantage.
One of them stepped forward, her voice filled with feigned concern. "Your Majesty, we fear for the people. What if this illness spreads? If the princess’s disease is contagious, many will suffer… perhaps even die! We must act before it is too late."
Prabu Siliwangi frowned, troubled by their words. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Another concubine stepped in, lowering her voice as if sharing a terrible secret. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but we cannot allow the princess to remain in the palace. If we wish to protect the people, we must ask her to leave."
The concubines continued their manipulations, their words persistent, their pleas relentless. Their voices echoed in the king’s mind, filling him with doubt and fear.
At last, weary and brokenhearted, Prabu Siliwangi gave in. With great reluctance, he called for his daughter.
When Princess Kandita stood before him, her face still bearing the marks of illness, his heart ached. But with a heavy sigh, he spoke the words that would change her fate forever.
"My daughter… you must leave the palace."
Tears welled in Princess Kandita’s eyes, her heart breaking at her father’s decision. But she did not protest. She was a dutiful daughter, and more than anything, she loved her people. If leaving the palace meant keeping them safe, then she would go.
With a final glance at her home, Princess Kandita turned away, stepping into the unknown—alone, exiled, and carrying the weight of betrayal upon her shoulders.
With a heavy heart, Princess Kandita left the palace, walking aimlessly toward the unknown. She wandered for days, her body weak from illness and exhaustion. Despite her sorrow, she pressed on, determined to find a new purpose beyond the walls of her father’s kingdom.
At last, she reached the southern coast, where the vast ocean stretched endlessly before her. The waves crashed against the shore, whispering secrets in the wind. This was the Southern Sea, a place of mystery and power.
Overcome by fatigue, Princess Kandita collapsed onto the soft, warm sand. The salty breeze caressed her face as she drifted into a deep sleep.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through her dreams. "Your illness can be cured. Surrender yourself to the sea—let its waters embrace you, and you shall be restored."
Startled, the princess opened her eyes and looked around. But there was no one in sight. Only the waves moved before her, rising and falling in a rhythmic dance.
She hesitated. Could this voice be real? Or was it merely a trick of her weary mind? But as she sat there, staring at the vast waters, a realization dawned upon her. She had already tried every medicine, every remedy—none had worked. This might be her only chance.
With newfound determination, Princess Kandita stepped forward. She took a deep breath and leaped into the sea!
The moment her body touched the water, a miracle occurred. The red spots that had cursed her skin faded away, dissolving into the waves. The foul odor vanished, replaced by the fresh scent of the ocean. Energy surged through her veins, and when she emerged from the water, she was completely healed.
She gasped, touching her smooth, unblemished skin. It was true—the sea had saved her!
Joy filled her heart, but as she looked back toward the land, she felt no desire to return to the palace. She had been betrayed, cast out by those who should have protected her. Why go back to a place that no longer welcomed her?
Instead, she gazed at the boundless ocean, its waves calling to her like an old friend. This was where she belonged now. Princess Kandita chose to stay in the sea, claiming it as her new kingdom.
Word of her transformation spread across the land. People whispered of the princess who now ruled the Southern Sea, more powerful than ever. Suitors, enchanted by her beauty and strength, traveled from distant kingdoms, hoping to win her heart.
But Princess Kandita was no ordinary woman. She declared that she would only marry a man who could defeat her in battle. "If you can best me, you shall have my hand. But if you fail, you will swear loyalty to me and serve in my kingdom beneath the waves."
One by one, the princes came. One by one, they fell.
None could match her skill, her power, her grace. And so, her army grew, filled with warriors who had once sought to claim her as their bride.
To this day, people believe that Princess Kandita still reigns beneath the waves, ruling over the Southern Sea with wisdom and strength. She is known by a new name, one whispered with both reverence and fear—
"Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Java Sea."
Moral Messages
The story of Princess Kandita, who later became known as Nyi Roro Kidul, carries several moral messages:
-
Resilience in Adversity – Despite facing betrayal, illness, and exile, Princess Kandita did not give up. She embraced her fate and transformed her suffering into strength, teaching us to endure challenges and find inner strength.
-
Kindness and True Nobility – Kandita was not only beautiful but also kind, wise, and beloved by her people. True nobility comes not from status but from one’s character and how they treat others.
-
Jealousy and Its Consequences – The concubines’ jealousy led to deceit and harm, showing that envy and greed can destroy relationships and lead to misfortune.
-
Destiny and Transformation – Kandita’s journey symbolizes transformation—what seems like a curse can lead to a greater purpose. Sometimes, hardships push us toward our true destiny.
-
Nature’s Power and Spiritual Connection – The sea healed Kandita, emphasizing the mystical and healing power of nature. This also reflects Indonesia’s deep spiritual connection with natural elements.
