The History Of Nusa Penida In The Complete Royal Period With Legends And Myths

Illustration of Nusa Penida (djkn.kemenkeu.go.id)

YOGYAKARTA The history of Nusa Penida is interesting to talk about. The reason is, Nusa Penida is not only known as an island with beautiful views, but is rich in spiritual value. This article will provide information about the island of Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is one of the islands administratively located in Klungkung Regency, Bali. This island is located on the southeast side of Bali with the Badung Strait as a separator. The history of the island of Nusa Penida is quite long.

Reporting from the nusappenida.org site, the history of the island of Nusa Penida began in the 10th century. The story of Nusa Penida in the past was found in Pilar Belanjong which contained an inscription. The inscriptions are thought to have been made in 914 AD. In Prasasti, Sri Kesari Warmadewa carried out a military expedition and finally succeeded in conquering Nusa Penida.

Initially, the residents who lived on the island fought back against the military expeditions of the Balinese kings. However, the resistance was successfully extinguished in the second half of the 17th century. Nusa Penida was finally defeated during the Gelger Dynasty. During the conquest, Dalem Bungkut, the king of Nusa Penida, died and made him the last king to rule Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is not only rich in historical value, the island is also rich in myths and legends. One of the legends that tells the history of Nusa Penida is the story of Ida Bhatara Siwa with his wife, Dewi Uma.

It was told that one day Ida Bhatara Siwa came down from Siwa Lokha to Earth, precisely on the mainland of Mount Mundi. Both are transformed into human embodiments. Ida Bhatara Siwa was transformed into a Pandita (Pendeta) with the title of Hamlet Jumpungan, while Dewi Uma became a woman named Ni Puri, the wife of Dukuh Jumpungan.

On earth, both of them have 150 followers. The followers also became human beings. From this story, it was later believed that Ida Bhatara Siwa, his wife, and followers who had transformed into humans were the initial occupants of Nusa Penida. The name Nusa Penida itself is believed to come from the 'Manusa Pandita' which is the incarnation of Ida Bhatara Siwa.

The conquest of Nusa Penida is also inseparable from the myths related to spiritual power. It is said that Nusa Penida in the past was inhabited by many magicians. One of the strongest magicians at that time was known as Jero Gede Macaling. He practiced black magic and spread disease.

However, it is said that Mataling is a Balinese resident who was exiled to Nusa Penida for his black magic practices. Angry at his exile, the witch then took revenge by sending disease and terror to the Balinese people. In fact, the witch tried to send troops to destroy Bali.

The frightened resident finally went to a priest to be given safety. The priest required one way to beat Mataling, namely by bringing in a Barong who was able to expel a strong evil spirit. Mataling's troops were defeated, macaling and his troops were chased to Nusa Penida.

Great leader from the Kingdom of Bali when he then tried to clean Nusa Penida from evil spirits and magic. The spiritual fighting in Nusa Penida was inevitable and ended in victory on the part of the Kingdom of Bali. Since then the island has been named Nusa Penida from the Island of Pastor. Since then, Barong has been considered a protector of magic and evil spirits.

That's information related to the history of Nusa Penida. Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.