When Two Landmasses Are Separated: The Legend of Manik Angkeran and the Formation of the Bali Strait
Manik Angkeran, a wise Brahmin boy, fell prey to the lure of gambling, squandering all his wealth on risky bets. His insatiable greed leads him down a dark path, making him blindfolded with wealth until his greed makes a huge change and transformation.
In ancient times, in the kingdom of Daha, there lived a wise brahmin named Sidi Mantra. He was known as a very respected and wise man. One day, Sang Hyang Widya, or Betara Guru, gave him a gift of gold and a beautiful woman to be his wife. From their marriage, they were blessed with a child named Manik Angkeran.
Although Manik Angkeran was smart and clever, he had a bad habit of being addicted to gambling, especially cockfighting. His addiction caused him to lose often and get into debt. When his debts piled up and could not be repaid, Manik Angkeran asked his father, Sidi Mantra, for help.
Sidi Mantra fasted and prayed for help from the gods. During his prayers, he heard a mysterious voice telling him about the treasure guarded by Naga Besukih in the crater of Mount Agung. The treasure was in the form of gold and precious gems.
Knowing this, Sidi Mantra decided to travel from Java to Bali, passing through forests and mountains, facing various obstacles to reach Mount Agung. Upon arrival, he summoned Naga Besukih using a clapper and a mantra. Naga Besukih appeared and asked about the purpose of Sidi Mantra's arrival. After hearing the explanation, Naga Besukih gave Sidi Mantra a large amount of gold and jewels.
Naga Besukih guarded the treasure on Mount Agung. (Sumber:Koleksi Pribadi)
Sidi Mantra returned home and gave the entire treasure to Manik Angkeran in the hope that he would stop gambling. Instead, Manik Angkeran spent the entire treasure on bets in a short time, and went back into debt. He asked his father for more gold and jewels, but Sidi Mantra refused this time.
Not giving up, Manik Angkeran heard from his friend about the treasure on Mount Agung and tried to get it himself. He sneaked into his father's room, stole the clapper used to summon the Naga Besukih, and went to Mount Agung without knowing the correct prayer or mantra.
When he arrived at Mount Agung, Manik Angkeran rang the clapper he had stolen and summoned Naga Besukih. Naga Besukih appeared and offered treasure, on the condition that Manik Angkeran promised not to gamble anymore. However, when he saw Naga Besukih's gold-plated tail, Manik Angkeran was tempted to get more. He took his sword and cut off Naga Besukih's tail.
The battle between Manik Angkeran and Naga Besukih. (Sumber:Koleksi Pribadi)
Immediately afterwards, Naga Besukih was enraged and attacked Manik Angkeran with a powerful blast of fire, leaving Manik Angkeran dead and in ashes.
Sidi Mantra, who heard about his son's death, was very sad. He went back to Naga Besukih and begged for his son to be revived. Naga Besukih agreed as long as his tail was returned. With his magic, Sidi Mantra returned the dragon's tail and Naga Besukih fulfilled his promise by reviving Manik Angkeran.
Bali Strait, the separation between Java and Bali Island. (Sumber:Koleksi Pribadi)
Manik Angkeran came back to life and apologized, promising to stop gambling. However, Sidi Mantra realized that they could no longer live together. “You must start a new life, but not here,” Sidi Mantra said, then disappeared. Where they were standing, a water source appeared, which grew bigger and bigger until it formed a sea.
With his staff and magic, Sidi Mantra drew a dividing line that eventually became known as the Bali Strait, separating Java from Bali.
