Kala Rau and Dewi Ratih: The Rejected Love and the Origin of the Lunar Eclipse

Once upon a time, in a realm called the Kingdom of Wisnuloka, there stood a majestic and wondrous land. This realm was ruled by Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, who governed with wisdom and compassion. The Kingdom of Wisnuloka was inhabited by gods and beautiful celestial maidens, living in harmony and beauty.

Among the celestial maidens in the Kingdom of Wisnuloka, there was one who was special named Dewi Ratih, also known as the Moon Goddess. Her beauty was like the gentle light of the moon, illuminating the night with elegance. Dewi Ratih was known not only for her beauty but also for her wisdom. She had a heart full of love, and her presence always brought peace to those around her.

Dewi Ratih (Source : Personal Collection)

Although the Kingdom of Wisnuloka was a place of peace and beauty, threats from the outside were always present. The giants residing in the Earth of Balidwipa often targeted the Kingdom of Wisnuloka.

Among these giants, the most terrifying was Kala Rau. He was large and powerful, with a fearsome face. He was also very mighty, surpassing the powers of several gods. Kala Rau threatened to attack the Kingdom of Wisnuloka because his love was rejected by Dewi Ratih, the Moon Goddess.

Kala Rau (Source : Personal Collection)

Lord Vishnu pondered deeply. One solution was to distribute amrita, the elixir of life, to the gods. By drinking the amrita, the gods would be protected from death if Kala Rau attacked the Kingdom of Wisnuloka.

One by one, the gods drank the amrita from the pot. First, it was Lord Iswara, then Lord Sambu, Brahma, Mahadeva, and Sangkara. When it was Lord Kuvera's turn, Lord Vishnu smelled something odd. He sensed something suspicious about Lord Kuvera. Lord Vishnu's suspicion grew as he saw Lord Kuvera drinking the amrita repeatedly.

Suddenly, Lord Vishnu shouted loudly, "YOU ARE NOT THE REAL KUVERA! YOU ARE KALA RAU IN DISGUISE!" His voice echoed throughout Wisnuloka, shaking the tranquility of the kingdom. The gods who heard the shout were astonished and disbelieving. They looked at each other, trying to understand what was happening.

Lord Vishnu shot an arrow at the fake Lord Kuvera's neck. Gradually, Lord Kuvera transformed into Kala Rau. Kala Rau's neck was severed, and his head was separated from his body. The gods immediately discarded Kala Rau's body to the earth. The discarded corpse of Kala Rau turned into a mortar or pounding tool.

Lord Vishnu shot an arrow at Kala Rau's neck (Source: Personal Collection)

Meanwhile, Kala Rau's head, separated from its body, floated around. The head had not yet become a corpse because it had only drunk the amrita up to its throat. Therefore, Kala Rau's head remained alive.

One night, when the full moon shone brightly, Kala Rau's head encountered Dewi Ratih. "Dewi Ratih!" it roared, its voice echoing, "You can no longer escape from me! You cannot reject my strong love. Now, you are mine!" Kala Rau expressed these words with certainty. Dewi Ratih felt a real threat from Kala Rau's words.

The head of Kala Rau meets Dewi Ratih (Source: Personal Collection)

Hearing Kala Rau's words, Dewi Ratih trembled in fear. She felt powerless and unable to escape as Kala Rau's head moved closer, embracing her. As Kala Rau's head drew nearer, Dewi Ratih felt a strong pressure, as if her entire body was being compelled to come closer. Slowly, her graceful and beautiful body began to be swallowed by Kala Rau. With each passing second, Dewi Ratih felt herself being consumed by the terrifying force of Kala Rau, until eventually, her entire existence was engulfed by the monstrous figure.

Kala Rau's head swallows Dewi Ratih (Source: Personal Collection)

The greedy giant believed that Dewi Ratih's body was fully inside his stomach. Kala Rau felt satisfied, thinking he had successfully swallowed Dewi Ratih's entire body. However, the reality was very different from what he imagined. Soon, bit by bit, Dewi Ratih's body began to reappear.

As Dewi Ratih's body was swallowed by Kala Rau's head, the atmosphere in Earth of Balidwipa turned dark. The usually bright sky was suddenly covered by a shadow, creating darkness that enveloped the entire region. This phenomenon made the inhabitants of Earth of Balidwipa believe that the event of Dewi Ratih's body being absorbed by Kala Rau was the cause of the Lunar Eclipse.

Illustration of the Lunar Eclipse in Earth of Balidwipa (Source: Personal Collection)