I Cangak: The Lie behind Sanctity
Pedanda Baka, a greedy crane pretended to be a holy priest and utilized his skill in lying. Pedanda Baka manages to trick all the inhabitants of the lake until only one creature, a clever crab, realizes his evil intentions. After gathering evidence of Pedanda Baka's crimes, the crab finally fights for justice. Will Pedanda Baka pay the price for his actions?
In a quiet and beautiful place, there is a small lake called Telaga Kumudawati. The water is very clear, allowing us to see the bottom of the lake which is filled with life. In this lake, various types of creatures such as crabs, frogs and fish live in peace and harmony.
Life Of Telaga Kumudawati (source: Personal collection)
In addition to the abundance of fish, this small lake is also a gathering place for various birds that perch around it. However, among the various birds, there is a crane known as Pedanda Baka which has a very greedy and lustful nature. Pedanda Baka's presence at the edge of the lake creates a sense of threat among the fish, as the crane constantly tries to prey on them and their families.
Pedanda Baka as a holy figure (source: private collection)
Pedanda Baka's evil intentions first surfaced when he began to deceive the fish by pretending to be a holy figure wearing earrings, Ganitri and Ketu accessories and practicing mabrata, no longer preying on the fish. This new behavior amazed the fish and they agreed to appoint him as Dang Guru, hoping to receive the right teachings and guidance.
Seeing the happiness that enveloped them, Pedanda believed that his carefully devised ruse would succeed. Until, when Pedanda Baka was perched on the edge of the pond he suddenly burst into tears and in a stammering voice said that he had just heard the news that the drought in Telaga Kumudawati would soon come to take away all its contents, namely the fish brothers.
Although Pedanda Baka's words seemed full of sadness, they were actually a deception that could harm the fish. However, the fish did not realize the evil intent behind Pedanda Baka's words. As a result, all the fish pleaded for salvation with sad and hopeful faces. Pedanda Baka then replied in a soothing tone to the fish to go to a very clear pond called Andhawana, owned by Ida Sang Hyang Rudra.
Receiving information and direction from Pedanda Baka, the fish felt confident and ready to surrender themselves completely, without realizing that they were being tricked. Pedanda Baka, with his skillful speech, managed to convince the fish that they would be moved to a better and safer place. In fact, they became very enthusiastic and competed with each other to be the first to be moved.
The Crimes of Pedanda Baka at the Andhawana Pond (source: Personal Collection)
Pedanda Baka, the clever crane, nimbly and deftly carried the fish using his feet and mouth and flew to the top of the mountain. On the way, Pedanda Baka carefully managed each step to ensure that all the fish were transported and moved successfully.
At the top of the mountain, a large rock whose surface shines beautifully in the sunlight. Every day, Pedanda Baka, would come to this location to perform his daily routine of preying on fish. The fish that wandered around the area were often unaware of the danger. Careless or directionless, they can easily get trapped and head towards the spot designated for them, not realizing that they are heading towards a terrible fate that has been carefully planned by Pedanda Baka.
The Crab and Pedanda Baka (source: Personal Collection)
Now, in the lake that was once rich in life, there is almost nothing left as most have been moved to the top of the mountain by Pedanda Baka. There is only one remaining inhabitant of the lake, a clever and tenacious crab. Although the lake now feels desolate and has lost the diversity of life that once existed, the crab continues to stay in the same place, bearing silent witness to the great changes that have taken place and remaining a part of the slowly changing ecosystem.
The Crab, feeling the need to test Pedanda Baka's intentions, decided to make a pact. In the agreement, the Crab requested to be escorted to Taman Bhatawati, a location believed to be a place that could provide further enlightenment on the true nature of Pedanda Baka. Realizing that with his limited legs he would not be able to make the journey efficiently, the Crab requested that he be hung around the Cangak's neck for the duration of their journey.
As they neared their intended destination, the Crab began to look around carefully and suddenly, his gaze fell on a wide, shiny rock in the distance, and on the rock were scattered fish bones, the remains of Pedanda Baka's prey.
After witnessing the evidence of Pedanda Baka's cruel crimes, the Crab felt a burning rage. The Crab began to clamp Pedanda Baka's neck tightly. In a state of pain and helplessness, Pedanda Baka in a tone full of regret and fear apologized, admitted his mistake, and hoped to be given a chance to correct his actions.
The Death of Pedanda Baka (source: Private collection)
Upon their arrival at the center of the Manasara Park pond, the Crab prepared himself to carry out his planned action. Pedanda Baka, meanwhile, was still in a pinch, waiting with anxiety and uncertainty about what would happen next. Once the Crab was sure of his decision, he immediately carried out his action. In a very strategic position, the crab clamped down on Pedanda Baka's neck with great force. The powerful grip finally severed Pedanda Baka's neck.
Shortly after, Pedanda Baka passed away. Thus, Pedanda Baka's life came to a tragic end, as a result of his evil deeds, where Pedanda Baka who deceived the fish and other creatures now reaped the consequences. His evil actions brought consequences that matched his crimes.
