The story of Mpu Kala and the Guardian of the Naga Loka Cave, Gunung Lesung

In the middle of the island of Bali, which is rich in culture and mysticism, there is a place that not only offers natural beauty, but also holds a legend full of moral messages and wisdom. This legend tells the story of a wise old priest named Mpu Kala, and his relationship with the great mythical creature, Naga Loka, the guardian of Mount Lesung. This story lives on in folk tales told from generation to generation in villages around the mountain, reminding everyone of the importance of maintaining the balance of nature and respecting greater powers.

village at the foot of Mount Lesung (Source: Personal Collection)

In ancient times, the villages around Mount Lesung lived in peace and harmony. The residents are farmers who depend on the fertility of the soil provided by the mountain. They live simply, but happily, because nature always provides what they need. They believe that nature is a gift from the gods, and therefore they always respect nature with ceremonies that are carried out regularly.

village at the foot of Mount Lesung (Source: Personal Collection)

However, one day, strange signs began to appear on Mount Lesung. Dark clouds covered the peak, shrouding the mountain in a thick, eerie mist. Heavy rain fell incessantly, causing rivers to overflow and fields to be submerged in water. The normally fertile soil began to crack, and crop yields were drastically reduced. Small earthquakes shake villages almost every day, leaving residents terrified.

mpu kala and village residents (Source: Personal Collection)

The villagers started to panic, they didn't understand what had happened. They had carried out all the ceremonies and offerings as usual, but disaster still struck. Many began to believe that the gods were angry, but no one knew what had angered them. In desperation, they sought guidance from their spiritual leader, a wise old priest named Mpu Kala.

Mpu Kala (Source: Personal Collection)

Mpu Kala is a priest who is respected by the entire village. He has devoted his life to studying the teachings of the ancestors and communicating with the gods. With his face covered in wrinkles but his eyes still radiating wisdom, he was always the place people came to seek advice and guidance. When disasters begin to hit the village, Mpu Kala feels that something bigger is happening, something involving natural forces far beyond human control.

Mpu Kala in the middle of the forest of Mount Lesung (Source: Personal Collection)

To find answers to the disaster that hit the village, Mpu Kala decided to do penance (deep meditation) in a holy place in the forest. Leaving the comfort of his home, Mpu Kala walked into the dense forest, looking for a place where he could communicate with the gods without interference.

Mpu Kala in the middle of the forest of Mount Lesung (Source: Personal Collection)

There, under a large tree that was hundreds of years old, he sat down and began to meditate. For seven days and seven nights, Mpu Kala did not eat or drink. He just sat quietly, trying to harmonize himself with the nature around him and get guidance from the gods.  

Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

In his vision, he saw Mount Lesung clearly, and from within the belly of the mountain, a very bright light came out. The light came from a cave hidden in the mountain, and in the cave, Mpu Kala saw a giant dragon with scales sparkling like gold, coiled peacefully in its long sleep. The dragon, which in his vision was referred to as the Loka Dragon, was the guardian of Mount Lesung and the entire surrounding area. Mpu Kala realized that this dragon had been asleep for a long time, and without its protection, the natural balance around Mount Lesung had been disturbed. His vision told him that only by awakening the Loka Dragon from its long slumber could the village be saved from the ongoing disaster.

Mpu Kala with the villagers (Source: Personal Collection)

With full determination, Mpu Kala decided to follow this vision. He returned to the village and gathered all the residents. In a calm but authoritative voice, he told them his vision and suggested that they go to a hidden cave on Mount Lesung to awaken the Loka Dragon. The villagers, who had great respect for Mpu Kala, agreed to follow him even though their hearts were filled with fear.

mpu Kala with the villagers (Source: Personal Collection)

The journey to Goa Naga Loka is not an easy thing. The majestic Mount Lesung, with its peak always shrouded in clouds, holds many secrets that have never been revealed. To reach the cave, they had to pass through a dense forest, full of large trees and spreading bushes. The path they took was filled with slippery rocks and spreading tree roots, making the journey difficult and dangerous. However, led by the undaunted Mpu Kala, the villagers continued to advance.   After several hours of tiring travel, they finally arrived at a place that felt different. There, behind a grove of large trees, they found the mouth of a hidden cave, which had apparently been untouched by humans for a long time.

mpu Kala with the villagers (Source: Personal Collection)

The cave looked scary with its dark mouth and cold air coming out of it. The large rocks covering the entrance of the cave looked like loyal guards guarding the secrets within. Even though feelings of fear began to creep into their hearts, Mpu Kala remained calm and led them into the cave. With burning torches in their hands, they began to step into the mysterious darkness. The cave was very deep and dark, with winding passages like a maze. The sound of their footsteps echoed along the cave walls, creating a reverberating and eerie sound. Stalactites and stalagmites dot the cave, hanging from the ceiling and rising from the floor like giant fangs. Even so, they continued walking, guided by Mpu Kala's hunch who seemed to know where to go.
After a seemingly endless journey, they arrived at a large room in the cave. The room was filled with a mysterious atmosphere, with the walls sparkling as if they were made of precious stones. In the middle of the room there was a small lake with water as clear as crystal, reflecting the light of their torches. However, their attention was soon drawn to a huge figure curled up on the shore of the lake, gleaming in the dim light.

Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

That was the Loka Dragon, a majestic creature that Mpu Kala had seen in his vision. Its large, long body curled over the rocks, with scales that glittered like gold. Its big head was leaning against a big rock, and its big eyes were tightly closed, as if it was in a deep sleep. Even though it was asleep, the aura of power that the dragon exuded made the entire room feel filled with extraordinary energy.

Mpu Kala and Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

Mpu Kala, with great respect, approaches Naga Loka. He lowered his head and began chanting the ancient mantras he had learned from the ancestors. These spells, which few people understand, have the power to awaken dragons from their slumber. Mpu Kala's calm and confident voice echoed throughout the cave, making the air seem to vibrate.

Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

Slowly, Naga Loka's body began to move. Its sparkling scales reflected even brighter light, making the cave room shine with a golden color. The water in the lake vibrated along with the movements of the dragon's body, creating ripples that decorated its surface. Mpu Kala continued to chant, his eyes tightly closed, completely concentrating on his task.

Mpu Kala and Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

After a while, the great shimmering eyes of Naga Loka opened. The dragon raised its head, gazing at Mpu Kala with sharp and wise eyes. Its voice rumbled like thunder as it began to speak, yet its words were full of wisdom and authority. “Human, why have you awakened me from my long slumber?” asked Naga Loka, its voice echoing throughout the space.

Mpu Kala bowed his head deeper before responding. “Oh, great Naga Loka, we come to seek your protection. A great disaster has struck our village, and we believe you are the only one who can save us from destruction. We plead, rise and return to maintain the balance of nature as you have done for centuries.”

Naga Loka looked at Mpu Kala with a deep gaze, as if assessing the sincerity of his heart. After what felt like an eternity, Naga Loka finally spoke again. “The disaster that has befallen your village is not a coincidence,” said Naga Loka. “The balance of nature has been disturbed by humans who no longer respect this land. This mountain, these rivers, and this forest have been guarded by your ancestors with great reverence, yet now that balance is threatened.”

Mpu Kala nodded, realizing the truth of the dragon's words. “We acknowledge our mistakes,” he replied earnestly. “We apologize for what has happened, and we promise to protect and respect this nature as our ancestors have done. Please, Naga Loka, help us restore that balance.” Naga Loka nodded slowly, “I will help you, human,” said Naga Loka. “But remember, this balance must be maintained well. If you again neglect nature, a greater disaster will come, and I may not be able to save you again.”

Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

With that, Naga Loka flew out of the cave, breaking the silence with a roar that echoed throughout the mountain. It soared above the village, circling the peak of Mount Lesung, and miraculously, the weather began to change. The ominous dark clouds slowly dissipated, the fierce winds calmed, and the rivers became tranquil once more. The earthquakes ceased, as if the dragon had drawn all the chaos back into itself.

Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

The villagers witnessing this event felt a sense of relief and gratitude. They knelt and offered prayers to Naga Loka, thanking it for their salvation. As the dragon returned to the cave, the villagers knew they had been given a second chance to care for their village and the surrounding nature.

Gunung Lebung village (Source: Personal Collection)

Since then, Naga Loka has become a spiritual guardian respected by all villagers. They hold an annual ceremony in front of the Naga Loka Cave, bringing offerings of flowers, fruit and incense to honor the dragon. The ceremony has become a tradition that is carried out solemnly, as a sign of gratitude and respect for the dragon who saved them.
Not only that, the villagers also started to take better care of nature. They stopped cutting down trees carelessly, kept rivers clean, and ensured that the land remained fertile without destroying it in irresponsible ways. They understand that their relationship with nature is a mutually beneficial one, and that if they look after nature, nature will look after them.

Gunung Lebung village (Source: Personal Collection)

The legend of Naga Loka lives on in stories told from one generation to the next. The cave where the dragon resides remains a sacred place that is rarely visited, but always revered. Even though only a few have seen the Loka Dragon with their own eyes, the dragon's presence is still felt by everyone living around Mount Lesung.

Mpu Kala and Naga Loka (Source: Personal Collection)

Mpu Kala, the wise priest, is also remembered as a hero who saved the village from destruction. His name is immortalized in prayers and folklore, becoming a symbol of wisdom and honor. Even though he has long left this world, his teachings about the importance of maintaining balance between humans and nature remain alive and are applied by subsequent generations.
The story of Naga Loka and Mpu Kala is more than just a legend; it is a life lesson that reminds us all of the importance of respecting nature and maintaining balance. In a world that is increasingly modern and sometimes forgets traditional values, this story remains relevant, teaching us to always remember that nature is not something we can control, but something we must protect and respect.