Myths in Yogyakarta: The Dragon of South Sea
A Folklore and Mythology in Literature Project
English Department IUP 2013
Universitas Gadjah Mada
THE DRAGON OF SOUTH SEA
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Visiting a place for the first time, nothing that is different is surprising—it is the things that are the same that are surprising*1. Built during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubowono I, Taman Sari has its own place in every Yogyakartan’s heart. Besides its potential for economic growth of people living around the old building, historical value behind it is worth researching to provide new findings. Welcoming visitors from around the world, the gate of Taman Sari or Water Castle is adorned with two identical dragons along the top. These two symbols lead to a question of why they were chosen in the first place. Therefore, the purpose of this essay is to investigate the story behind this mystical creature relating to this old Javanese cite based on the definition suggested by Lechner—myths are considered sacred stories that deal with origins and explanations of natural phenomena and human institutions*2.
These identical dragons are best known with other name “Dwi Naga Rasa Tunggal”. Similar like any other Javanese phrase, this one has also particular philosophy where dwi means two, naga means eight, rasa means six, and tunggal means one based on Javanese calendar using Sanskrit numerical sequence*3. If read backwards, the combination of these numbers forms the year when Taman Sari was built which was in 1682 or based on lunar calendar was in 1727*4. On the other side, Keraton Nyayogyakarta was also completed at the same time, so Taman Sari is not the only building that has these identical dragons. Heading towards the main bathing place, another dragon whose mouth set for the water to flow is located on the very left side. What makes this dragon different compared to previous ones is its independence. Moreover, a crown is decorated circling its head as if it represents power or authority.
Not to dismiss the fact that dragon is not the only symbol surrounding Taman Sari—there is also Bhuta Kala ornamented a couple of large spaces on the wall, one of reasons why the symbol of dragon chosen is because the Queen of the South Sea as known as Kanjeng Roro Kidul—mystical figure—has her own guard in the shape of a dragon. It is not an old or unique story that Sultan Hamengkubowono—the highest royal institution of Yogyakarta—from the first to tenth has been establishing a fine deal regarding her roles in Yogyakarta. Several paintings sold around Taman Sari try to portray the Queen of the South Sea and a few of them feature a dragon accompanying her. According to the painter who firstly started learning fine art since he was a kid, the dragon of hers was actually a human having desire to be immortal or live eternally. Thus, he meditated for a very long time until God gave him such a divine inspiration that he could be no longer mortal. He later could be any kind of creature, including dragon. The painter continued the story he had read from the book that according to the Javanese belief, the head of the dragon is at Merapi while its tail is at South Sea. At first glance, this belief is slightly similar like Chinese belief that once the dragon shakes its body, earthquake occurs right away which is later believed to explain natural phenomena.
As mentioned earlier, Yogyakarta is indeed strongly attached to a couple of myths particularly regarding the Queen of the South Sea, including this one. However, the dragons meant to be the symbol of the establishment date of Taman Sari have nothing to do with her while the other dragon inside is probably the symbol of power in the Queen’s hand as her crown is similar like the one the dragon has. Another informant said that Taman Sari used to be the place where Sultan began his journey to the South Sea by a boat after being escorted from the palace by his special carriage. This used to be the way the previous Sultans to meet her in the name of strengthening their bond for Yogyakarta that although Taman Sari is the place of Sultan, the founder did not despise the sacred existence of the Queen symbolized by a crowned dragon.
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References:
*1 Author: Michael Lipsey. Year of Publication: 2014. URL: Retrieved from
*2 Author: Judith V. Lechner. Year of Publication: 2004. Title: Allyn & Bacon Anthology of Traditional Literature
*3,4 Author: Bayu Wibisana, Nanik Herawati. Year of Publication: 2010. Title: Cerita Rakyat Jawa
Music:
00:00 iMovie Sound Effects – Travel
00:51 iMovie Sound Effects – Sanskrit
01:40 iMovie Sound Effects – Elysium Long
03:00 iMovie Sound Effects – Synthetic Design 02
03:40 Junkie XL – Final Test
Created by:
Desti Yuwastina as Screenwriter
Deandra Rheinka as Narrator
Tessa Zelyana Hidayat as Editor
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