Long ago, on the beautiful island of Lombok in Indonesia, there lived a princess named Mandalika. She was the daughter of a wise and just king who ruled over a peaceful kingdom. Princess Mandalika was known far and wide for her unparalleled beauty, grace, and kindness. Her charm was so enchanting that every man who laid eyes on her immediately fell in love with her. However, it wasn’t just her beauty that made her special; it was her heart. Mandalika had a pure heart, full of compassion for her people. She worked tirelessly alongside her father to ensure the prosperity and happiness of the kingdom.
Despite her kindness, Princess Mandalika faced a difficult problem. The time had come for her to choose a suitor, as tradition in her kingdom dictated that she should marry. However, the princess was not interested in marriage. She loved her people and wanted to remain devoted to them. But the decision was not simple, for two powerful princes had fallen deeply in love with her.
Prince Sangkuriang, a brave and handsome warrior, came from a neighboring kingdom. He was known for his strength and military skills, and he was admired by many. Prince Purbasari, on the other hand, was a noble and wise ruler from a distant land. He was known for his intellect and diplomacy, and his heart was as kind as his words.
Both princes, seeing Princess Mandalika’s beauty and virtues, wanted to marry her. They each began to seek her hand in marriage, offering her treasures and kingdoms. The princess, however, was torn. She could not bear the thought of choosing one over the other, as both princes were dear to her in different ways.
She understood that if she chose one prince, the other would be heartbroken, and it could lead to conflict between the two kingdoms. The princess did not want to cause war or hurt her people. In her heart, she knew that the only way to bring peace and avoid further suffering was to sacrifice her own happiness.
In desperation, Princess Mandalika sought counsel from the wisest elders in the kingdom. They told her that in times of great conflict, a sacrifice was sometimes needed to restore peace and balance. The princess, deeply moved by their words, made a decision that would change the course of her life forever. She decided to give up her own life to save her people from the discord between the two princes.
One day, with the sun shining brightly over the island, Princess Mandalika climbed to the highest hill overlooking the vast, blue ocean. She stood at the edge, her heart heavy with sorrow. She called out to her people, telling them that her sacrifice was the only way to bring peace. Then, without hesitation, she leaped into the sea below, disappearing beneath the waves.
As soon as she fell into the water, a strange and magical phenomenon occurred. The sea began to churn, and dark clouds gathered above. A mighty storm blew over the island, and the villagers feared that the goddess of the sea had claimed the princess. But then, something miraculous happened. A school of colorful fish, as bright as rainbows, emerged from the water, circling around the spot where Mandalika had vanished. It was said that these fish were the spirit of the princess, sent to protect her people.
The storm soon subsided, and the sea became calm once again. The people of the kingdom believed that Princess Mandalika’s sacrifice had not only saved them from war, but also ensured that her spirit would forever watch over them, bringing peace and protection to the land.
In honor of her selfless act, the people of Lombok created a tradition called “Perang Topat,” a ceremonial ritual in which offerings of rice and traditional food are shared among the people to celebrate unity and peace. This festival takes place every year, where people gather at the same hill where the princess had jumped into the sea. They remember her bravery, her wisdom, and the love she had for her kingdom.
To this day, the legend of Princess Mandalika lives on in the hearts of the people of Lombok. Her story is told to every new generation, inspiring them to live with courage, kindness, and selflessness. The princess may have disappeared into the sea, but her spirit remains alive in the hearts of the people, ensuring that peace and harmony prevail for generations to come.