Tawangalun: a Little Temple with a Big Secret about Demak Kingdom

Summary

The video explores the mysterious Tawangalun Temple in Sidoarjo, East Java, and the intriguing myth of Arya Damar, a key figure in Indonesian history. The tale connects giants, spiritual practices, and the ancient Majapahit kingdom, revealing how a beautiful woman named Putri Alun, from a giant lineage, seduced Lord Brawijaya and gave birth to Arya Damar. The video delves into local legends, the temple's historical significance, and its mysterious past, including its possible connection to the Bhairava Tantra and role during the Dutch colonial period. It also reflects on how these myths were woven into the fabric of local and royal history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tawangalun Temple in Sidoarjo, East Java, is tied to a myth involving Arya Damar, a legendary figure believed to be descended from a giant nation and a key player in the genealogy of Demak kings.
• 😀 Arya Damar's story connects to Majapahit’s royal lineage, where his biological father, Lord Brawijaya, had a relationship with a woman from a giant family, leading to Arya Damar's birth.
• 😀 The legend of Arya Damar highlights a complex relationship between mythology and historical figures, particularly the myth of his divine and giant heritage.
• 😀 Tawangalun Temple's condition today is largely in ruins, with only its base remaining, which adds to its mystique and connection to ancient rituals and legends.
• 😀 The temple’s location, once remote and shunned by people, has been linked to spiritual practices, including meat-eating rituals, which may have ties to the Bhairava Tantra tradition.
• 😀 The tale of Arya Damar also appears in the *Chronicle of Tanah Jawi*, where his story is expanded to include his connection to Lord Brawijaya and his eventual rise to power in Palembang.
• 😀 The temple was believed to be a hiding place for Sarip Tambak Oso during the Dutch colonial period, adding a historical layer to its mystery.
• 😀 In the 1990s, the area around Tawangalun Temple was a site for excavation, where bones were found, allegedly from victims of the G30S PKI incident, furthering the site's connection to Indonesia's dark history.
• 😀 The Tawangalun Temple and its surrounding myths seem to reflect the broader historical narrative of how rulers, including those in Demak and Majapahit, legitimized their power through ancestral connections.
• 😀 The story of Arya Damar, whether based on the *Chronicle of Tanah Jawi* or Balinese manuscripts, illustrates the blend of historical fact and myth used to assert the legitimacy of power and rule, particularly in the aftermath of Majapahit's decline.

Q & A

What is the myth surrounding Tawangalun Temple and Arya Damar?

The myth involves a giant woman named Putri Alun, who seduced the king of Majapahit, Brawijaya. She gave birth to a son, Arya Dila (later known as Arya Damar). Arya Damar sought to serve his biological father, but was given tough tasks, including building a lantern and killing his grandfather, Resi Tawangalun. The temple, now known as Tawangalun Temple, is tied to this story, as Arya Damar meditated there before disappearing.

What makes Tawangalun Temple significant in terms of its historical and cultural context?

Tawangalun Temple is significant because it is linked to a myth that connects the giant Arya Damar with the Majapahit royal lineage. The temple, though in ruins, holds mysteries surrounding its creation, its use as a meditation site, and its connection to past traditions of raw meat consumption linked to Bhairava Tantra rituals.

What physical characteristics does Tawangalun Temple have?

Tawangalun Temple is made of red bricks and is square-shaped, with dimensions of 5x5 meters and a height of 2.5 meters. The temple has no statues or roof, only the base remains intact. The surrounding area is well-maintained, and the site includes a well believed to be used for rituals.

Why was Tawangalun Temple considered a place of mystery?

The temple is considered mysterious due to the lack of historical records about its origin, purpose, or the individuals responsible for its construction. Additionally, myths about the temple, such as its association with Arya Damar and possible connections to Bhairava Tantra rituals, further contribute to its enigmatic nature.

What other locations are associated with similar myths as Tawangalun Temple?

Other temples in the Sidoarjo region, such as Pari Temple, Sumur Temple, and Pamotan Temple, also share myths related to Lord Brawijaya and similar red brick architecture. These temples are often linked with mysterious stories of royal bloodlines and spiritual rituals.

What role did the well at Tawangalun Temple serve?

The well at Tawangalun Temple, originally considered a 'Windu Well', was believed to serve as a site for spiritual rituals. It was later associated with hiding the legendary figure Sarip Tambak Oso during the Dutch colonial period, and even served as a killing field during the 1998/1995 massacres, where victims’ bones were found.

How is Arya Damar portrayed in the Chronicle of Tanah Jawi?

In the Chronicle of Tanah Jawi, Arya Damar is depicted as the biological son of Lord Brawijaya and a woman from a giant nation. He is raised to become a powerful ruler in Palembang and is portrayed as the adoptive father and half-brother of Raden Patah, the founder of the Demak Kingdom.

What is the connection between the myth of Arya Damar and the historical figure Raden Patah?

The myth of Arya Damar is closely tied to Raden Patah, who, according to the Chronicle of Tanah Jawi, is said to be both the adoptive son and half-brother of Arya Damar. This genealogical connection gives legitimacy to the Demak Kingdom’s rulers, claiming a direct link to Majapahit’s royal bloodline.

How does the Balinese version of Arya Damar's story differ from the Chronicle of Tanah Jawi?

The Balinese version of Arya Damar’s story portrays him as a military commander under Gajah Mada, leading successful campaigns to conquer Bali. Unlike the Chronicle of Tanah Jawi, which emphasizes his royal lineage and connection to Majapahit, the Balinese chronicle focuses on his prowess as a war leader.

Why might the myth of Arya Damar be significant for the rulers of the Demak Kingdom?

The myth of Arya Damar provided the rulers of the Demak Kingdom with a claimed descent from Majapahit, giving them a sense of legitimacy and connection to the powerful Majapahit empire. The myth thus served as a political tool to strengthen their rule and align their genealogy with that of a revered past.