The Legend of Nyi Roro Kidul

Nyi Roro Kidul, originally known as Princess Kandita, was the daughter of King Prabu Siliwangi of the Pakuan Pajajaran kingdom. Her mother, the beloved queen, was the most cherished by Prabu Siliwangi. Princess Kandita's beauty surpassed even that of her mother, making her the king's favorite daughter. However, her beauty and the love showered upon her sparked jealousy among the king's concubines and other royal children.

"Why does the king love Kandita more? She is not the only princess in this palace," whispered one concubine to her children, while secretly plotting to get rid of Kandita and her mother.

One night, a shaman was summoned to the palace at the order of one of the concubines.

"Do whatever it takes to eliminate them," the concubine commanded sternly.

Not long after, Kandita and her mother were struck by a strange illness that covered their skin with incurable wounds. Prabu Siliwangi, who had once loved them dearly, began to feel pressured by the demands of the concubines and his other children.

"They bring bad luck to the kingdom, Your Majesty. Get rid of them before this disease spreads throughout the palace!" urged one of the princesses with hatred.

With a heavy heart, Prabu Siliwangi eventually expelled Kandita and her mother from the palace.

"Father, why? What did I do wrong?" Kandita wept as she was banished from the place she had always called home.

But Prabu Siliwangi could only lower his head, feeling guilty yet unable to resist the pressure from his other family members.

Kandita and her mother wandered toward the southern part of the kingdom.

"Don't worry, my child. We will find a better place," her mother said weakly, though she knew her condition was worsening.

During the journey, her mother could no longer continue.

"Mother... Mother, please wake up! Don't leave me," Kandita cried, but fate had other plans.

Her mother passed away in her arms, leaving Kandita alone on her journey. With tears streaming down her face, Kandita continued on until she reached a river.

"Maybe this is a sign from God," she thought, and drank the river water to quench her thirst.

Unknowingly, the water began to heal the wounds on her body.

"What is happening?" Kandita was shocked to see her wounds start to disappear.

She followed the river upstream until she found a hot spring gushing forth. Kandita decided to bathe in the water.

"This is truly miraculous, this water is so soothing," she murmured, feeling the coolness seep into her body.

Day by day, she stayed near the hot spring, practicing martial arts to strengthen herself. In her solitude, Kandita slowly recovered from her illness and grew stronger.

After she healed, Kandita continued her journey downstream until she reached the river’s mouth near the sea.

"What a beautiful place," she thought, captivated by the vast ocean before her.

Kandita felt peace and serenity, as if this place was calling her to stay.

"I will live here, by this calm sea," she said to herself.

Kandita settled in the southern coastal area of Pakuan Pajajaran. Her captivating beauty and growing power made her name known across various kingdoms on the island of Java. Many princes, hearing of her beauty and strength, came to propose marriage.

However, Kandita did not accept proposals easily.

"If you wish to marry me, you must first defeat my strength," she challenged the suitors. "And you must battle the waves of this southern coast."

One by one, the princes tried, but none could defeat Kandita.

"Only those who are worthy can become my husband," she said each time a prince failed and was forced to become her follower.

Battle after battle took place in a bay on the southern coast, and every time, Kandita mastered the ocean waves with her power.

"You are indeed unmatched, Princess Kandita," said one suitor who finally gave up.

Due to her extraordinary power and her ability to control the ocean waves, Princess Kandita became known by the title Queen Nyi Roro Kidul, meaning the Queen of the Southern Coast.

"This is my destiny," she thought, gazing at the vast ocean that had now become part of her. "I am the ruler of the southern coast, and this is where I belong."