The trees whispered sacred stories of the pride and glory from the ancient kingdom of Medang. A thick scent of inscense made a sincere tribute to the tradition. Imagine a solemn pray from kings with mind that full of turmoil once poured his heartfelt sorrow here. A short trip across the timeline to honor our roots and ancestors. Here the story began!
Greeting Hivers! Last month I had a change for short escape and since my works has been so crazy and made a busy bee that flew from city to city, I decided that I had enough with the city vibe and need a touch of nature. So I kind of kidnapped one of my friend to accompany me to this historic archeological site of Jolotundo - a sacred spring that used for bathing rituals of the ancients royal of Java.
This place is very special because it is an ancient spring that never dried out. The historical record mention it was build in 977 AD by Balinese King Udayana for his son, Prince Airlangga. Some of the relic was still there even though a lot of them was in ruin. However, the sacred spring still flowing gently in a mountain shaped quallstone temple.
I went there with a friend from work and it was located deep in the foot of Penanggungan mountain, at about 800 dps. We ride a motor bike to reach the place, which is located in Mojokerto Regency of East Java, Indonesia. We intentionally avoid the main road and went through suburban pass. It was a really good decision because the view was so calming.
After about an hour ride, we arrived at the entrance. We could feel the air was different, like we did a journey through the time. The surrounding forest was so serene and solemn, with a distant cries of cicadas and forest birds. The area filled with towering tropical trees, as if they were the guardian of ancient secrets. It was around 9 AM but the temperature was cool, almost chilling.
We had to hike a little bit from the parking lot and there were several food stalls and local souvenir shop before we reached the entrance. However, once we enter the main area, the atmosphere was different. Although there were pretty crowded, but there was a strange tranquility that envelope the area. Felt like my mind was at ease and cleared so much although it was only stones and trees there.
The main site of this temple was the spring where people perform a ritual by bathing or just sitting by the pond and dipping their feet. The Jolotundo spring is believed to have a high mineral content that has healing effects. That's why, many people still fo bathing ritual there to soak in its healing power. And for women, it was also believed could boost beauty and youth. The visitors also could filled containers to bring back the spring water home. No need to worry if you didn't bring any, because the vendors outside also sell the plastic jug for the water.
The water itself was cool and refreshing, although I just washing my face on the spring, just out of curiosity. I didn't take a bath because there were people that was doing the bathing rituals already and also I didn't bring a change clothes. There were also a sacred site on the hill above the spring where people pray to the ancestors. This area was forbidden to visitors, because it was considered a sacred and religious site. I witnessed people doing 'laku ndodok' to reach the temple, an ancient practice in Javanese kingdom when people walked while squatting to express respect and devotion.
Personally, I really enjoyed this trip because it was pretty different and I could witness the true culture of my homeland that was still honored until now. The lush green of surrounding trees also calmed my soul and made me feel refreshed. We spent some time deep in our thoughts while sitting on the 'pendopo' or Javanese style gazebo. Just sit and let the sound of natures lul refresh our body.
The cool air was also greatly welcome since the cities where we stayed was really hot. Me and my friend really enjoyed walking among the trees and looked at the detail carving of the surrounding stones, although we didn't really know the meaning. It was a very solemn and interesting place to visit, if you want to try something new.
Before we left, I stopped by to read the infographic about the site history and the story behind the spring. The temple was shapped like a Mahameru Mountain, the highest peak of Java that believed as the gate between realm of God and human. There were the ancient serpent as well that was the mystical beast of Java. Made me wonder on how the royals visited this place to clean themselves and do the bathing rituals.
All in all, it was a pretty memorable visit for us. We left after about two hours because we still have another destination to visit, but it was a different story I guess. I hope you enjoy my trip to this unique historical site. Here's the @worldmappin link
See you on the next adventure and greeting from this fellow as well!
