Sarangan Lake: A Historical Overview of Its Cultural Legend

MTC MEDIA – Malang. Recently, the condition of Sarangan Lake has become a topic of interest. The lake, which has naturally formed on the slopes of Mount Lawu, Plaosan District, Magetan Regency, East Java, is closely related to the legend of a husband and wife who turned into dragons.

In the middle of this lake there is an island that is considered sacred by local residents. The island resides the ancestral spirits of Telaga Sarangan, namely Kyai and Nyai Pasir. Based on this legend, this lake is also called the sand lake.

The legend told of a married couple named Kyai and Nyai Pasir who turned into dragons and caused the formation of Telaga Sarangan. For years they were never blessed with children until they meditated to hope for a child.

As a result, they were given a boy named Joko Lelung. The couple lived as farmers as a living. Kyai and Nyai Pasir then meditated again to ask for health and longevity because the work done was quite hard. They also received a message to eat an egg near the field if they wanted granted.

Nyai Pasir then found an egg and brought it home to cook. The egg was eaten by both her and her husband. After eating, Kyai Pasir returned to the field. Finally, Kyai Pasir’s body turned into a dragon. A similar accident with Nyai Pasir.

They began to roll around in the sand, creating a large and deep cavity. From the basin came out very heavy water. They then intended to make another basin to submerge Mount Lawu.

However, the basin of land continued to fill with water until now known as Telaga Sarangan. Meanwhile, Kyai and Nyai Pasir, who turned into dragons, transformed into invisible creatures.

Up until now, the story is still believed by the locals. They always hold a village cleaning ceremony before fasting to ward off bad luck and memorialize the formation of Telaga Sarangan.

Source : Jatim.solopos.com

Translator: Nadiva Qotrunnada