RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The mystery of Nyi Roro Kidul has once again captured public attention after a senior caretaker at Parang Kusumo shared stories about encounters, rituals, and the origins of the legendary Queen of the South Sea.
An 80-year-old royal servant named Pak Sarjini, who has served as a caretaker in the sacred area of Parang Kusumo for more than five decades, revealed a series of spiritual beliefs surrounding the mystical figure widely known in Javanese folklore. His testimony immediately sparked curiosity among visitors and believers who continue to associate Parang Kusumo with supernatural experiences and sacred rituals.
Pak Sarjini explained that he received the royal title “Wedono Surakso Jaladri” from the Yogyakarta Palace. The title carries the responsibility of guarding the southern sea area, especially Parang Kusumo and the coast believed to connect directly with the spiritual kingdom of Nyi Roro Kidul.
The Origin Story of Nyi Roro Kidul
According to Pak Sarjini, the story began in the ancient Pajajaran Kingdom. A princess named Roro Sawidi, daughter of King Mundingsari, allegedly possessed extraordinary supernatural powers and refused both marriage and death.
The royal family reportedly wanted her to become ruler of the kingdom, but she rejected the idea. Instead, she asked for eternal life. Her unusual request angered her father, who eventually ordered her to leave the palace.
Roro Sawidi then walked from Pajajaran to Parangtritis without food or water. Upon reaching the southern coast, she meditated intensely while seeking divine guidance. Pak Sarjini claimed a spiritual being later granted her wish after she willingly abandoned her physical body.
Her spirit was then believed to reside in a magnificent underwater palace made of gold beneath the southern sea. From that moment, she became known as Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, ruler of the mystical southern ocean kingdom.
The caretaker also explained the difference between Kanjeng Ratu Kidul and Nyi Roro Kidul, a topic that often confuses visitors. He claimed Kanjeng Ratu Kidul refers to the original queen figure, while Nyi Roro Kidul is associated with another spiritual entity connected to the legend of Joko Tarub and Dewi Nawang Wulan.
Rituals and Requests at Parang Kusumo
Pak Sarjini revealed that many visitors come to Parang Kusumo seeking blessings, safety, career success, and prosperity. Some reportedly ask for smooth business opportunities, government jobs, or family protection.
However, he stressed that he does not act as a shaman. Instead, he only provides guidance rooted in traditional spiritual practices passed down through generations.
According to him, people who wish to encounter the Queen of the South Sea must first purify themselves through fasting. The ritual may involve one-day fasting or a longer spiritual discipline lasting several days.
He added that spiritual encounters usually happen around the Cepuri area in Parang Kusumo, especially at night after sunset. Visitors are encouraged to maintain patience, strong faith, and emotional control.
Stories of Alleged Encounters
One of the most dramatic stories shared by Pak Sarjini involved a visitor from Kalimantan who allegedly fainted after seeing a beautiful female figure believed to be connected to Nyi Roro Kidul.
The man reportedly became speechless and lost consciousness moments after the encounter. When he regained awareness, he admitted he had never seen anyone as beautiful as the mysterious woman standing before him.
Pak Sarjini claimed many people fail to speak during such encounters because they become overwhelmed by fear and spiritual shock. He described the Queen of the South Sea as a figure who often smiles silently without speaking much.
The elderly caretaker admitted that even after serving for 65 years, he had only encountered Kanjeng Ratu Kidul once directly. The meeting allegedly occurred inside the sacred Cepuri area many years ago.
During the encounter, he said the mystical queen only delivered a brief warning asking him to remain careful while carrying out his duties as caretaker of the sacred coastal area.
The Enduring Mystery of the South Sea Queen
Until today, the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul remains deeply rooted in Javanese culture. The mystical figure continues to attract pilgrims, spiritual seekers, tourists, and curious visitors to Parang Kusumo and Parangtritis Beach.
Although many people consider the stories part of mythology and local tradition, believers continue to visit the southern coast in hopes of receiving blessings or witnessing unexplained phenomena.
For local communities, the tale of the Queen of the South Sea is more than folklore. It has become a cultural symbol tied closely to spirituality, history, and the mystical identity of Java’s southern coastline.