RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The name Gunung Kawi has long been surrounded by stories about pesugihan, mystical wealth rituals, and spiritual pilgrimages. Hidden deep within the pine forests of Malang, East Java, the site continues to attract visitors from across Indonesia and even abroad who believe the place can bring fortune, success, and spiritual blessings.
A YouTube exploration by content creator Regi recently reopened public curiosity about the legendary location. During his journey, he visited the so-called Keraton Gunung Kawi and spoke directly with local caretaker Pak Sunarko, who explained the spiritual traditions practiced there.
In the first moments of the exploration, Gunung Kawi immediately appeared mysterious. Massive ancient banyan trees, stone gates, hidden caves, and sacred shrines created a strong mystical atmosphere. The location sits high in the mountains, nearly two hours from Batu City, surrounded by dense forest and silence.
Gunung Kawi and the Pesugihan Myth
For decades, Gunung Kawi has been linked with pesugihan, a Javanese mystical practice believed to help people gain wealth or success through spiritual rituals. Rumors about sacrificial offerings and expensive ceremonial stages have circulated widely among local communities.
According to stories heard by the YouTuber from local residents, some visitors allegedly spend millions of rupiah to complete several ritual stages. The final stage reportedly costs around Rp11 million. However, Pak Sunarko denied claims involving human sacrifices.
He emphasized that most visitors actually come to ngalap berkah, a Javanese spiritual tradition that means seeking blessings from God through meditation, prayer, and self-discipline.
“People often connect this place with pesugihan, but actually many visitors come here to pray and seek blessings,” he explained during the tour.
Sacred Trees and Ancient Caves
One of the most striking parts of the complex is the sacred Dewandaru tree. Local belief says the tree grew from the staff of Eyang Tunggul Manik and Raden Ayu Tunggulwati, two respected spiritual figures connected to the site.
Many pilgrims believe leaves or fruit falling from the tree symbolize incoming fortune. Because of this belief, some visitors meditate beneath the tree hoping for prosperity and smooth business.
The exploration also revealed several ancient caves, including Goa Sulingga Dewa. According to inscriptions near the cave, the site was rediscovered in 1958 during a Javanese calendar ceremony. The cave contains offerings and is considered spiritually important by pilgrims.
Nearby stands a large banyan tree estimated to be hundreds of years old. Pak Sunarko stated that seven sacred trees exist in the complex, symbolizing “pitulungan” or divine help in Javanese philosophy.
Ritual Offerings and Spiritual Practices
Inside the Keraton Gunung Kawi area, visitors can see ritual offerings placed regularly during Selasa Kliwon and Jumat Kliwon, two spiritually significant nights in Javanese tradition.
The offerings typically include bitter coffee, sweet tea, kretek cigarettes, flowers in three colors, white rice, eggs, incense, and holy water. Pilgrims usually prepare the offerings at night while praying for smooth business, fortune, or personal success.
Pak Sunarko explained that rituals involve tapa brata or tirakat, spiritual self-control through fasting and meditation to become closer to God.
“There are no shortcuts. People must first discipline themselves spiritually,” he said.
Some pilgrims also take home water stored inside large jars believed to carry blessings. Others bring home soil from specific ritual spots, believing it can attract prosperity for businesses and daily life.
Historical Links to Ancient Javanese Kingdoms
Beyond the mystical reputation, the complex also contains historical narratives connected to ancient Javanese kingdoms. Pak Sunarko claimed Eyang Tunggul Manik and Tunggulwati were descendants of Mpu Sindok, ruler of the Medang Kingdom.
Their graves are located inside the complex and are believed to date back to the year 1115. The caretaker said the figures were known for helping local communities and healing people spiritually.
The area also features Hindu-Buddhist architecture, Chinese-influenced shrines, and a vihara dedicated to Dewi Kwan Im. This mixture reflects the diverse spiritual traditions that developed around Gunung Kawi over centuries.
Tourism, Spirituality, and Modern Curiosity
Today, Gunung Kawi stands between myth and tourism. While some visitors arrive purely out of curiosity, others continue to perform spiritual retreats and meditation rituals.
The exploration video showed how the location still maintains a strong mystical image despite growing tourism facilities around the area. Hotels, lodgings, and pilgrimage accommodations now support visitors who stay overnight for spiritual activities.
Even so, the mysterious aura of Gunung Kawi remains powerful. Stories about pesugihan, sacred rituals, and hidden blessings continue attracting attention from people searching for answers, fortune, or simply a glimpse into one of East Java’s most legendary spiritual destinations.