| The legend varies somewhat. However, it is believed that the prince died on the mountainside where he was later joined by the soul of his beloved, who died of a broken heart without him. In another variation, the prince was sentenced to death for having an affair with his mother or stepmother. The lovers were then entombed together forever on the mountainside.
It is believed that the Prince will show favor to his patrons if they prove their loyalty by imitating his infidelity (without the incest). Believers gather by the thousands on the Friday Pon, a hallowed day, according to the Javanese calendar which occurs every 35 days. The patrons offer respect and prayers to the Prince in hope of reversing their bad luck and seeking answers to their prayers.
Some will take the legend even further and meet a stranger to have sex with. It is believed that if you have sex with the same stranger after midnight on each Friday Pon, seven times in seven months, your prayers will be answered. This ritual continues to be honored in current modern times.
People travel for miles and miles by car and boat. They are of all walks of life - teachers, store owners, salesmen, housewives, etc. Many are taking great risk participating in this ritual. They may be going against their religion, breaking their vow of monogamy, etc. These spiritual trips are kept secret by lying to their spouse, family and friends about where they are going. Finally arriving at the mountain, they wait in line for hours to reach the sacred grounds.
Not all that attend this spiritual day are believers. Many come to reap the rewards of services rendered. Today you will find all sorts of modern commodities as you begin the journey up the mountainside; these include various sorts of vendors, gambling, bands, dancers, even snake charmers, to name a few. It is common for more men than women to attend and prostitutes also set up stakes. However, many attendees will practice the ritual sincerely. As the people climb the stairs further and further up the mountainside the noise below fades and silence eventually greets them. Most patrons do not converse amongst themselves at this point, but seem to ponder what they are praying for and worry about finding a stranger who is as dedicated as they are.
They cover themselves in water at an outside well. Some will have flowers, others incense or candles as gifts of honor to leave behind for Prince Samodra. Upon reaching the sacred crypt, they kneel and offer their prayers. In past times they may have received a blessing from the local dukun or shaman. Today they meet the caretaker of the crypt, who is considered a guardian of spirit. He may offer spiritual guidance by listening to their troubles and often sharing success stories, confirming their belief in the ritual.
As the patrons move from the crypt they begin to awkwardly mingle. Some conversation is required now to gain a sense of trust in the stranger's commitment and personality. The sex is not expected to be romantic or even expected to take very long. However, many expect and hope the sex will be an unselfish, courteous procedure. In the 1960's people often had sex together outside, under banyan trees. In the 1980's blockhouses were added, where bare rooms offered privacy; these rooms are dreary, scarcely furnished and used over and over by different couples.
The sincere patron is looking for a dedicated stranger who will agree to meet them seven times in the next seven months for sex. They anxiously await each month to find out if their stranger/partner has returned. This sometimes leads to disappointment, as many partners do not return; this causes patrons to start their seven month stretch over, until the seven month ritual is completed with the same stranger.
Those that do keep the faith and persevere boast of their success and good fortune that follows. Several people say their life improves during the seven month process, encouraging them to eagerly return. The prayers answered seem limitless; business improves, they find their much awaited bride or groom (not met on the hillside), health and wealth improve for themselves or others that they prayed for, some addictions are overcome, etc.
Many patrons will return to thank the caretaker of the sacred grounds. They share their stories of success and sometimes make donations to keep the grounds safe and cared for. As the word of success spreads, more continue to come to the mountain of Kemukus, honoring Prince Samodra at his tomb. |
