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| Kawah Putih |
In Indonesian culture, including in West Java, the belief in ancestors and nature spirits remains deeply ingrained. Many natural places such as mountains, lakes, and forest areas hold spiritual value and meaning in traditional beliefs. Kawah Putih is also regarded as a place with spiritual and mystical significance for some individuals, especially those who still firmly hold onto ancestral beliefs and local myths.
The Mistery of Kawah Putih
The Kawah Putih Ciwidey tourist attraction is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, especially the unique white-greenish lake surrounded by limestone formations. This scenic spot also has a captivating history linked to Mount Patuha, which once held a reputation for being quite eerie.
The name "Gunung Patuha" translates to "Pak Tua," signifying the oldest mountain on Java. This ancient mountain's mysterious aura became a subject of local folklore.
In the past, the mountain was considered off-limits due to its perceived supernatural qualities. The belief that any bird flying over the area would perish only added to its mystique.
These tales reached the ears of Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, a German botanist. Curious about the stories, Junghuhn embarked on an expedition to Mount Patuha in 1837, regardless of their accuracy.
Navigating through the dense forest, Junghuhn was determined to uncover the truth behind the mountain's enigma. His journey led him to an astonishing discovery atop the summit.
There, Junghuhn encountered a sight that left him in awe: a striking volcanic lake within a crater. The lake emitted a strong scent of sulfur, which explained the eerie behavior of the birds avoiding the area.
Domba Lukutan (Mossy Sheep)
There's a prevailing local belief that the summit of a mountain known as Puncak Kapuk is the place where the ancestors convene.
Furthermore, atop this summit, there are 7 ancestral tombs bearing names that begin with "Eyang," signifying respect for ancestors. These include Eyang Jaga Satru, Eyang Rangsa Sadana, Eyang Camat, Eyang Ngabai, Eyang Barabak, Eyang Baskom, and Eyang Jambrong. Eyang Jaga Satru leads these ancestors.
In this sacred peak, a significant portion of the local populace holds the conviction that the Domba Lukutan (Lukutan Sheep) resides. The Domba Lukutan is believed to embody the ancestors. There's an interesting detail about the Domba Lukutan: it's described as a sheep with a greenish hue, resembling moss, and its name, Domba Lukutan, translates to "mossy sheep" in the Sundanese language. This name is derived from the Sundanese words "domba" meaning sheep and "lukutan" meaning moss.
Due to its moss-like appearance, this sheep came to be known as Domba Lukutan. According to local beliefs, the Domba Lukutan is said to manifest itself at specific times. However, up until now, there hasn't been any evidence to unravel the mystery surrounding the Domba Lukutan.
The belief holds that during specific hours, mist or clouds gather, appearing akin to cotton (kapuk in Indonesian), in the area referred to as Kapuk Summit on Kawah Putih (White Crater). This phenomenon is considered the ancestral gathering point. The community's belief designates seven Eyangs, with Eyang Jagasatru as their leader.
As the narrative goes, these ancestors once transformed into the form of the Domba Lukutan. This transformation is attributed to their presence in the forested region, often rendering them moss-like in visibility. Hence, the term "domba lukutan," where "lukut" in the Sundanese language translates to moss.
In response to this prevailing narrative, a statue of the Domba Lukutan has been erected to provide a tangible representation. This action reinforces the community's strong belief. Simultaneously, the government has officially designated the same area as the Sunan Ibu site, now recognized as a sunrise viewing spot that faces Sunan Ibu.
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| Statue of Domba Lukutan |
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