Introduction
West Java holds a wealth of folklore, with stories passed down through generations. One such tale is the story of Nyi Rengganis, rooted in traditional Sundanese poetic forms (wawacan). Later, it transformed into more modern narratives. This story highlights a princess’s journey to confront selfishness, symbolized by the beautiful yet inaccessible Taman Banjarsari (Banjarsari Garden).
A Kingdom of Loss and a Father’s Grief
In the Djamin Kingdom, the royal family welcomed a baby girl, Nyi Retna Dewi Rengganis. Sadly, her mother died during childbirth, leaving the king heartbroken. Unable to separate his memories of his wife from the surroundings of the kingdom, he struggled to rule effectively.
The king, aware of the toll his sorrow was taking on him, decided to step down from the throne. He entrusted his kingdom to a trusted relative and left to find solace in the wilderness. Along with his infant daughter, he sought a simpler life away from royal burdens.
The Hermit King and the Art of Levitation
The journey through the forest posed many dangers, but the divine forces protected the king and his daughter. Butterflies surrounded them, shielding them from predators and harsh sunlight. Eventually, their journey led them to Mount Argopura, where the king became a hermit, known as Raja Pandita.
As Rengganis grew older, her father taught her survival skills. Among these was the art of levitation, which allowed her to move freely and explore safely. One day, during her explorations, she discovered Taman Banjarsari, a breathtaking garden filled with rare and fragrant flowers.
Taman Banjarsari: A Beauty Reserved for the Privileged
The garden belonged to Iman Suwangsa, a nobleman known for his selfishness. He jealously guarded its beauty, refusing to share it with anyone. Rengganis, however, could not resist the allure of the flowers. She picked a few to brighten their humble home despite her father’s warnings.
Rengganis believed beauty should not remain hidden. Instead, it should bring joy to everyone. Her dream was to transplant the flowers to the mountains so that all could enjoy their fragrance and splendor.
Caught in the Garden
Rengganis ignored her father’s advice and returned to the garden to gather more flowers. This time, Iman Suwangsa and his soldiers had set a trap. They captured her as soon as she entered. Although Rengganis pleaded her case, explaining that she wanted to share the garden’s beauty with others, Suwangsa remained unmoved. He ordered his soldiers to take her to the palace for punishment.
A Flood of Tears
Overwhelmed by despair, Rengganis wept uncontrollably. Her tears, filled with sorrow, turned into a flood that submerged Taman Banjarsari. The rising waters carried the garden’s flowers far and wide, allowing them to bloom and thrive in new locations.
Amid the chaos, Rengganis managed to escape using her levitation skills. The selfish garden no longer existed, but its beauty became accessible to all.
The Legacy of Nyi Rengganis
Nyi Rengganis’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of selfishness. Moreover, it highlights the transformative power of generosity. By challenging the exclusivity of Taman Banjarsari, Rengganis demonstrated the value of sharing beauty with the world.
References
- Nurfaidah, Resti. Nyi Rengganis dan Taman Banjarsari. Ministry of Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia.
- Learn more about Sundanese folklore and its cultural significance.
- Additional stories and insights into West Java’s legends.
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