Parangtritis Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Yogyakarta. Parangtritis Beach is located in Parangtritis Village, Kretek Subdistrict, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The distance is approximately 27 km from the city center. This beach is one of the famous tourist destinations in Yogyakarta and has become a tourism icon in Yogyakarta.
Not only its beauty, Parangtritis Beach is also famous for its various historical relics. The Parangtritis complex consists of Parangtritis Beach, Parangkusumo, Parangbolong, Parangwedang, and the Gembirowati Plateau. If you stand on the edge of the beach, the natural charm that appears is a view of the vast sea with loud waves. To the east of the beach, there are towering cliffs. Quoting the book Jelajah Wisata Nusantara by Tri Maya (2010), this beach is one of the tourist destinations full of myths and mysteries.
Local people believe that Parangtritis Beach is where Panembahan Senopati met Sunan Kalijaga after completing his asceticism. Panembahan Senopati was the first king of the Mataram Kingdom who reigned in 1586 – 1601. In that meeting, Senopati was reminded to remain humble as a ruler even though he had supernatural powers.
Since long ago, Parangtritis Beach has always been considered a sacred place. What are the famous myths of Parangtritis Beach? To find out, see the explanation in the following article.
The Mythology of Parangtritis beach
Parangtritis is considered sacred by many people, especially the people of Yogyakarta and its surroundings. They believe that the throne of Nyai Roro Kidul which is in the ocean can bring sacredness to her followers. Until now, many people worship and make the Kanjeng Ratu Kidul (Queen of the South Coast) a source of blessings. It is said that Nyai Roro Kidul can be met through meditation by her devotees. They believe that the supernatural ruler can grant the requests of her followers.
The Parangtritis Beach myth about Nyi Roro Kidul is one of the most famous among the many stories surrounding the beauty of the beach. It is said that Nyi Roro Kidul is the queen of the sea kingdom who is believed to have great magical powers. It is believed that Nyi Roro Kidul rules in her magnificent palace at the bottom of the southern sea of Java Island. Legend has it that Nyi Roro Kidul has a distinctive color of clothing, namely green or enchanting sea blue.
The local community believes that Nyi Roro Kidul has a strong attraction to humans, especially those who dare to look towards the sea with admiration. It is said that those who are too brave and break certain rules can become the target of her attention. Legend speaks of many stories of people who disappeared or were even pulled into the ocean by Nyi Roro Kidul after provoking her anger or trying to disturb her in some way.
2. The Myth of the Prohibition of Wearing Green Clothes
It is said that wearing green clothes has great magical powers and radiates an amazing charm. It is believed that anyone who sees green clothes in the middle of the waves or on the edge of Parangtritis Beach, especially at sunset, can be irresistibly captivated. This enchanting green color is believed to be a symbol of the power and beauty of Nyi Roro Kidul.
However, such is the nature of beach waves that can be fierce depending on the weather and changing water conditions. Parangtritis Beach has quite strong waves, therefore it is important to always follow the warnings and instructions given by the beach officers. By paying attention to your safety and following the applicable rules, you will remain safe enjoying the natural beauty of this beach.
The black sand found in some parts of Parangtritis Beach is believed to have an unusual origin and magical powers. It is said that the black sand is considered the result of interaction between the human world and the supernatural world. Some versions of the myth say that the black sand is a relic of magical events or extraordinary events, such as battles between supernatural beings or terrible natural events.
There is a myth that says that at Parangtritis Beach there is a network of secret tunnels that connect the beach directly to Keraton Yogyakarta, the famous royal palace in Yogyakarta.
It is said that the tunnel was built during the kingdom era as a secret route used by the king and his family to escape or travel without being known by enemies or others. It is believed that this tunnel is very secret and only a few people know its location, and those who know the secret are required to guard it very tightly.
6. The Myth of the Entrance to the Supernatural Realm
Parangtritis Beach is believed to be a place where there is an “entrance” or gate to the supernatural world or another world that is invisible to the human eye. It is said that certain places along the beach, especially in areas that are considered very sacred or have strong supernatural energy, are considered to be the locations where the doors to the supernatural world are located. It is believed that people who have certain spiritual sensitivity or supernatural powers may be able to see or feel the presence of these doors.
Summary
Parangtritis Beach is a beautiful and interesting place to visit. In addition to its natural charm, this beach also offers various exciting activities such as playing kites, riding horses, or enjoying typical beach food. So, don’t let these myths stop you from enjoying a vacation at Parangtritis Beach.
Regardless of whether the myths of Parangtritis Beach are true or not, it is good for us to respect the culture of the local people there. Although these myths have no scientific basis, it is still important to respect local beliefs and culture. If you visit Parangtritis Beach, it is good to respect the myths and follow the rules that apply there. For example, avoid wearing green if you feel uncomfortable, or respect the prohibition on swimming in the sea on certain days.
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