.jpg "Panji Asmarabangun The Legend of Raden Inu Kertapati and Dewi Candra Kirana")
Chapter 1: The Prince Who Longed for His Beloved
Long, long ago, in the great kingdom of Jenggala, there lived a handsome young prince named Raden Inu Kertapati. He was brave, kind-hearted, and loved by everyone in his kingdom. The prince was engaged to a beautiful princess from the neighboring kingdom of Kediri, whose name was Dewi Candra Kirana.
Now, the King of Kediri had two daughters — the gentle and lovely Dewi Candra Kirana, and her sister, Dewi Ajeng. But it was Dewi Candra Kirana alone who held the prince's heart, for her kindness shone as brightly as her beauty.
One quiet evening, as the prince sat watching the sunset paint the sky in gold and pink, he could not stop thinking of his beloved.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Oh, how I miss my dear Candra Kirana. It has been far too long since I last saw her smile. I must go to Kediri at once!"
And so, the very next morning, the prince gathered his most loyal guards and set off on the long journey to the kingdom of Kediri, his heart full of hope and love.
Chapter 2: The Mysterious Leader of the Forest
The road to Kediri wound through deep forests and rolling hills. The prince and his guards traveled for many days. But halfway through their journey, they were suddenly stopped by a band of fierce warriors who blocked the path ahead.
Guard: "Raden! Bandits! It is the gang of Panji Semirang from the land of Asmarantaka!"
The prince had indeed heard many tales of this mysterious leader, whose name was whispered fearfully across the land. He raised his hand and called out to his men.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Stand firm, but do not attack unless we must. Let us see what they want."
To everyone's surprise, the warriors did not charge forward. Instead, two guards stepped out calmly and bowed before the prince.
Panji Semirang's Guard: "Greetings, noble Raden Inu Kertapati. Our leader, Panji Semirang, wishes only to speak with you. We mean no harm."
The prince studied them carefully, then nodded.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Very well. I have heard troubling stories about your leader, but I am willing to meet him — on one condition. You must promise that no one will be harmed."Panji Semirang's Guard: "You have our word, Raden."
Chapter 3: A Strangely Familiar Face
The prince and a small group of his guards were led deep into the forest, to a hidden camp where the famous Panji Semirang awaited. To the prince's astonishment, he was welcomed not with swords, but with warm hospitality and respect.
As Raden Inu Kertapati looked upon the face of this mysterious leader, a strange feeling stirred in his heart. Something about those eyes, that gentle expression, felt deeply familiar — though he could not remember why.
Panji Semirang: "Do not believe every rumor you hear, Raden. We do not rob or terrorize the innocent. We only wish to build a peaceful life here in Asmarantaka, and we welcome those who wish to join us — but we never force anyone."Raden Inu Kertapati: "I am glad to hear it. But I must continue on my way. I am traveling to the kingdom of Kediri to see my beloved fiancée."Panji Semirang: "Ah, so that is the purpose of your journey! I have heard that the King of Kediri has two lovely daughters — Dewi Candra Kirana and Dewi Ajeng. Tell me, Raden, which of them awaits you?"Raden Inu Kertapati: "My heart belongs only to Dewi Candra Kirana."
A flicker of something unreadable crossed Panji Semirang's face, but the prince, eager to continue his journey, simply bowed politely and took his leave, never suspecting the truth hidden behind those familiar eyes.
Chapter 4: A Terrible Deception
At last, after many more days of travel, Raden Inu Kertapati and his guards arrived at the grand palace of Kediri. Drums beat and flowers were scattered as the kingdom welcomed the prince with great joy. Among those who greeted him were the King's concubine, Dewi Liku, and her daughter, Dewi Ajeng.
But the prince's eyes searched eagerly through the crowd for only one face.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Mother, forgive me — but where is Dewi Candra Kirana? I do not see her among the welcoming party."
Dewi Liku lowered her eyes, feigning great sorrow.
Dewi Liku: "Oh, Raden... it grieves me to tell you this. Poor Dewi Candra Kirana has suffered terribly from a loss of memory. She wandered away from the palace some time ago, and no one knows where she has gone."
The prince's face turned pale with shock, and he nearly fainted where he stood. What he did not know was that Dewi Liku was no ordinary woman — she practiced dark magic, and with a secret spell, she had already begun to cloud the minds of both the King of Kediri and the prince himself.
Under this wicked enchantment, the King of Kediri insisted that Raden Inu Kertapati marry his daughter Dewi Ajeng instead. And so, against his own true heart, the bewitched prince agreed, and preparations for a grand wedding began.
Chapter 5: Fire in the Palace
On the very night before the wedding, as lanterns glowed and musicians rehearsed for the celebration, a sudden and terrible fire broke out within the palace walls! Flames leapt high into the night sky, and smoke filled the halls.
Royal Guard: "Raden! The palace is burning! You must leave at once — it is not safe here!"
Raden Inu Kertapati and his loyal guards fled the burning palace into the cool night air. And as the smoke cleared from around him, something remarkable happened — the fog of Dewi Liku's dark magic finally lifted from his mind.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "What... what has happened to me? My mind feels clear again... Dewi Liku! She has deceived us all with her wicked sorcery!"
Suddenly, a memory flashed before his eyes — the gentle, familiar face of Panji Semirang.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Of course! Panji Semirang's face... it looked so much like my beloved Candra Kirana! Could it be...?"
Filled with new hope, the prince immediately gathered his guards.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "We must travel to Asmarantaka at once! I believe Panji Semirang may be the key to finding my true love!"
Chapter 6: The Search Continues
The prince and his men rode swiftly back to the land of Asmarantaka, hearts pounding with hope. But when they arrived, they found the camp empty and quiet.
Villager: "I am sorry, Raden. Panji Semirang left this place not long ago. No one knows where the leader has gone."
Raden Inu Kertapati's heart sank like a stone.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Oh, my dear Candra Kirana... wherever could you be? Will I ever find you again?"
Though heartbroken, the prince refused to give up. With a determined spirit, he and his guards continued their long journey home toward the kingdom of Jenggala, searching every village and town they passed along the way.
Chapter 7: A Kingdom in Need
On the way home, the prince's path led through the kingdom of Gagelang, a loyal ally of Jenggala. The King of Gagelang, hearing that the famous prince was passing through, sent messengers to invite him to rest at the palace.
King of Gagelang: "Welcome, Raden Inu Kertapati! It is an honor to have you in our kingdom. I must confess, we are troubled these days — two powerful and dangerous men, Lasan and Setegal, have been causing great harm to our people."
The prince, ever noble and brave, did not hesitate to offer his help.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Then allow me and my guards to assist your kingdom, Your Majesty. We will not let these troublemakers harm your people any longer."
With his great strength and skill, Raden Inu Kertapati led his guards into battle against the two criminals. After a fierce struggle, both Lasan and Setegal were finally defeated, and peace returned once more to the kingdom of Gagelang.
Chapter 8: The Poet's Song
To celebrate this great victory, the King of Gagelang held a magnificent festival that lasted seven days and seven nights, filled with music, dancing, and joyful feasting. On the final evening, a graceful young poet was invited to perform before the court.
As the poet began to sing, the prince listened closely — for the song told a story he knew all too well: the tale of a prince named Inu Kertapati and his lost love, Dewi Candra Kirana.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Wait... how do you know this story? Please, tell me — who are you?"
The poet's hands trembled slightly, and slowly, hesitantly, she lifted her gaze to meet his. In that instant, the prince recognized those familiar, beloved eyes at last.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "Candra Kirana... is it truly you?"
With tears of joy streaming down her face, the poet could hide the truth no longer.
Dewi Candra Kirana: "Yes, my prince. It is I. Forgive me for hiding from you for so long. Dewi Liku cursed me with a spell that stole my memory, and I wandered lost and alone — until a kind and powerful hermit helped me break free of the curse. Since then, I have traveled from kingdom to kingdom, disguised as Panji Semirang, searching for a way back to you."
The prince could hardly believe his ears. He took her hands gently in his own, his heart overflowing with happiness.
Raden Inu Kertapati: "I searched for you everywhere, my love. I never stopped believing we would find each other again."
Chapter 9: A Joyful Reunion
With hearts full of joy, Raden Inu Kertapati and Dewi Candra Kirana thanked the King of Gagelang for his kindness and bid him farewell. Together, at last, they set off for the kingdom of Jenggala.
When they arrived, the entire kingdom erupted in celebration. Bells rang, flowers bloomed along every street, and the people cheered for their beloved prince and his long-lost princess. A grand and joyous wedding was held, more magnificent than any the kingdom had ever seen.
And so, after many trials, much heartache, and a long and winding journey, Raden Inu Kertapati and Dewi Candra Kirana were finally united — and they lived happily ever after as prince and princess of Jenggala.
This beloved tale, also known as the legend of Panji Asmarabangun, comes from East Java. It tells the story of the twists and turns of true love between Raden Inu Kertapati, the handsome prince of Jenggala, and Dewi Candra Kirana (also known as Dewi Sekartaji), the beautiful princess of Kediri, whose devotion to one another triumphed over deception and hardship.
Give it a try! Follow the winding love story of Raden Inu Kertapati searching for Dewi Candra Kirana.
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