Jayabaya facts for kids

Jayabhaya (also spelled Jayabaya) was a famous Javanese king. He ruled the Kediri Kingdom in East Java, Indonesia. His reign was from about 1135 to 1159 CE. Many people remember him as a very wise and fair ruler.

King Jayabhaya's full royal title was Sri Maharaja Sang Mapanji Jayabhaya Sri Warmeswara Madhusudana Awataranindita Suhtrisingha Parakrama Uttunggadewa. His time as king is often seen as the best period for the Kediri Kingdom. He helped bring the kingdom back together after it had split apart. People believed he was a special incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Jayabhaya was seen as the perfect example of a "Ratu Adil." This Javanese term means a "Just King." People believed such a king would return during tough times, called "Jaman Edan" (Madness Era). This king would then bring back peace and fairness, known as "Jaman Raharja" (Prosperity Era). Javanese people believed history moved in cycles, with good times followed by hard times, and then good times again.

Jayabhaya called his kingdom Widarba. This name means "a thousand cities." It was located in Pamenang, which is now part of Kediri Regency. Stories say his father was Gendrayana. He was believed to be a descendant of the famous Pandavas family from ancient legends. King Jayabhaya had four daughters with his queen, Dewi Sara. Their names were Jaya Amijaya, Dewi Pramesti, Dewi Pramuni, and Dewi Sasanti.

When he grew old, Jayabhaya decided to step down as king. He chose to live a quiet life of meditation as a Hindu spiritual person. He went to the village of Menang in Kediri. This place is still considered very sacred today. Many people, including former Indonesian presidents Sukarno and Suharto, visited Menang. They meditated there to gain wisdom and blessings.

King Jayabhaya's Famous Prophecies

King Jayabhaya is most famous for his special predictions, also known as oracles or prophecies. These are found in old texts like the Serat Jayabaya Musarar and Serat Pranitiwakya. He also supported two poets, Mpu Sedah and Mpu Panuluh. They wrote the famous epic poem called Kakawin Bhāratayuddha.

One of Jayabhaya's most well-known prophecies talks about the future of Java. It said:

• The Javanese people would be ruled by white people for 300 years.
• After that, yellow people, described as "dwarfs," would rule for a very short time. This time was said to be as long as a maize plant lives.
• Finally, a "Ratu Adil" (Just King) would return to bring freedom and peace. This king's name would have certain Javanese syllables.

Prophecy and Japanese Occupation

This prophecy became very important during World War II. When Japan occupied the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1942, many Indonesians were happy. They saw the Japanese army as the "yellow dwarfs" from Jayabhaya's prophecy. They believed this meant the end of Dutch rule.

The prophecy said the "yellow dwarfs" would stay for only "one crop cycle." This was understood to mean about 3.5 years. The Japanese occupation indeed lasted for about 3.5 years. After this, Japan lost the war. They officially handed over power to Indonesia on August 9, 1945. This led to Indonesia's independence. For many Javanese people, Jayabhaya's prophecy had come true.

The Return of the Ratu Adil

Many people still believe that the time for a new "Ratu Adil" is coming soon. The prophecies say this will happen "when iron wagons could drive without horses and ships could sail through the sky." This means when modern technology like cars and airplanes exist. People hope this new leader will rescue Indonesia from any future problems. They believe this will start a new "golden age" of peace and prosperity.

Some historians think that the idea of the "Ratu Adil" was very powerful. It might have influenced political events in Indonesia. For example, during a difficult period in 1965-66, the government had concerns about groups who believed in this prophecy. This was partly because some people identified the previous president, Sukarno, as a "Ratu Adil." This made the new leader, Suharto, cautious about such beliefs.