Friday, April 22, 2011

Ronda-Ronda: Hang Tuah's Well



The Hang Tuah's Well or Perigi Hang Tuah is located at Kampung Duyong, his birth place. From Melaka Town, it takes about 20 minutes drive. 




According to Melaka legend and folklore, it is believed that a white crocodile (the Kramat of Hang Tuah) dwells in this well and those who are able to see the spirit (Kramat) will be bestowed with good luck.



After he had passed away, it is said that the well has become the dwelling of his spirit, which took on the form of a white crocodile. It is also believed that the albino crocodile cannot be seen by just anyone; only the holy and the pure-hearted ever get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of it.


Another mystical aspect to the Hang Tuah well is that its water remains clear even after all these years, which is said to never dry up, even during long periods of drought. The locals believe that the well’s water contains special healing properties, able to cure all sorts of ailments. It was also said that the well used to be much smaller in size originally, and that it had grown over time.


Hang Tuah was one of the greatest hero in Malay history and served as an Admiral or Laksamana during the reign of the Malacca Sultanate in the middle of the 15th century. 



He was very strong and intelligent and was determined to serve the Malacca Sultanate Court.
His close friends were Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu and he was akcnowledged as the leader of the group. 




The 5 warriors were made warriors in the court when they saved the life of Bendahara Paduka Raja, the Prime Minister to Sultan Mansur Shah. 


Hang Tuah became a favourite warrior of the Sultan as he was responsible for bringing about the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah with the daughter of Betara Majapahit. 


Among the outstanding feats of Hang Tuah were the duel he had with Taming Sari, a warrior of the Court of Majapahit.