On our tour of Langkawi, we learnt of the legendary but tragic tale of the princess Mahsuri who placed a curse on the island for seven generations.
Her memorial and final resting place is an amazing place to visit. Wanna know our journey?? Let’s follow this story!
Her memorial and final resting place is an amazing place to visit. Wanna know our journey?? Let’s follow this story!
Location
Kota Mahsuri located in Jalan Makam Mahsuri, not too far from the central city of Langkawi. It just takes around 20 minutes. Where is it? Let's look up the map below!!
History
Locals of Langkawi hold the legend of Mahsuri to be true, citing the decades of failed crops due to the curse she placed before her death.
The stories tell that Langkawi was attacked by the Kingdom of Siam(present day Thailand) numerous times with the last invasion taking place in 1821. Local farmers tried to deny the invaders the spoils of battle by torching the fields of paddy they grew. The field which was torched by the farmers is still known as Beras Terbakar or "burnt rice' to this day.
The stories tell that Langkawi was attacked by the Kingdom of Siam(present day Thailand) numerous times with the last invasion taking place in 1821. Local farmers tried to deny the invaders the spoils of battle by torching the fields of paddy they grew. The field which was torched by the farmers is still known as Beras Terbakar or "burnt rice' to this day.
The tour guide also told us that, after seven generation has passed, the curse lifted and Langkawi started to develop and become one of the most visited interesting place in Malaysia giving weight to the tragic legend of Mahsuri
According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. There is also a museum with recorded interpretation of the Mahsuri legend.
Mahsuri maintained her innocence throughout her trial. But, in the end, she was sentenced to death by her own father-in-law, who was then Chief of Langkawi for alleged adultery. Before she died, Mahsuri cursed that Langkawi would not prosper for seven generations. Legend has it that white blood was seen to pour from her wound during the execution at Padang Hangus, as further proof of her innocence.
Believe it or not, by the next generation after Mahsuri's execution, the Siamese army made an attack on the Langkawi island. In desperation, the chief ordered all the rice in the island to be burnt down to prevent it falling into Siamese hands.
According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. There is also a museum with recorded interpretation of the Mahsuri legend.
Mahsuri maintained her innocence throughout her trial. But, in the end, she was sentenced to death by her own father-in-law, who was then Chief of Langkawi for alleged adultery. Before she died, Mahsuri cursed that Langkawi would not prosper for seven generations. Legend has it that white blood was seen to pour from her wound during the execution at Padang Hangus, as further proof of her innocence.
Believe it or not, by the next generation after Mahsuri's execution, the Siamese army made an attack on the Langkawi island. In desperation, the chief ordered all the rice in the island to be burnt down to prevent it falling into Siamese hands.
Soon after Mahsuri’s death, the Siamese army made an attack on the Langkawi island. In desperation, the chief ordered the all the rice in the island to be burnt down to prevent it falling into Siamese hands. The remnants of burnt rice can still be seen at this spot known as the Field of Burnt Rice especially after a heavy downfall. What we can see in “Kota Mahsuri”?
We can get the story of Mahsuri in Kota Mashuri. To enter Kota Mahsuri, it’s only charge RM5 for Malaysian and RM10 for foreigners. Inside Kota Mahsuri, we can see the tradisional music playing there. What we can see in this place?
1. Traditional House
In Kota Mahsuri, we can see the Malay traditional house. The houses were labelled such as Teratak Sri Mawat, Teratak Sri Merong and Teratak Sri Tama. People usually take a photo in this place.
Malay Traditional House
2. Telaga Mahsuri (Well Mahsuri)
The Mahsuri's Well is located at Kampong Mawat. It was the source of the water supply for Mahsuri and her family. It is believed the well has never gone dry even during the worst drought.
Tour guide giving explanation about Telaga Mahsuri
Visitors washing their face and other parts of their body with the Well Mashuri's water
The best known legend of Langkawi is of Mahsuri, a pretty maiden who lived during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah the Second who ruled Kedah between 1762 and 1800.
Mahsuri's Tomb
taking a photo of Mahsuri's Tomb...
4. Other attractions
Tourist can also enjoy the views of the paddy fields, mini zoo and also stalls selling the all kinds of food and souvenir as well as demonstrations on how to make traditional cakes by the villagers.
Tourist can also enjoy the views of the paddy fields, mini zoo and also stalls selling the all kinds of food and souvenir as well as demonstrations on how to make traditional cakes by the villagers.
a woman sells traditional cake, Peneram
traditional music to welcome the visitors...
One hour touring the Kota Mashuri was very interesting and going back with lots of memories and pictures! Like our friend, Izawan, share his experience visiting this place. Just check what Izawan says on this video :)
Well, please enjoy Kota Mashuri like us!!
No comments:
Post a Comment