Serat Centhini 1-12

Author: Agus Wahyudi

Category: History, Java culture

Language: Indonesian

Publication Year: 2015

Pages: -

Description:

This book is a novelization of "Serat Centhini," consisting of twelve volumes. "Serat Centhini" is a remarkable Javanese literary manuscript that encompasses history, education, geography, architecture, natural sciences, philosophy, religion, mysticism, divination, magic, martial arts, symbolism, customs, traditional ceremonies, ethics, psychology, flora and fauna, medicine, cuisine, arts, and even knowledge about intimacy.

"Serat Centhini" begins with "Babad Giri Mataram," which narrates the birth of Sunan Giri, his era of greatness, and the fall of Giri Kedhaton. During the time of Sunan Giri (also known as Sunan Kawis Guwa), the Mataram kingdom under Sultan Agung allied with Prince Pekik of Surabaya to subdue Sunan Giri's power. A fierce war ensued, eventually leading to Giri's defeat under Mataram. Sunan Giri and his family were captured, but his three children—Jayengresmi, Jayengsari, and Rancangkapti—managed to escape and flee to the forest.

They were separated, with Jayengresmi heading west until he reached Mount Karang in Banten, where he was adopted by Ki Ageng Karang. Jayengsari and Rancangkapti went east until they arrived in Banyuwangi before eventually sailing to Pekalongan, where they were adopted by Sheikh Ahadiyat in Sokayasa. Their long journeys and the events that transpired form the beginning of this literary work's storyline.

Personal Notes:

One book per month. So, I finished all twelve volumes of "Serat Centhini" in a year. However, I still enjoy rereading them to deepen my understanding. It truly is a comprehensive work, containing a wealth of information about the noble Javanese culture, which is now often overlooked.