javaprivatetour.com – Gajah Mada, the renowned Prime Minister (Amangkhubumi) of the Majapahit Empire, is celebrated for his Sumpah Palapa, a vow to unite the Nusantara (the Indonesian Archipelago). However, while his achievements are legendary, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery. Was his passing due to illness, as some historical accounts suggest, or did he attain moksha—a spiritual liberation, as others believe?
Death by Illness: The Nagarakretagama Account
One of the most well-known records about Gajah Mada’s death comes from the Kakawin Nagarakretagama, an ancient Javanese literary work. It states that Gajah Mada fell ill and passed away in 1286 Saka (1364 CE) shortly after King Hayam Wuruk returned from a religious ceremony in Simping. The king, mourning the loss of his trusted advisor, convened a council of the Dewan Sapta Prabu to find a suitable replacement.
Interestingly, no single figure could fill Gajah Mada’s shoes. Instead, a group of ministers, including Punala Tanding, was tasked with managing state affairs. This arrangement proved temporary, and eventually, Gajah Enggon was appointed as the new Amangkhubumi.
Despite this narrative, historians question why such an influential figure left no physical legacy, such as a tomb or inscription. This absence raises doubts about the accuracy of this account.
Moksha: The Kidung Sunda Version
An alternate version of Gajah Mada’s end appears in the Kidung Sunda, specifically in the third canto (pupuh Sinom). This account ties his fate to the tragic Battle of Bubat, a clash between Majapahit forces led by Gajah Mada and the Sunda Kingdom.
According to this version, King Hayam Wuruk, devastated by the loss of the Sunda princess—whom he intended to marry—was overwhelmed with grief. After her death and subsequent funeral rites, Hayam Wuruk himself passed away, further destabilizing Majapahit.
Gajah Mada, blamed for the disastrous events at Bubat, became a target of political vengeance. Realizing his imminent capture, he is said to have performed yoga samadhi, a deep meditative state, and vanished into moksha, attaining spiritual liberation. This version portrays his end as mystical, aligning with traditional beliefs about the transcendence of great figures.
Debate Among Historians
Even today, scholars remain divided over these two versions. According to Professor Aminuddin Kasdi from Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Gajah Mada’s origins and final resting place are obscured by his status as a kawulo (commoner). Despite his immense contributions, the cultural norms of the time reserved monuments like temples and statues exclusively for kings, considered divine descendants.
“No special structure was built to honor Gajah Mada because, at that time, only kings were entitled to such recognition,” explains Professor Kasdi. Even queens and royal consorts were rarely immortalized, let alone high-ranking officials.
Illness or Moksha: Still an Unsolved Mystery
The lack of conclusive evidence for either account leaves the question unanswered. Did Gajah Mada succumb to illness, or did he disappear into spiritual liberation? What remains undeniable is his pivotal role in shaping the history of the Nusantara.
If you’re intrigued by the legacy of Gajah Mada and the Majapahit Empire, why not embark on a journey to explore Java’s historical sites and uncover its rich stories for yourself?
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