The Dark Story Behind the History of the Singasari Kingdom

The Singasari Kingdom is one of the kingdoms that had a significant influence on the culture of Malang City. This kingdom was founded by Ken Arok and its last king was King Kertanegara.

Here is a deeper review related to the history of the Singasari Kingdom from its origins to the legacies it left behind.

Origins of the Singasari Kingdom's History

The Singasari Kingdom is a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom centered in the Tumapel region. This kingdom was established by Ken Arok, who was initially just an ordinary citizen serving the Tumapel regent named Tunggul Ametung.

Ken Arok was apparently interested in Ken Dedes and wanted to marry her. At that time, Ken Dedes was the wife of Tunggul Ametung, so Ken Arok killed Tunggul Ametung to marry Ken Dedes.

After Tunggul Ametung's death, Ken Arok rose to power. Ken Arok, who was very ambitious, wanted to become king, so in 1222 AD, he launched an attack on the Kediri region and successfully conquered King Kertajaya, thus uniting the Kediri region with Tumapel, marking the beginning of the Singasari Kingdom.

Location of the Singasari Kingdom

The history of the Singasari Kingdom is also inseparable from the explanation of its location. This kingdom is located in East Java. The exact location is in the Singasari District of Malang Regency.

The original name of the Singasari Kingdom was the Tumapel kingdom, which had its capital in Kutaraja, but during Kertanegara's reign, its name changed to Singasari.

Lineage of the Kings of the Singasari Kingdom According to the Pararaton Book

1. Ken Arok (Founder) (1222-1247)

One of the texts that explains the beginnings of Tumapel's victory over Kediri is the Pararaton book. This book explains that Ken Arok was a guard but he killed Tunggul Ametung and then married Ken Dedes, who was pregnant at that time. Ken Dedes' child with Tunggul Ametung was later born and named Anusapati.

2. Anusapati (1247-1249)

The next king in the history of the Singasari Kingdom is Anusapati. It is said that Anusapati killed Ken Arok to avenge Tunggul Ametung's death.

Anusapati's reign lasted only 3 years. His reign ended in 1249 when he was killed by Tohjaya.

3. Tohjaya (1249-1250)

Tohjaya was the third king to lead the Singasari Kingdom. Tohjaya killed the previous king, Anusapati. Tohjaya is a descendant of Ken Arok with his wife, Ken Umang.

Tohjaya ascended the throne as a king replacing Anusapati, who had passed away. However, his reign ended after he was defeated by Ranggawuni.

4. Wisnuwardhana (1250-1272)

Ranggawuni or King Wisnuwardhana is the son of Anusapati, thus he continued the vengeance surrounding the leadership in the Singasari Kingdom.

Wisnuwardhana successfully ruled Singasari for 22 years and became part of the history of the Singasari Kingdom. Wisnuwardhana later crowned his son as a king.

5. Kertanegara (1272-1292)

The last king of the Singasari Kingdom was King Kertanegara. Kertanegara is the son of Wisnuwardhana or Ranggawuni. He was the Crown Prince, so Wisnuwardhana gave him the throne.

Kertanegara became a king who was able to advance and develop the Singasari Kingdom. The territory of the Singasari Kingdom expanded.

Golden Age

The golden age in the history of Singasari occurred during the reign of King Kertanegara. He was able to expand the Singasari Kingdom and also build cooperation with other kingdoms both abroad and domestically.

At that time, Hinduism and Buddhism were also thriving, and during his reign, both religions coexisted peacefully.

Legacies of the Singasari Kingdom

1. Singhasari Temple

The Singasari Kingdom collapsed after the death of Kertanegara due to an attack by the Kediri forces led by Jayakatwang. Although it has collapsed, the history of the Singasari Kingdom can be seen from its legacy, namely the Singhasari Temple. This temple is located in the Singasari District, which was the center of the Singasari Kingdom's government.

2. Kidal Temple

The Kidal Temple is a temple built in honor of the great services of King Anusapati. This temple is located in the middle of the courtyard and has Hindu characteristics.

Previously, the temple room was the place for the Shiva statue, but now the statue has been stored at the Royal Tropical Institute in the Netherlands. It is located on the western slope of Mount Tengger.

3. Jago Temple

The next historical legacy of Singasari is the Jago Temple. This temple was built in the 13th century, which signifies greatness.

This temple was built at the command of King Kertanegara as a form of respect for King Wisnuwardhana. This temple is related to the Singhasari Temple as seen from the lotus carvings.

4. Jawi Temple

The Jawi Temple was built in the 13th century and is located at the foot of Mount Welirang, which is one of the historical legacies of the Singasari Kingdom. The Jawi Temple is the burial place of the last king of Singasari, Kertanegara. This temple was originally established as a place of worship built at Kertanegara's command.

There are still many legacies from the Singasari Kingdom. Although its reign has ended, all its legacies will remain as evidence of its glorious past that had a significant influence. History is part of the nation's culture, and all its legacies should be well preserved.