The Origin of Pond Sampuraga

The Origin of Pond Sampuraga

A Folklore from Sumatra, Indonesia

Long time ago, in the area of Sumatra, lived a widow with her son named Sampuraga. They lived in a small hut in the forest. Everyday they worked hard as employees in a farm owned by a rich man.

One day, Sampuraga and his boss took a rest, leaning on a tree after working all day. While enjoying their lunch, the boss asked,

“Sampuraga, you’re still young. Why don’t you move to a prosperous land and find a better job?”

Sampuraga was an honest and diligent young man. That why his boss cared for him and wanted a better life for him.

“Actually I’ve been dreaming to move to search for a better life. I want to make my happier. But where do I have to go to?" Asked Sampuraga.

“You should go to Mandailing. One of my friend live there. Most of the inhabitants have farms and fields. They also seek for living by panning for gold in the river since it has high level of gold content,” explained the boss. The conversation made Sampuraga decided to follow the boss’s advised.
Back in his Hut, Sampuraga told his mother about his decision.

“Mother, I want to move to look for a better life. In this place, I’ll always be employee and work for other people. I want to go someplace else and try out my luck,” Sampuraga said to his mother.

“Where will you go, son?” his mother asked.

“I was thinking about Mandailing. The boss told me that the people in Mandailing live in prosperity because of its fertile soil,” Sampuraga said. His mother knew that Sampuraga had made up his mind and nothing can change his decision.

“Though I’m afraid of being separated whit you, as I get older, but I have no reason to forbid you. I’m sorry I never make you happy,” his mother said.

“Thank you, mother! I promise  I’ll be back soon if I were success. Pray for me mom,” Sampuraga asking for his mother blessing.

Sampuraga depart on his journey to Mandailing the following day. He left his mother alone. Days passed, he walked throughout a forest passing by villages.

One day, he reached a city in Pidoli Kingdom, in Mandailing. In that place, he tired to apply for job. A rich merchant accepted his application. The merchant took a great trust in him, as he was diligent and honest young man.

After a year, the boss gave him some financial capitals so that he could run his own business. His business grew up rapidly in a short time. Some of his profits were kept to increase his capital in order to make his business bigger. Finally, he was known a rich young businessman.

The merchant was so proud with Sampuraga. One day, he asked Sampuraga if he is interested to marry his daughter.

“Sampuraga, you are honest and diligent man. Do you want to marry my daughter?” asked the merchant.

“Of course, sir” Sampuraga answered. The merchant’s daughter was known as the most beautiful girl in the Pidoli kingdom.

They got married in a luxurious wedding party. All preparations had been started months before the wedding day. The buffalos and goats were provided in the party.

Everybody knew about the big wedding including Sampuraga’s mother. She heard the news from a passing merchant from Mandailing.

“Is it true? Maybe it’s just the same name.” she was at doubt. How could it possible for her son to marry a beautiful girl from a wealthy family, whereas he’s just a son of poor widow.

But, Sampuraga’s mother still wanted to make sure, so she went to Mandailing to watch the wedding. When she arrived in Pidoli Kingdom, the wedding party already started. It was so crowded and noisy. She tried to get closer in the crowd. She was shocked when she saw the man who was sitting next to a beautiful girl. It was her son Sampuraga.

“Raga…! Sampuraga, my son” she shouted, trying to get Sampuraga’s attention.

Sampuraga was shocked to hear that familiar voice.

“Oh.. It’s not possible,” the thought while looking the source of the voice among the crowded. Then he saw an old woman ran to him.

“Sampuraga, my son! I’m your mother!” said the old woman while she tried to embrace Sampuraga.

But Sampuraga was so embarrassed to see his own mother. His face turned red.

“Hey, old woman! Don’t pretend to be my mother! I have no mother like you! Go away from here now! Don’t disturb my party!” he shouted with angry tone.

His mother was startled to see Sampuraga’s reaction.

“Raga… Sampuraga. I’m your mother. How could you forget your own mother?” she started to cry.

“No!! You’re not my mother! She’s already dead! Guard, take his old woman out here!” Sampuraga ordered his guard.

His heart had totally hardened until he denied and chased away his own mother. All of the guests only kept on silence, no one dared to mediate them.

The old woman then was dragged by two guards out of the party. While still crying, she prayed,

“Dear God.. If he were truly my son, Sampuraga, please give him a punishment for disavowing me.”

Suddenly, the sky turned dark, covered by thick could. The rain fell down followed by thunderstorm. Just in a short time, no one was safe, including Sampuraga and his wife.

On the next days, that place turned into a hot pond surrounded by limestone whose shape were the same as buffalos. There were also two heaps of sand and colorful mud that looked like the food offered on Sampuraga’s wedding party. People later call it “Kolam Sampuraga” or pond Sampuraga.