The Mistycal of Mount Bromo

The Mistycal of Mount Bromo
Originally uploaded by Bali Photography - Bali Photographer.

Kesodho is a legend about the creation of Mount Bromo, a famous mountain in East Java, which is so famous with the beautifulness of sun rises panorama on it's peak.

Hundred years ago, during the reign of the last king of Majapahit (13-14 century AD), Brawijaya, one of the King's wives gave birth to a girl, Roro Anteng. Later she got married to Joko Seger, from Brahman (priests) caste. Because of an unfortunate situation, they were forced to leave the kingdom. They settled an area in the mountain, named it "Tengger."

For years, they were unhappy because they didn't have a child. They climbed the peak of the mountain, prayed to gods. Betara Bromo (God of Fire) promised them many children, but they have to sacrifice their youngest children.
They finally got 25 children, and they had to sacrifice the youngest, Kesuma, but they hid him. But an eruption happened and Kesuma fell into the crater. Then his voice heard: "I have to be sacrificed so that you will all stay alive. From now on you should arrange an annual ceremony on the 14th of Kesodo."

Today, Kesada also sees the initiation of new shamans as well as the installation of government officials and other distinguished people chosen by the Tengger community as their revered elders. which takes place in the 12th month. The mass commemoration is held in villages around Mt. Bromo and on the summit's edge overlooking its crater. After observing prayers on a sandy plain surrounding the mountain, the ceremony climaxes with making sacrificial offerings to Mt. Bromo: Fruits and other foodstuffs, animals and even money are thrown into the crater to ensure the safety of future Tengger generations.

Trek notes

• The number of tourists to Mt. Bromo has been increasing, with 500-1,000 people visiting the mountain weekly. Some 50-60 percent of visitors to East Java stop by this destination.
• Mt. Bromo is easily accessible through Ngadisari, a tourist village at the foot of the volcano. Several hotels, including Hotel Bromo Permai I, are available for visitors at Cemorolawang, a hamlet that can be reached from Probolinggo by bus for Rp 5,000 or by chartered car for Rp 60,000.
• Probolinggo is 99 km from Surabaya, and is accessible by bus or private car.
• To reach Cemorolawang from Surabaya by private car, it is not necessary to go via Probolinggo bus terminal. Head for Tongas, about 12 km from Surabaya, then to Sukapura and to Ngadisari, finally reaching Cemorolawang.
• Mt. Bromo can be scaled by trekking up from Cemorolawang to the crater through the sand plains, or "desert".
• Visitors can also hire horses or jeeps, particularly at weekends and on Mondays. Jeeps cost Rp 125,000 from Cemorolawang to Mt. Pananjakan; a day trip traversing Cemorolawang-Pananjakan-Ranu Pane and back again costs Rp 250,000.