Jolotundo Spring: A Timeless Destination for Spiritual and Natural Refreshment
Suarajatim.com - Nestled amidst lush forests and steep ascents, the tranquil allure of Jolotundo Spring beckons travelers seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Situated approximately 55 kilometers from Surabaya, this ethereal oasis, often referred to as a "heavenly garden," rests on the slopes of Mount Penanggungan in Seloliman village, Trawas district, Mojokerto.
Accessible via both two and four-wheeled vehicles, the journey to Jolotundo Spring is a scenic adventure, though caution is advised during inclement weather due to slippery roads and winding paths.
Steeped in history and romance, Jolotundo Spring is steeped in the legend of a great Balinese king, Raja Udaya, and his union with Princess Guna Priya Dharma of Kediri. It is believed that from this union, Prabu Airlangga was born in 991 AD, as evidenced by inscriptions found on the walls of the Jolotundo Spring complex.
In commemoration of the birth of Prabu Airlangga, who would later ascend to become a prominent ruler in Kahuripan, Raja Udaya commissioned the construction of Jolotundo Spring in 997 AD. However, alternative sources suggest that Jolotundo Spring served as a hermitage for Prabu Airlangga during his retreat from the throne of Kahuripan.
Spanning an area of 1 hectare, with dimensions of 16.85 meters in length, 13.52 meters in width, and 5.2 meters in height, Jolotundo Spring was once a favored bathing place for the nobility of the Kahuripan kingdom. Its architectural marvels, crafted from special adhesit stones and adorned with intricate hand-carved reliefs, attest to the skilled craftsmanship of a bygone era.
With 52 natural springs flowing from the depths of the earth, sourced from the peak of Mount Penanggungan, Jolotundo Spring's waters never run dry, even during prolonged droughts. Remarkably, our ancestors had mastered subterranean irrigation long before Western discoveries, a testament to their ingenuity.
Many visitors to Jolotundo Spring attest to the therapeutic properties of its waters, believed to cure various ailments.
"I have visited Jolotundo several times to collect water for my sibling who is unwell. Alhamdulillah, their condition has been steadily improving," shared Agus (44), a resident of Surabaya.
"Whether one chooses to believe it or not, I am personally convinced of the healing properties of Jolotundo's water. It is said that the purity of Jolotundo's water rivals that of Zam Zam water in Mecca," Agus added.
Indeed, visitors often partake in ritual baths at Jolotundo Spring, especially during full moons, Friday nights, or on the 1st of Syuro.
Scientific research has corroborated the purity of Jolotundo's waters, ranking it second only to Zam Zam water. It comes as no surprise that the multinational corporation, Aqua Danone, had once expressed interest in acquiring water from Jolotundo Spring.
The layout of the bathing area at Jolotundo Spring, established during the reign of Raja Udaya, remains unchanged to this day, with engraved instructions on the distinctive stone walls of the temple complex guiding visitors to separate bathing areas for men and women.