Lake of Pregnant Maiden, Myth or Miracle

Despite the new century, folklore and superstition still flourish in Malaysia. And it is these beliefs that keep a lake on one of the most remote islands in the country alive.

The Island of Pregnant Maiden, or the Pulau Dayang Bunting, is a remote island in the west coast of northern Peninsula Malaysia. Located about 20 km from the peninsula, it looks just like any other island in the country.

But for some mythical reasons, the island attracts hundreds of thousands of women every year.

Tasik Dayang Bunting, the lake of the Pregnant Maiden, is the largest lake in Kedah, a northern state in Peninsula Malaysia. When seen from above, the silhouette of the lake appears as if a pregnant woman is lying down on her back.

Call it a legend or myth. It has prompted many jumping into this lake in the belief that its waters can miraculously cure their infertility.

“I came here with a hope to have a baby. I want to be blessed, like what the myth of the ‘pregnant maiden’ suggests. I believe in the legend, but not 100 percent,” a visitor to the lake told Xinhua in an interview.

“It is a superstition according to Islamic teachings. The legend serves as a knowledge for us. But many barren women came here and became pregnant immediately. That, I think, is God’s work. We are just the receivers of His blessing,” another visitor said.

Omar Khalid, a tour boat operator on this island for 15 years, said he has seen numerous couples who were barren for many years conceived with children after visiting the lake every month.

“They come here many times in hopes of being blessed with children. They bottled the lake water and drink them at home. I can’t say it’s just a myth because many of them actually conceived after that. To me, this is a work of God. Maybe their prayers were heard,” said Omar. Behind the name of the lake lies a celestial love story.

Here was where a sorcerer, Mat Teja, was ensnared by the charms of a fairy princess, Mambang Sari.

Determined to win her affection, Mat Teja followed the advice of a wise man and procured mermaid’s tears and smeared them on his face. With that, he successfully won the affection of Mambang Sari and the two became deeply in love.

Xinhua