History of King Siliwangi
History of King Siliwangi
Batutulis inscription writes that King Siliwangi was crowned twice. First when Jayadewata received the throne of Galuh Kingdom from the Father, King God of Niskala. Secondly when he received the throne of the Sunda Kingdom from his father-in-law, Susuktunggal. Thus King Siliwangi is the ruler of Sunda-Galuh who was crowned with the title of Sri Baduga Maharaja Ratu Haji in Pakuan Pajajaran Sri Sang Ratu Dewata.
In general, the name of King Siliwangi is better known than Sri Baduga Mahajara. Because according to the old tradition, people are reluctant or even not allowed to mention the title of the real king. That's why accidentally the name Prabu Siliwangi more popularized.
The name Prabu Siliwangi comes from two words, 'silih' and 'perfume'. Silih means substitute, so the meaning of the name Prabu Siliwangi is 'substitute Prabu Wangi'. Prabu Wangi itself is a nickname given to King Maharaja after the 'praising' the pride of the Sundanese tribal people with his achievements and fame.
During his youth, King Siliwangi was known as a brave and agile knight. Even he is the only one who managed to defeat Queen Japura while competing for Subang Barang as a wife.
Once officially crowned as king, the first action performed Prabu Siliwangi is to fulfill the mandate of the grandfather. That is to free the people from taxes, because people have firmly practice the teachings of the gods.