RADAR TEGAL – The existence of the Serayu River for residents in the former Banyumas Residency, is an important river for its residents. So they uphold the legends and myths of the formation of the Serayu River.
Until now, not a few people depend on their fate, on the longest and largest river flow in the Banyumas area. Among them for agricultural irrigation sources, tourism, energy sources, and so on.
The headwaters of the Serayu River are located on the slopes of Mount Prahu in Dieng, Wonosobo. The spring is known as Tuk Bima Lukar (Bima Lukar spring, Ed.) which has many tributaries with a total area of 4,375 square km.
Many also call the Serayu River the Bengawan Serayu, which stretches from northeast to southwest for 181 km. This river flows through five districts, namely Wonosobo, Banjarnegara, Purbalingga, and Banyumas Regencies until it empties into the Indian Ocean in the Cilacap Regency.
Something is interesting about the legend of the formation of the Serayu River. People in the five regencies that cross it believe that the Serayu River was formed from the urine (urine, Ed.) of Bima or Werkudoro, a member of the Pandawa Lima.
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For example, for the people of Banjarnegara Regency and its surroundings, the myth of the formation of the Serayu River has existed and developed for a long time. Moreover, this river also passes through parts of Banjarnegara Regency.
It is precisely this that causes the myth or legend of the Serayu River to develop among the residents of Banjarnegara Regency. Apart from crossing Banjarnegara Regency, the Serayu River also passes through several other areas such as Wonosobo, Purbalingga, Banyumas, and Cilacap.
Although the origins of the legend of the Serayu River are unclear, the myth that is widespread among the residents and people of Banjarnegara Regency is unique. However, this story is very thickly developed.
The epic legend of the Serayu River
From the narrative of several residents, the legend began when the Five Pandavas were assigned to build a temple in the Dieng Plateau area. On the way, Bima also known as Werkudara urinated.
In various stories and literature, Bima or Werkudara is a member of the Five Pandavas who has a large body. Bima's posture is very different from his four brothers, namely, Yudhistira, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa.
Well, it is said that because of his tall body, Bima's urine was flowing profusely. So that his urine turned into a large river flow and swift water.
When the five Pandawa Lima warriors arrived at Eacara Village, the five of them fought against Bakasura, a giant who was rampaging in the village. Bakasura became angry because the villagers did not give him a heifer when the villagers were celebrating.
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