MAKAM RAJA AYANG

Location:• Bandar Seri Begawan next to Post Office

building in the parking lot of TAIB building.

Who is Raja Ayang?

• Raja Ayang or Dang Ayang was not a princess eventhough her name was entitled as ‘Raja’• However, according to Brunei history,

she was a member of royal family.

The story:

• She was caught in an unlawful relationship with her brother.

• They were supposed to be punished by stoning.• But no one has the heart to do it so the authorities

compromised to build a cavern in the middle of forest.• They were provided with food supplies.• A small chimney where smoke can be seen coming out,

this indicates they are still alive.• They were kept there for a long time until one day, no

smoke coming out from the chimney.• Everyone presumed that they died.

Moral of the story:

• Sultan Sulaiman was a strict ruler.• Anyone who does not obey the law will get

punished despite he or she is a royalty.• Dang Ayang’s punishment seemed harsh but

some has said that the punishment that one will receive in the hereafter will be even more harsh.

Findings near the tombstone:

• Boxer codex and Genealogy of Bani Sulaiman.• Arabic transcriptions on the south

and north side:

Superstition on the tombstone:

• An odd scene was found that people came to worship the tombstone to make their wishes come true like winning the lottery.

• They believe that the souls can grant their wishes.

• At night they came with flowers, candles, oil fragrances and incense. The visitors will sit and meditate there for 15 to 30 minutes.

Before & After

References

• Mohammad bin Salim, Haji. Makam Raja Ayang: kisah sumbang dua beradik. Pusaka, 14, 15-26

• Abdul Kadir Mohd. Tahir. (2009, October 7). Makam Raja Ayang bukti keutuhan pemerintahan kesultanan. Pelita Brunei. Retrieved september 19, 2012 from http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/news/pelita/07okt09/berita06.htm

Al-Fatihah