Biography Hayam Wuruk

Hayam Wuruk, born in 1334 and passing away in 1389, was the fourth monarch of Majapahit who reigned from 1350 to 1389. His title, Maharaja Sri Rājasanagara, reflected his wisdom and intelligence. He was the son of Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, the third ruler of Majapahit, and Sri Kertawardhana alias Cakradhara, the ruler of Tumapel or Bhre Tumapel.

Family and Birth Event

Hayam Wuruk's birth, which occurred in 1334, began with natural events, an earthquake in "Pabanyu Pindah," and the eruption of Mount Kelud. In the same year, Gajah Mada pronounced the Palapa Oath, a significant milestone in Majapahit's history.

Hayam Wuruk had a younger sister, Dyah Nertaja, the ruler of Pajang, and an adopted younger sister, Indudewi, the ruler of Lasem. He also had a queen named Sri Sudewi, the daughter of Wijayarajasa, the ruler of Wengker.

Reign and Expansion

Hayam Wuruk ascended the throne in 1351, replacing his mother, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi. In his reign, he was supported by his trusted Prime Minister, Gajah Mada. Majapahit pursued political expansion to secure maritime trade power and fulfill the Palapa Oath declared by Gajah Mada. Conquests of the Kingdom of Pasai and the Kingdom of Aru were evidence of the success of this policy.

Bubat War and Important Events

In 1357, the Bubat War occurred between Majapahit and the Sunda kingdom. King Linggabuana and his daughter Dyah Pitaloka perished in this battle. Hayam Wuruk also suffered a significant loss in 1364 when Prime Minister Gajah Mada passed away.

In 1372, his mother, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, passed away, a heavy blow to Hayam Wuruk. However, in 1377, he subdued Suvarnabhumi (Sumatra), establishing a peaceful era by fostering good relations with neighboring countries.

End of Hayam Wuruk's Life

In 1389, Hayam Wuruk passed away, leaving behind two children, Kusumawardhani and Bhre Wirabhumi. His successor was his son-in-law, Wikramawardhana, the husband of Kusumawardhani. Hayam Wuruk was enshrined at Candi Ngetos, Nganjuk, East Java.

Bubat War: Love Story and Causes

Although eventually marrying Sri Sudewi, Hayam Wuruk had a love story with Dyah Pitaloka from the Sunda Kingdom. The events of the Bubat War in 1357 remain a mystery, with several versions of its causes.

First Version

According to archaeologist Agus Aris Munandar, Gajah Mada agreed to the marriage to unite Majapahit and Sunda. However, Hayam Wuruk's father, Krtawarddhana, opposed it, ordering the cancellation of the marriage.

Second Version

Dyah Pitaloka, Hayam Wuruk's half-sister, according to Pustaka Rajyarajya, triggered the war because Gajah Mada reminded that they shared the same blood.

Third Version

In 1351, Hayam Wuruk intended to marry the daughter of the King of Galuh/Pajajaran. Conflict arose when Majapahit pressed Galuh to submit, sparking the Bubat War, ending with the deaths of the entire entourage of the Galuh Kingdom.

Literary Legacy

Under Hayam Wuruk's rule, the Kakawin Sutasoma and Nagarakretagama became important literary works reflecting the grandeur of Majapahit. Mpu Tantular and Mpu Prapanca composed these works in 1365.