KEDAH FOLKLORE: PUTERI LINDUNGAN BULAN

The legend of Puteri Lindungan Bulan (The Moon-Shielded Princess) is one of Kedah’s most haunting and beloved folklores. It is a tale of a father’s protective love, a daughter’s sacrifice, and a supernatural phenomenon that supposedly lingers to this day.

Here is the story of the princess who "vanished" into the light.

The Legend of Puteri Zaleha

Centuries ago, during the reign of Sultan Sulaiman Shah, there lived a princess of extraordinary beauty named Puteri Zaleha. She was the younger of two sisters; her elder sister was named Puteri Mariam.

Legend says that Puteri Zaleha possessed a mystical quality: her blood was white, a sign of her nobility and purity.

1. The Proposal from Acheh

The fame of Zaleha’s beauty reached the Sultan of Acheh (in modern-day Indonesia). He sent an envoy to Kedah to ask for her hand in marriage. However, Sultan Sulaiman Shah was deeply protective of Zaleha and feared losing her.

Instead of sending Zaleha, the Sultan attempted a deception. He sent her elder sister, Puteri Mariam, to Acheh instead.

2. The Discovery and the War

When the Sultan of Acheh discovered he had been deceived, he was humiliated and enraged. He launched a massive naval invasion against Kedah to claim Puteri Zaleha by force.

As the Achenese forces closed in on the palace at Kota Siputeh, Sultan Sulaiman Shah realized he could not protect his daughter through traditional combat.

3. The "Shielding" of the Princess

According to the folklore, the Sultan took Zaleha to a secret underground chamber (some versions say a fortified room) to hide her. He prayed for her safety, asking that she be hidden from the eyes of the invaders.

When the Achenese soldiers finally stormed the palace, a miracle occurred. Even though they searched every room and corner, they could not see the princess. It was as if she was shielded by a divine light—the light of the moon.

The Tragic End

The story has two common endings, both tinged with sadness:

• The Sacrifice: In one version, Puteri Zaleha remained in her hiding spot for so long that she eventually passed away from a lack of air or food, choosing death over being captured by the enemy.
• The Vanishing: In more mystical versions, she simply vanished into the light, becoming a guardian spirit of the land.

The name "Lindungan Bulan" translates to "Protected by the Moon," referring to the lunar glow that supposedly masked her from her captors.

Legacy and Landmarks

The folklore isn't just a story; it is tied to physical locations in Kedah that you can visit today:

• Makam Puteri Lindungan Bulan: Located at Kota Siputeh in Kubang Pasu, Kedah. It is a quiet, revered tomb where the princess is said to be buried.
• White Blood Symbolism: In Malay culture, "Darah Putih" (White Blood) is a recurring motif in legends (like Mahsuri of Langkawi) representing innocence and divine favor.

KOTA SIPUTEH

Kota Siputeh is a historical site of immense importance in Kedah, located near the town of Padang Sera in the Kubang Pasu district. More than just a village, it was once the ancient capital of the Kedah Sultanate and the central stage for the tragic legend of Puteri Lindungan Bulan.

1. The History of Kota Siputeh

• Center of Power: The fort was built by Tunku Ahmad (the Raja Muda of Kedah) under the orders of Sultan Mahmud Shah I. It served as the administrative center and capital of the Kedah Sultanate for nearly 300 years (roughly from 1323 to 1619).
• Defensive Fort: It was designed as a high-ground fortification to protect the kingdom. However, it eventually fell to the forces of the Sultanate of Acheh under Sultan Iskandar Muda in 1619, leading to the capture of the reigning Sultan and his consort.

2. Connection to the Legend

Kota Siputeh is the specific setting where the "shielding" of the princess took place:

• The Hidden Bunker: When Achenese troops breached the city walls, Sultan Sulaiman Shah hid Puteri Zaleha in a secret underground chamber or bunker to prevent her from being taken as a war prize.
• The Lunar Mystery: Folklore tells that even though the moon was full and bright, its light could not penetrate or illuminate the princess’s hiding spot. She remained invisible to the invaders, earning her the title Lindungan Bulan (Protected by the Moon).

3. The Tomb of Puteri Lindungan Bulan

The most significant landmark remaining today is the royal tomb:

• Location: It is situated atop a small hill (about 15 meters high) in Kampung Siputeh, Kodiang.
• Architecture: The tomb features large, ornate gravestones in the Acheh style. There are four pairs of gravestones, suggesting the site holds the remains of two people: believed to be Puteri Zaleha and her father, Sultan Sulaiman Shah II.
• Aura of Mystery: Local villagers still speak of the area's mystical nature, claiming that the exact spot where the princess lay hidden remains naturally shaded or "cool" even during the brightest nights.

4. Kota Siputeh Today

Today, the site is a quiet reminder of Kedah's ancient past:

• Heritage Site: Maintained by the Kedah State Museum Board, the tomb and the surrounding ruins of the old fort are preserved as a historical heritage site.
• Atmosphere: Visitors often note that the site offers a panoramic view of the vast Kedah paddy fields, providing a serene backdrop to the tragic story.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 4.10 p.m