TRAVEL TO
LANGKAWI.
MAHSURI TOMB.
Mahsuri Tomb is located at Kampung Mawat, Kuah, Langkawi ,Kedah . the Mahsuri Mausoleum marks the sport where Mahsuri was buried.It is located at Kampung Mawat, which is
about 17.8 kms northwest of Kuah, in Langkawi. Earlier called Makam Mahsuri
(literally Mahsuri Mausoleum), Kota Mahsuri was erected to honor the fair
maiden, Mahsuri, who was unfairly accused of adultery over 200 years ago.
Langkawi, undoubtedly, is associated with many fables and myths, but perhaps,
this legend of the virtuous maiden is one of the most famous legends.
As per the legend, at her execution, she bled white blood; that is believed to
signify her innocence. In her last breath, she laid a curse that the island
would hang about barren for no less than seven generations. Whether it's real
or fictional, the seven generations have passed and at present, Langkawi is a
prosperous tourist destination on the tourism charts of Malaysia. To respect
the belief of the islanders, this mausoleum was built with the hope that
Mahsuri, when seven generations have passed, will finally rest in peace.
As a reverential gesture, visitors are recommended to remove their shoes before
entering the mausoleum. In the premises of the mausoleum lies the Mahsuri's
tomb, a well, an aviary and a conventional house. Beside the tomb, the whole
story of the maiden is written on a panel. The waters of Mahsuri's well are said
to have healing properties. In the aviary, one can check out the exotic variety
of birds along with peacocks, while the traditional house is a host to ancient
artifacts of Langkawi.
The Mahsuri legend has become something of a cultural icon for
Malaysians. Even though the events recounted in the legend happened little more
than 200 years ago, its amazing how many different versions there are of the
story. One anthropologist has determined that there are least seven versions.
However, the basic events remain very much the same.
Mahsuri was a beautiful young woman born in Langkawi of immigrants
from Phuket late in the 18thcentury. In some versions of the legend
she is a princess, but in most she is born of common farmers. All agree that
she was of extraordinary beauty. As such, she was much sought after as a bride
by the young men of the village. Even the powerful village headman wanted to
make her his second wife, but his first wife objected.