This song is inspired by an ancient Javanese and Sundanese legend from Indonesia. It tells the story of Nyai Pohaci, who later became known as Dewi Sri, the revered goddess of rice and fertility. According to the tradition, the plants that sustain humanity, especially rice, sprang from her body, making her a timeless symbol of life, abundance, and the sacred bond between nature and humankind. 🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾 [Verse 1] Batara Guru ruled the heavens high, The greatest god above the earth and sky. "Build now my palace! None shall disobey, Or arms and legs will all be stripped away." [Pre-Chorus 1] Antaboga feared the task he could not do, A serpent formed, no limbs to see it through. He sought Batara Narada's wise advice, But none could help, and tears fell from his eyes. [Chorus] Dewi Sri, goddess of rice, Your gift became our paradise. Life now blooms where once you lay, Rice feeds the world each day. [Verse 2] Three tears of sorrow gently touched the earth, Three shining eggs were given wondrous birth. "Offer these gifts," said Narada, "with care, "He may judge fairly, seeing your despair." [Pre-Chorus 2] Antaboga carried the three eggs in his mouth, An eagle called to him while flying south. He could not speak, the eggs were held too tight, The eagle deemed him proud and swooped to fight. [Chorus] Dewi Sri, goddess of rice, Your gift became our paradise. Life now blooms where once you lay, Rice feeds the world each day. [Verse 3] One egg fell down and shattered on the ground, He hid in brush, but still was quickly found. The second strike left just one egg to bear, Two boars were born from eggs once broken there. [Pre-Chorus 3] At last he reached the shining palace gate, Batara Guru praised his gift so great. He bade Antaboga tend the egg with care, A lovely girl was born so pure and fair. [Chorus] Dewi Sri, goddess of rice, Your gift became our paradise. Life now blooms where once you lay, Rice feeds the world each day. [Verse 4] Nyai Pohaci was the maiden's name, She grew so fair, no maiden was the same. The gods admired her radiant beauty bright, Even Batara Guru felt love's delight. [Pre-Chorus 4] The gods feared scandal spreading through the sky, That heaven's harmony itself would die. To guard her purity and heaven's peace, They poisoned her, that all their fears might cease. [Chorus] Dewi Sri, goddess of rice, Your gift became our paradise. Life now blooms where once you lay, Rice feeds the world each day. [Verse 5] They laid her in a hidden grave below, Where none but heaven's gods would ever know. Her innocence gave life where she was laid, And wondrous plants sprang forth where once she stayed. [Bridge] From head came coconuts that crowned the land, Her arms became the forests, tall and grand. Her sacred womb gave sugar palms their birth, From her navel precious rice first came to earth. [Chorus] Dewi Sri, goddess of rice, Your gift became our paradise. Life now blooms where once you lay, Rice feeds the world each day.
