13 Facts About Raden Wijaya

Raden Wijaya or Raden Vijaya, known as Nararya Sangramawijaya and his regnal name Kertarajasa Jayawardhana was a Javanese emperor and founder of the Majapahit Empire who ruled from 1293 until his death in 1309.

Raden Wijaya's rule was marked by the victory against the army and the Mongol navy of Kublai Khan's Yuan dynasty.

Kertanagara was killed in the attempt to put down the rebellion in 1292, and Raden Wijaya fled to Sumenep, Madura, along with the governor of that region, Arya Wiraraja.

Raden Wijaya vowed that if he succeeded in reclaiming his father in law's throne, his power would be divided into two, namely for himself and for Wiraraja.

Raden Wijaya became the first king of Majapahit which became independent in 1293.

Raden Wijaya initially made an alliance with the Mongols with the aim of attacking Kediri, which had become the strongest country in Java.

Jayakatwang was defeated and destroyed in 1293, at which point Raden Wijaya turned and attacked the Mongol force.

Raden Wijaya was known as a firm and capable ruler.

Raden Wijaya was given an autonomous region around Lumajang and the Blambangan Peninsula, and his son, Nambi, was appointed prime minister.

Raden Wijaya formed a special army guard for the king which consists of 7 people named Ra Kuti, Ra Semi, Ra Tanca, Ra Wedeng, Ra Yuyu, Ra Banyak, and Ra Pangsa.

From his wife Indreswari, Raden Wijaya had a son, Dyah Jayanegara.

Raden Wijaya took Indreswari, supposedly a princess of Malayu Dharmasraya Kingdom brought by Kebo Anabrang to Majapahit court from Sumatra through Kertanegara's Pamalayu expedition.

Raden Wijaya was buried in the Simping Temple as "Harihara", the combination of Vishnu and Shiva.