Mount Rinjani is more than just a 3,726-meter-high mound of volcanic earth and rock; it embodies a powerful interweaving of geology and profound spirituality for the Sasak and Balinese people. Understanding its history means seeing how a single mountain changed the face of the world and became an eternal sanctuary.
The Samalas Eruption of 1257: An Event That Shook the World
Long before modern climbers set foot there, Rinjani (then known as the Samalas Mountain complex) erupted in 1257.
The impact: This eruption is recorded as one of the largest in modern human history, much larger than the eruptions of Tambora and Krakatoa.
Historical Traces: Volcanic ash has been found in the permafrost of Antarctica and Greenland. This eruption triggered a “little ice age” in Europe, causing crop failures and mass famine. Exploring Rinjani means walking on the remnants of a natural force that once altered the global climate.
The Legend of Dewi Anjani
The name “Rinjani” itself is closely associated with the figure of Dewi Anjani, a queen of the jinn who is believed to reside at its peak.
Origin Story: According to local legend, Dewi Anjani was the daughter of a king who had no children and eventually meditated on a mountaintop. She was later appointed ruler of the supernatural realm there.
Cultural Influence: To this day, many climbers and local communities still perform rituals or pay homage to the Goddess for their journey’s “blessing.” This lends a powerful mystical dimension to each climbing route.
Segara Anak and the Wonders of Geology
The crescent-shaped caldera with a blue lake in the middle, Segara Anak, was formed due to the collapse of a mountain body after a major eruption in the past.
- Mount Baru Jari: In the middle of the lake, a new, still-active volcano has emerged, often referred to as the “child” of Mount Rinjani. This is a rare phenomenon in the world: an active volcano within the crater of a larger volcano.
Healing: The lake water and surrounding hot springs (such as Aik Kalak) are believed to have healing properties, making it a spiritual destination for those seeking inner peace and physical healing.