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The keris is considered a magical weapon, filled with great
spiritual power. In Javanese there is a term "Tosan Aji" or
"Magic Metal" used to describe the keris. The keris is replete
with the totems of Malay-Indonesian culture: Hindu and Islam.
The best example can be seen in the union of the Peksi and the
Ganjah.
The Peksi represents the Lingam, which is a phallic symbol, while
the hole in the Ganjah represents the Yoni, the female vagina.
The union of both is considered very powerful in hinduistic belief
as it brings life: an act of great power. Thus the joining of the
Peksi and the Ganjah imbues the keris with the power over life.
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The blade of the keris represents the Naga, the cosmic mythical snake. The
Naga is closely associated with water and rivers. As water is life, the
Naga is a powerful symbol. Imitation of the Naga in the keris adds power
to it. In Java, the keris blade is described in terms of the Naga: a
straight blade is called "Sarpa Tapa" or snake in meditation, while the wavy
blade is "Sarpa Lumuka" or snake in motion.
The Telale Gadjah, the elephant's trunk, too is symbolically powerful. The
tiny projection under the trunk is called Lambe Gadjah, or elephant's lips.
There is no doubt that the Telale Gadjah is associated to the elephant and
hence it is linked to Ganesha, the Hindu deity with an elephant's head: a
deity of great power and strength.
For the Javanese people the Pamor symbolises the joining of the sacred,
nickel containing, meteoritestone with the profane iron from ore. The Empu
accomplishes the "Holy Matrimony" between the heavenly and the earthly
elements.
The Pamor in the blade adds to the belief in the keris as a magical weapon.
The appearance of the intricate patterns in the blade through the process of
forging is considered magical and a manifestation of great spiritual power.
Different types of Pamor are said to give different powers to a blade: such
as the power to deflect blows, to bring prosperity, etc.
Beras Wutah (Scattered Rice Grains) is considered lucky as a man must be of
means to scatter rice grains away.
Udan Mas (Rain of Gold) is good for the businessman as it brings rains of
wealth. For an easy life, choose an Adeg blade as the straight flowing lines
corresponds to things coming easily to you.
While different Pamor connotes different qualities, purists believe that it
is not licensed for one to go and get a Pamor that catches his fancy or
matches his desires. Pamor is considered so powerful that it must match your
status in life. If not, it will bring you harm. For example, if you are not
a man of power or war, avoid Buntel Mayit, the Death Shroud, or you might
find it consuming you.
The shape and length of the blade are equally important. Many believe that
a keris must be compatible with its owner. While Pamor is an important guide,
the length of the blade has great significance on whether the blade is
compatible or not. There are several elaborate and complex counting systems
on the length of the blade to decide on compatibility. One method is to recite
mantras, chants or prayers when measuring the length of the blade with the
thumb from the Ganjah to the point. When the thumb reaches the point, the
chant must end and where it ends will decide the issue of compatibility.
A purist will not accept a keris if it is not compatible, regardless of its
rarity, Pamor or worth.
Hence it is no surprise that many people believe that keris blades are imbued
with great supernatural powers and has a life of its own. So respected and
venerated is the keris that believers in its magical properties make offerings
to it and bath it in incense every Thursday and have it ritually washed, its
Pamor revitalised in a solution of lime juice and arsenic, and scented once
a year in the month of Suro or Muharam to maintain its powers.
The keris has always been considered as protective. In traditional Malay
houses, a keris would be secured to the main roof beam to protect the house.
Stories abound of keris flying out of their sheaths and attacking an enemy,
of keris rattling in their sheaths at the approach of danger, of killing an
enemy by just pointing at someone.
There is a marvelous legend of a keris that could help people foresee the
future. Hang Jebat, a legendary Malay hero, had a keris with holes in the
Sogogan that allowed him to see the immediate future when he peered through
the holes. A keris with "combong" or holes in the Sogogan is considered a
very powerful keris today.
With the coming of Islam, much of the Hindu beliefs have been lost, discarded.
superseded or forbidden. Therefore it is better for the Islamitic people if
the keris is inscribed with words and versus from the Koran or if the Pamor
lines resemble Koranic words such as illa.
