Revealing The Untold Story Of Malays: Datuk Keramat

Statue of the Datuk Keramat

The religious belief of the ‘Datuk Keramat’ worship can be found in Malaysia, the Strait of Malacca and Singapore. According to local Malay legends, all Datuks were once human, considered the ‘Forefathers of the Land’ or Na Tuk Kong.

Kemenyan

Around Malaysian countryside, red-colored painted shrines can be found under the tree or by the roadside. These shrines are usually worshipped by the residents in the neighborhood. The shrines, a fusion of Chinese-Malay design, with Islamic elements such as the crescent moon decorations. Inside the small room, decorated statue is venerated, depicting the Datuk. Around the statue offerings are brought.

There are 9 types of Datuks, each of them are great warriors and expert in Malay local arts, the ‘Silat’ except for the last Datuk. They were known to possess magical powers. Worshippers usually pray to Datuks for protection, good health, good luck, sometimes seeks divine to overcome problems.

Sireh (betel nuts)

Worshippers offer fresh flowers, sireh(betel nuts), rokok daun(local hand rolled cigarettes), sliced pinang(areca nuts) and local fruits. They also burn ‘kemenyan’(benzoin-made of a local gum tree, when burnt will emit a smoky fragrance smell). Burning kemenyan is an important part of the ritual. If prayers are answered, they hold a feast which is called kenduri. Pork items are considered impure, forbidden in a shrine, visitors are also asked to not shot disrespect when inside or around a shrine.

9 names of Datuks from eldest to youngest.