Makam Mahsuri

MAKAM MAHSURI STORY

Makam Mahsuri is undoubtedly a major attraction not to be missed in Langkawi. The mausoleum is built after the death of Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah - an ordinary lady who was said to have a great influence on the fate on Langkawi. The incident started with Mahsuri’s beauty and ended with a curse on the island.

Mahsuri, with an attractive appearance and pleasant personalities had dragged the attention of many people in the village and nearby area. At that time, the Chieftain had an intention to marry her but was unable to do.

Later, Mahsuri married the Chieftain’s brother – Mat Darus. However, her blissful marriage did not last long as her beauty had caused many to be jeolous of her.

Her sister-in-law, the Chieftain’s wife was jealous of Mahsuri and coincidentally, she saw Mahsuri greeted a man by the name of Deramang. She then took the chance to accuse her of being unfaithful by having an affair with other man. In 1819, Mahsuri was being sentenced to death without any trial. Using a spear, her Chieftain brother–in-law executed her.

In order to prove her innocence, it was believed that Mahsuri bled white blood and she laid a curse on Langkawi, saying that the island will remain barren and unfortunate for the next 7 generations.

According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination.