 Pengkalan Kempas Megaliths
Pengkalan Kempas Megalith, located about 23 km from Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado) lighthouse and half way between Malacca and Port Dickson, are ancient standing stones in Pengkalan Kempas, Negri Sembilan. It is also the site of one of the oldest Malay grave. The grave is said to belong to a 15th century historical personality, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum, who was believed to have been killed in a battle in 1467 against the army of Sultan Mansor Shah (1457-1477). His grave is venerated as a local shrine, Keramat Sungai Udang Syeikh A, Majnun.
For many visitors to Pengkalan Kempas, the most famous sight are the megaliths. The stones are also called "Batu Bersurat", or inscription stones, as there are some inscriptions on them. The most famous of these megaliths is a collection of three upright stones. Owing to their shape, they were named the batu kemudi (rudder), sudu (spoon) and pedang (sword). The local people believe that these stones possess magical powers, allowing them to grow.
Another interesting stone in the historical complex has a cylindrical hole through it. It too is believed to have magical properties, and acted as a "divine lie detector". Whoever is thought to have lied is forced to put his hand through the stone. He is then forced to answer questions. Untrue answers will cause the stone to tighten around the person's hands until he answers truthfully.
Tim with the three most famous megaliths.
Another megalith at Pengkalan Kempas.
A shed has been erected to shelter the grave and the megaliths
|
