The dynasty he put in place –more centralized and less Indianized than any up to that time-lasted for more than 300 years. As befits an Indic hero, Airlangga ultimately renounced the kingdom he would made great and died a hermit under the guidance of his spiritual adviser.

A fascinating legend relates how Airlangga’s kingdom was nearly destroyed by a plague supposedly brought by the dreadful witch Rangda, queen of evil spirits. According to some historians, Rangda was Airlangga’s own mother, Mahendradatta, whom her husband had sent into the jungle for practicing black magic.

Other theorists maintain Rangda sought revenge against Airlangga because he did not side with her when his father took a second wife. Out of the mythical struggle between the magic of the witch and that of the great king arose the legend of Calon Arang, depicted today in Bali’s barong dance. Rangda, who died relatively early in life, is thought to be buried in a tomb near Kutri. In Balinese myth she is forever associated with witchcraft.