YOGYAKARTA (indo.com): Old edifices are frequently associated with ghost stories. The 246-year old Yogyakarta Palace - a magnet for travellers far and wide - is no exception. This ghost, believed to dwell in the main pillar of the palace court's hall, however, is known for his loyalty and kindness.

The palace court, a grand and elegant masterpiece of Javanese architecture, lies in the center of the city. People who live around the palace believe that the ghost (called Kiai Jegod) safeguards the palace by dwelling in the artistically crafted main pillar in the Proboyeksa Hall in the palace court.

The existence of the ghost in the palace is inseparable from the timber used for the pillar.

It might be hard for any visitor to imagine that long, long ago before the palace was founded in the 17thcentury, the area surrounding the palace was a thick forest with tall, aged teak trees. The name of the forest was Garjitawati. The forest was reportedly used by previous kings to live in as ascetics.

The palace court was founded by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755, who then became Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. Strong, aged teakwood was needed to build a palace expected to remain standing forever. Therefore, young and spirited people were instructed to fell selected years-old teak trees. Prior to doing this, they were required to fast and behave politely because the trees were inhabited by spirits.

The Sultan instructed the builders to look for selected timber to be used as the main pillar for the palace's hall on the ground floor. It should not only look old but also give the impression of prestige. The hall is where the Sultan was seated, with his servants sitting on the floor with their legs crossed before him.

The decision to use the particular timber was made when a servant heard a deep, heavy voice coming from a large, aged teak tree, introducing himself by the name of Kiai Jegod. He explained that he is the one who guards the forest. He said that he would let the teak tree in which he dwelled be chopped down for the main pillar provided that he would be allowed to dwell in the pillar for evermore.

On learning of the message, the Sultan agreed and told Kiai Jegod to safeguard the Yogyakarta Palace for eternity. And until this day, the spirit is believed to remain there.