Palembang was swarmed by millions of people. Besides the local common folks, there were traders, students, and noblemen from other cities. Even people from other kingdoms that were allied with Srivijaya could be found strolling near the palace. Thus, its society had naturally developed a certain tolerance to diversity in ethnicity, race, and religion. Though Palembang was one of the biggest Srivādist cities in the world, people of other religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, and other indigenous beliefs had lived side by side with local Srivādins for hundreds of years peacefully.
But that beautiful wisdom of society had been devastated overnight when the Maharaja, on one unsuspecting day, ordered to ban other religious activities besides Srivādism. As the follow up of the order, the rakshin raided Hindu temples and mosques, some of them were burned to the ground. In one temple, the Hindu monks resisted, hence fight was inevitable.
The city turned out to be in chaos—caused by the ruler itself—thus many common folks fled from the city to seek refuge in other cities, mostly to Muaro Jambi. Some even took the extra mile to go to Bhumi Java. At first it was only the women and children, but then the men also joined the exodus, even those who initially volunteered on the Candi construction. Tension continuously grew as some of the men of construction who attempted escape were killed by the rakshin. Casualties also came from young people that were forced to join the military training and sambau construction as they were pushed too far and lacked proper rest.
Most of the Kumaramatya had been vocals on insisting the palace to handle the chaotic situation. However, the Maharaja always argued that the chaos was caused by the disobedience of the common folks, not caused by his decrees, and the rakshin was out there “handling” it. But one day, news reached the palace that the Hindu monks had succeeded to avenge their killed ones by burning a rakshin headquarters. About fifty men of the city watch were reported dead.
“Weeks ago, I still remember that our enemy were the Mongols—how on earth did we end up killing each other?!” Po Nagar exclaimed when she met the Maharatu within the palace vicinity.
Amretasari made a grim face and said: “It was clear now that the Mongols are not our only enemy.”
“If I am ten years younger, I will kill that priest myself. He made a lap dog out of your husband. Now you, you are Sumatrabhumi’s wife. Talk some sense to him, for God’s sake!”