Mt. Kandora seen from the main road between Salubarani and Makale

Mt. Kandora viewed from Potok Tengan

Salma Margareth singing in the paddyfields.

Funeral Ladies, an impressive (though unrealistic) photo by North Sullivan

The Toraja consider Kandora a sacred mountain. In the nearby village of Potok Tengan there is a "holy stone" believed to be the transformation of the body of Puang Pindakati, the wife of Puang Sawerigading who once ruled the area. Merok feasts are held every third year in commemoration of Puang Pindakati who is considered a "helping princess" (Dewi Pelindung) for all kinds of problems in daily life.

Once upon a time, a celestial being called Tamboro Langi' descended from heaven and landed with his roaring spaceship Banua di Toke (Hanging House) at Mt. Kandora. He became the famous ancestor of the aristocratic families of the 3 statelets (Tallu Lembangna = The Three Proas) Makale, Sangalla' and Mengkendek. Local people still remember his happy landing by the three boulders resembling the three stones of the hearth supporting the cooking pot. The boulders are known as the "Stones of the Hearth of Tamboro Langi'". Tamboro Langi' brought with him a rule-book with 7777 commandments called Aluk Sanda Pitunna to replace the 4 obsolete rule-books in effect during their time as boat people (To Lembang) in the Bamba Puang area. This "bible" introduced new agricultural techniques, the rank system and the complicated death ritual practices that are still followed today.
Similar landing operations took place in Kaero where Mambio Langi' and in Kete' where Dilangi' descended from heaven and took over the leadership from local rulers currently in power. These "heavenly kings" are called tomanurun.
One of Tamboro Langi's sons, Puang Sanda Boro, ruled the southern part of Padang di Puangngi and had two sons. One of them was called Lakipadada. When he grew up he left the country in search of eternal life. After a long journey he arrived in the Kingdom of Gowa where he was honored for his patriotism and magic powers. Later he married a princess of Gowa whose name was Karaeng Tarra' Lolo. They got three sons; Patta Labantan who ruled what is now Tana Toraja, Patta Lamorang who ruled Gowa and Patta Labunga who became the ruler of Luwu. These three kings were known as Tallu Botto (the Top Three).
Patta Labantan, the first son, built his palace on top of the mountain in Makale where the Sion church now stands. One of his grandsons, Puang Timban Boro moved to Tallu Lembagna taking with him the kingdom's heirlooms. Among these royal emblems was a flag called Bate Manurun and two swords, Dosso and Maniang. These emblems can still be seen today in Kaero Sangalla's palace at Buntu Kalando.

Also refer to:

• The adventures of Lakipadada as told by Puang Willem Popang Sombolinggi'