GODDNESS OF MOUNT ARAYAT

The goddess associated with Mount Arayat is Maria Sinukuan (or Mariang Sinukuan), a benevolent diwata (mountain spirit) from Kapampangan folklore who provides for the local people but punishes greed. She is described as a beautiful woman with a generous heart who would leave food for those in need, but she retreated into the mountain after greedy individuals disrespected her domain by stealing from her. She is also known as a fairy or encantada who protects the mountain's animals and trees.   

The goddess of Mount Arayat is Mariang Sinukuan — one of the most well-known diwatas (fairies or deities) in Philippine mythology.

🌺 Mariang Sinukuan

Mariang Sinukuan is a mythical diwata (fairy or mountain goddess) said to reside in Mount Arayat in Pampanga. She is part of a long-standing tradition in Philippine folklore of powerful nature spirits associated with mountains — similar to Maria Makiling of Mount Makiling and Maria Cacao of Mount Lantoy.

🌄 Characteristics and Legends

• Goddess of Nature and Fertility:
  Mariang Sinukuan is often portrayed as a beautiful, benevolent spirit who provides food, fruits, and blessings to those who are kind, respectful, and honest.
  
  

• Protector of the Mountain:
  She punishes those who are greedy, disrespectful of nature, or try to steal from her mountain. In many stories, people who try to exploit the mountain's resources are cursed or mysteriously disappear.
  
  

• Shape-shifter and Enchantress:
  Some tales describe her as having magical powers, such as shape-shifting or causing illusions.
  
  

• Symbol of Empowered Femininity:
  Unlike Maria Makiling (often portrayed with romantic tragedy), Mariang Sinukuan is usually more assertive and even vengeful toward those who offend her — making her a symbol of female strength and justice.
  
  

🌿 Cultural Significance

Mariang Sinukuan reflects pre-colonial Filipino animist beliefs where mountains, rivers, and forests were believed to be inhabited by spirits or deities. These beliefs were often passed down orally and blended with Catholicism during the Spanish colonization.