According to tradition, Ken Dedes' exceptional and extraordinary beauty was famous throughout the land and attracted Tunggul Ametung, the ruler of Tumapel (now the Singhasari district, East Java) who later took her as his wife.

According to local tradition, Ken Dedes was kidnapped while her father was away meditating and forced to become Tunggul Ametung's wife.

The story is that Ken Arok was standing close near the royal carriage as it halted and caught a glimpse of the young queen.

When her clothes accidentally parted, Ken Arok caught sight of her naked legs and thighs and he saw that her genitals were 'shining'.

Ken Arok later launched a campaign that defeated Kertajaya, King of Kediri and he founded his kingdom, Singhasari.