Kertha Gosa Pavilion

The Kertha Gosa Pavilion is a covered structure forming part of Klungkung Palace in Semarapura, defined by its completely painted ceilings. The overhead surfaces showcase detailed scenes from Hindu epics and religious stories across the entire interior space.

The pavilion was built in 1686 by I Dewa Agung Jambe as the judicial center of Klungkung Kingdom, where legal disputes were heard and decided. It continued to serve as a working court even after colonial authorities took control.

The ceiling displays the distinctive Kamasan painting style, where each color and figure carries meaning from Hindu and Balinese traditions. These images were designed to teach moral lessons to people gathered in the pavilion.

The pavilion is accessible during daylight hours, and you can best appreciate the painted surfaces by moving around to view them from different angles. Early morning visits offer better lighting for examining the detailed artwork and fewer crowds.

During court sessions, specially decorated chairs were positioned with each displaying a specific animal symbol that showed the rank of whoever sat there. Lions marked the king's seat, cattle indicated where priests were placed, and dragons identified the administrative officials' area.

Parte de: Klungkung Palace

Coordenadas GPS: -8.53544,115.40356

Última atualização: 11 de dezembro de 2025 às 15:06