Kerta Gosa at Klungkung

This 17th-century restored complex houses the Hall of Justice, where the King of Klungkung meted out punishments. The Taman Gili or Garden Pavilion, a former guard's house lies on the premises. Exquisite painted ceilings in wayang style cover these pavilions. The Hall of Justice sports gruesome paintings highlighting what happened to sinners. Above these panels--the story of Bima Swarga, who goes to hell to search and redeem his parents' souls. Taman Gili's panels show a wedding, the story of Sutasoma slaying a dragon and pictographs of horoscopes.

The entire complex is known as Taman Gili, but the name Kerta Gosa is better known. Balinese culture has its own system called adat, meaning traditional law, but for serious offenses Kerta Gosa was the end of the line. Kerta Gosa is located right in the center of Klungkung next to the main roundabout. The gardens of Taman Gili, in which Kerta Gosa sits, were built in 1710. The most impressive thing is the decorated ceiling containing terrifying artwork depicting good vs. evil. No doubt criminals facing trial shivered before the judges realizing the seriousness of their actions. While enjoying the royal court at Kerta Gosa murals featuring the Pan Brayut story, inside the Bale Kambang, located behind it. The Hall of Justice sports gruesome paintings highlighting what happened to sinners. Above these panels is the story of Bima Swarga, who goes to hell to search and redeem his parent’s souls.