Friday, October 24, 2025

Been there, seen that. Court house in Bali.

AI Overview
Kerta Gosa: Bali's Palace of Justice | What an Amazing World!
The "court house in Bali" is the Kerta Gosa in Klungkung, which features ceiling paintings depicting Hindu hells and punishments based on the Mahabharata epic. While not a literal court of hell, it served as a royal court of justice and was historically a place where those awaiting judgment could see murals illustrating the consequences of their actions in the afterlife, with a floating pavilion called the Taman Gili in a moat nearby.
Kerta Gosa: A historical court with a view of hell
Historical function:
Originally a venue for royal family rituals, it was used as a court of justice during the Dutch occupation and was designed to discuss matters of justice.
Ceiling paintings:
The main structure is a hall with Kamasan-style paintings on its ceiling. These paintings vividly illustrate punishments for different sins, a visual reminder of the consequences in the Hindu afterlife (Naraka).
Bhima Swarga:
The artwork is heavily inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata, specifically the Bhima Swarga section, which tells the story of the hero Bhima in the underworld.
Floating pavilion:
The court is adjacent to the Taman Gili, a floating pavilion surrounded by a moat, adding to the unique architectural style.
Balinese Hinduism:
The concept of Naraka, the realm of hell in Indian religions, is central to the imagery, where individuals are tormented for their bad deeds before being reborn. The Kerta Gosa's paintings serve as a powerful, educational depiction of this belief system.

Life of the Buddha--from National Museum of Asian Art. Probably Gandhara period

https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/search/edanmdm:fsg_F1949.9a-d/