According to the Candra Sengkala carved at Pemedal Agung (main door palace) it had been in existance in the year Caka, Cakra Yuyu Paksi Paksi which means the year Caka 1622 or arround the year 1700 A.D, when Dewa Agung Jambe governed the Kingdom of Klungkung.
Location and How to Reach
Kertha Gos located in the middle of Semara Pura city the citizen of Klungkung. It is about 40 km to the east of Denpasar.
Function and the Contents
During the era of the Kingdom of Bali, every year of "Purnamaning Kapat" i.e on full moon of the forth month of Balinese Calendar, a metting was held at Kertha Gosa attented by the regional kings throughout Bali where the high king of Klungkung gave his direction and decision concerning problem in accordance with the needs and the situation of the kingdom of Bali
Every month on "Buda Kliwon" or special Wednesday, the high king of Klungkung held a meeting attended by "Manca" (assistant of the king) in the regency of Klungkung. And besides Kertha Gosaws also used for receiving Priests and Priests of the King (Bagawanta) for having lunch, and also for receiving foreigner who wished to meet the King.
On April 28, 1908 Dutch's soldier came to Klungkung to conquer the King of Klungkung. But the King and his people gave massive resistance to Dutch's soldier and bloodshed could not be avoided. The King of Klungkung anf his people gave the last resistance (puputan) to Dutch's soldier and at last klungkung was ruled by the Dutch
Since then, Kertha Gosa functioned as a court of justice, that solved the problem concerning customs, also acted against the usual religious practises. The court was equipped with one table and six chairs. The chair with the symbol of lion was for the King as chief of court of justice. The chair with the symbol of cow was for the priest as a lawyer and adviser of the King n making decision. The chair with the symbol of dragon was for the secretary.
The people being tried sat politely cross leg on the floor. Some times also called "Kontrolir" (a Dutch officer who control the region) was present at the court when there was a very special trial.
There are five statues, three of which were made by the chinese sculptor and the other two ware made by the Pendanda Gede Kereta a Balinese priest from the village of Dawan. On the ceiling there are pictures of Wayang (Balinese Shadow play). These picuture show:
- The lowest part is about "Tantri Kandaka" which describes about all kinds of cheating found in society
- The second and the third part is about "Atma Presangsa" which describes about the punishment and suffering of the souls of the dead. Bima Sena saw all these on his way to find his parent souls. The story of the punishment of the souls is known as the Law of Karma
- The fourth part is a story of "Sang Garuda Amerta" a mithical bird in the form of a big eagle which is looking for the water of ethernal life. This story is taken from Adiparwa
- The fifth part is a story about "Palelindon" (earth quake). Eartch quake could forcast what might or might not the world in the near future.
- The sixth and the seventh part, Bima Sena met God in heaven. He was fighting to rescue his father's and mother's souls from punishment
- The eight part is about "Sorga Roh" a special place in heaven which is provided for the souls of those who faithdully follow the teaching of their religion or for those who have done many good deeds in life
- The ninth part is the story of God who guard the equilibrium of the world.
