A Living Museum of Javanese
Culture and The Place Where The King of Jogja Lives
Yogyakarta Royal Palace
The palace of Yogyakarta, known
as the Keraton (also spelled kraton or karaton), is a grand complex that was
meticulously planned to reflect the Javanese cosmos. This splendid
example of traditional Javanese architecture has no equal. Designed and built in
stages, the Keraton was completed in 1790. This elegant complex of pavilions
was constructed entirely on ancient beliefs and each feature of the complex,
from the courtyards to the trees, has a special symbolic meaning related to
sophisticated Javanese world view. The Keraton is built facing directly north towards
the majestic Mt. Merapi with to its south backing the Indian Ocean which is
believed to be the abode of Kanjeng Ratu Loro Kidul, the Queen of the South Seas
and the mystical consort of the Sultan. Malioboro road was originally used as the
ceremonial route, not unlike London’s Pall Mall, and forms a straight line drawn
from the Sultan’s palace to the Merapi volcano. A green square called
alun-alun fronting the palace, has a large banyan tree in its center,
while behind the palace is another similar square. When a sultan dies, the
cortege leaves by the southern gate on its way to the cemetery of kings at
Imogiri.
Yogyakarta Royal Palace Architecture
This palace was designed to be
more than just a royal residence. It was built to be a focal point of the
Sultan’s entire kingdom. Today, the Keraton is a piece of living history and
tradition. It continues to be used, both as a home of the Sultan as well as for
other important ceremonial and cultural functions of the Yogya court.
Professional Tour Guide
The present Sultan Hamengku
Buwono X of Yogyakarta retains the title of Sultan although Yogya has become
one of the provinces of the Republic of Indonesia. The Sultan of Yogya,is also
the governor of the province, and is still considered the cultural head of this
region, and is greatly loved by his subjects. Even with Yogya’s modernization,
the Keraton of Yogya continues to be respected by the people of Yogya, steeped
as it is in mysticism and philosophy. In the afternoons, after the palace is
closed to visitors, women in traditional costume can be seen respectfully
sprinkling water and flowers on the pillars, lighting incense to “cleanse” the
keraton from evil spirits.
Woman Performing a Traditional Javanese Palace Dance at The Sultan's Palace
Video Couple Performing a Traditional Javanese Palace Dance at The Sultan's Palace:
0 Response to "Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton)"
Post a Comment