Kraton Surakarta

And finally, Pelataran Keraton, the main part of Keraton. From east to west, there are several buildings, one of them is Maligi, an old javanese building, with pyramid roof, no veranda, 8 pillars building that was built in 1882. Here is where Sri Susuhunan circumcised his sons. Javanese philosophy says that a woman that is going to give birth to a baby should lie with her head on the west, so baby will face the east, where the sun rises. That is why a kid circumsized in the morning, when sun is rising and the kid should faces east. IN the center of Pelataran Kedaton, there is a big pendopo (pavilion)  in joglo style with veranda, that is called Sasono Sewoko. Sasono means place and sewoko means facing one direction, God. This pavilion was used by Sri Susuhunan to meditate, contemplate and pray for his people prosperity, also the place where Sri Susuhunan meets his family, people and officials. Other building in kedaton complex is sasono Handorowino, where Sri Susuhunan accept his guests and dine. Formerly, this building was called as Pendopo Ijo (green pavilion) as it was painted green. Other interesting building here is Pringgitan, a small pavilion for shadow puppet show.