Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta

Kori Kamandungan is the main entrance to the court. It is built as a gateway of the kori kupu tarung type, pointing to its 3 double doors, the central one higher and wider than the two on either side of it. The word Kamandungan is derived from mandung, ‘to stop, meaning that anyone entering the palace should stop here for a moment to prepare oneself, mentally and physically.

On the three walls enclosing the three adjacent gates are large mirrors: those who feel ready to enter into the royal presence are given a final opportunity to examine themselves, ensuring that everything is still in its proper place. Kori Kamandungan thus symbolizes that one should be introspective and honest with oneself.

When someone is ignorant, one should act accordingly and not pretend to feel smart, and if something is bad it shouldn’t be presented as something good. Here one should, as it were, come to one’s senses.