Behind the Names of Taman Sari

Taman Sari is derived from two words, namely, “taman,” meaning a garden or park and “sari,” which means either beautiful or flowers. Hence, the name “Taman Sari” means an area of a beautiful garden adorned with various captivating plants and flowers. Located in the western part of Jogjakarta’s keraton (castle), this garden took years to finish.

The Dutch came out with the name Water Castle. An old article by Groneman described a “waterkasteel” in Jogjakarta. By shutting the watergates, the complex would be completely immersed in water, leaving tall structures standing out.

The building of Taman Sari had commenced during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (1755-1792) and was completed by Sultan Hamengku Buwono II. The building site, however, had already been known as a bathing place called Pacethokan Spring since Sunan Amangkurat IV’s reign. Its clear water ran deep.

Do you know?
The Pacethokan spring became one of the most important aspects on deciding where Keraton Jogjakarta would lie.