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Bangli,
Peace and Harmony
Kehen
Temple
Kehen
Temple and its surroundings has, in the
last few years, become a point of interest
for visitors to include a trip to this temple.
Sri Bhatara Guru Adikunti Ketana, who reigned
the kingdom of Bangli in the 12th century,
built the temple, located north of Bangli
city in a terraced mountain sanctuary. The
people of Bangli deeply believe that Kehen
Temple is the largest and the most sacred
temple of the district and regard it as
the state temple of Bangli. Kehen Temple
is located in the south of Bangli in Cempaga
village, Bangli Regency, about 43 km from
Denpasar.
 Visiting
Kehen Temple, one not only witnesses the
most magnificent panorama, but also has
the opportunity to look at a variety of
ancient documents. One of them tells about
the slaughter of a black bull during a feast
held in the temple in the year 1204.
At the foot of the stairway is an old temple,
which contains a collection of historical
records inscribed on bronze plates. Statues,
carved in a shadow puppet play style, line
the first terrace from which steps lead
to the most important gate, which the local
people call “the Great Exit”.
Like other split gates found in all Balinese
temples, above the gate looms the hideous
face and splayed hands of Kala Makara. This
frightening creature symbolizes the demonic
one who catches harmful spirits and prevents
them from entering the sacred space.
On the other side of this area is a statue
of a villager gesturing a welcome to visitors.
In the first courtyard is an enormous banyan
tree, surrounded by walls inlaid with Chinese
porcelain. Entering the next courtyard you
can see multi-roofed shrines (or merus)
that dominate the area. They stand elegantly
and seem to taper upwards to the blue sky.
On the right side of this inner courtyard
are three throned shrines representing the
Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa.
Kehen Temple offers you an authentic Balinese
temple atmosphere, so don’t forget
to visit this temple during your stay in
Bali. Some art shops and warungs (local
cafes) are available in the area.
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