Temple Kehen (Pura Kehen) and how to visit

Description and is it worth a visit

Kehen Temple

Temple of Kehen (Pura Kehen) is a Hindu temple not very well known among tourists in the central part of Bali. But, in our opinion, it can be safely included in the list of "hidden tourist gems" of the island. In addition to its significance, which we will discuss below, it is interesting with a large number of architectural elements, religious attributes and its original layout, as if on a slope. In this way, it even somewhat resembles the main Balinese Besakih temple, although the scale here, of course, is much smaller. We are sure that if you come here, you will spend a whole hour walking and taking pictures completely unnoticed by yourself.

To visit it or not, of course, it's up to you to decide. Look at our photos to make it easier to solve. But we would definitely include it in the itinerary of a one-day trip to Besakih Temple or to the observation volcanoes and Lake Batur.

References to the Kehen temple are found in three ancient copper inscriptions dating from the end of the IX, beginning of the XI and XIII centuries. In these documents, the temple appears under different names. For example, in an inscription of the IX century, he is referred to as Hiang Api, which means "god of fire." This name was used by the brahmins who served in the temple. In a later inscription dating back to the XI century, the temple is already called Hyang Kehen. The word Kehen comes from the Balinese keren, which translates as "flame".

During this period, Hyang Kehen played an important role in the life of the Bangli Kingdom was, one of the nine ancient kingdoms of Bali. Oath ceremonies for high-ranking officials were held here. Those who broke the oath were subjected to a terrible curse (sapata), which extended not only to themselves, but also to their families and descendants. The ritual was performed in front of the image of Hyang Api or Hyang Kehen, personifying the god of fire Agni. A special vessel known as bejana sarpantaka was used for the ceremony. This artifact, decorated with four snakes, was kept in a special pavilion to the east of the main sanctuary of the temple.

Kehen Temple has also been and is the center of important religious holidays. One of the main Balinese holidays — Pagervesi — is celebrated every six months on the full moon, on the day of Rabu Klivon Vuku Sinta. This festival is dedicated to the veneration of Hyanga Vidhi and its various manifestations. Another significant holiday — Ngusaba Dewa, also known as Karya Agung Bhatara Turun Kabeh, is held in early November, on the day of Saniskara Pon Vuku Sinta. In addition to these major events, the temple regularly hosts more modest ceremonies dedicated to other deities, such as Saraswati, Ulyan Sugimanik, Purnama, Tilem, Kajeng Klivon and Buda Klivon. These rituals highlight the importance of Kehen Temple as the spiritual and cultural center of Bali.

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple

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