Bangli is not only famous as the only cold-temperature district in Bali. In this district, also stands a temple with unique architecture, namely the Kehen Temple. Since the temple is located in the highlands, you can, at the same time, see the beauty of Cempaga Village. So your tour in Kehen Temple will feel complete. Because not only is the uniqueness of temple architecture, but the beauty of the natural panorama can also be enjoyed when you are in Kehen Temple.

Pura Kehen

Pura Kehen is not like a common temple. Nearly in every temple, you’ll find a Candi Bentar in the form of an open gateway. But, not with this one temple. You will pass the entrance in the form of candi kurung (closed temples). But before that, you have to climb a number of steps with statues of warriors standing strong on each side. Even at the entrance gate, you can enjoy beautiful carvings and Balinese firm sculptures.

Pura Kehen is located on Jl. Sriwijaya No.8, Cempaga Village, Bangli District, and Bangli Regency. Although there are no sources that can explain with certainty when it was established, this temple is considered as one of the Balinese cultural heritage. Based on the three inscriptions inside the Temple, it is estimated that the Kehen Temple was established in the 800s to the early 1000s. 

Well, after entering the temple, you will find a banyan tree. It is said that this tree was sacred by the surrounding community. Because the banyan will give a sign if there will be a disaster or grubug in Balinese. So if one of the branches in a banyan tree is broken, a disaster will occur. Even the direction of the banyan tree breaking can be a marker of which group will experience disaster. 

Once, a banyan tree trunk was broken towards north-east. Not long after, there was news of the death of a king. Then, if the banyan tree is broken to the southwest, it will indicate a disaster for the priest. Well, if the banyan stem is broken towards the northeast or southeast, then the people who experience the disaster are usually ordinary people. Unique, huh? 

Besides the banyan tree, you will also see many pelinggih. Just like other temples in Bali, pelinggih is used as a place to worship the figures that are considered sacred by the local Balinese people. The number of meru of each pelinggih is also different. From one to 11. If you come at the right time, you can watch local people pray and put offerings on the pelinggih. 

If you want to watch the religious ceremony at this temple, you must first check the schedule. Because the temple event is only held every three to six months. If you come other than the specified date, maybe you will find Hindus who perform routine rituals. The opening hours of the Kehen Temple start at 09:00 WITA until 17:00 WITA. You better come with cloth and a scarf to cover your body. Also for women, avoid coming to the temple when you’re on period.