Pura Kehen Temple in Bali: The Fire Temple

The Kehen temple has a very strategic location with the beautiful Balinese architectures and covered up with the cool temperatures that make it worth the visit. It is a many-tiered stone homage to the Hindu pantheon. 

It was founded in the 11th century, and considered one of the finest Bali temples. Also, it is known to be the mini version of Bali’s Besakih temple, which is as beautiful as it is. But, it is 21 Kilometers away from the Kehen temple. 

The complex of Kehen temple is comprised of a sloping terraced entryway, and with three interior courtyards with smaller meru shrines and altars. Also, there are 38 stone steps to the main Kehen temple. Along the base of the building’s exteriors, it is possible to see stylized carvings of snakes and turtles, representing the underworld which is a really unique concept for the temple. Don’t forget to book your Bali trip packages for your next getaway! 

In the central courtyard is a very beautiful moss-blanekted stone lotus throne, and during the annual religious ceremonies, it is possible to see colorful dances on the temple grounds and basekts of fruits laid.

Kehen Temple History 

According to the 9th-century inscription, the Kehen temple was mentioned as Hyang Api (god of fire) by the Brahmans who maintain the temple. Then, in the 11th century, the temple was named Hyang Kehen, and this word has been derived from the Balinese word “Keren” which means fire. So many ceremonies used to take place at that time in this temple. 

The big oath ceremony was also performed here in front of the figure of Hyang Api or Hyang Kehen, the god of fire. A vessel known as Bejana Sarpantaka was used for such performance, which is decorated with four serpents winding around the vessel. 

Suggested read: Things to do in Bali 

How to reach at Kehen Temple?

So, you can easily hire a taxi or have a bike to reach here without any hassles. So, get your booking done for the transportation and explore the temple with all the ease. 

Kehen Temple – What to Expect?

Also, like the other sacred temples of Bali, Kehen Temple is also divided into 3 sanctums, each with different degrees of holiness according to Hindu beliefs. Also, there is a banyan tree that is known to be 400 years old and also has a little tree house to pray. 

There are some unique porcelain plates in the walls of temple. It is very unusuals and cannot be seen in any other temple. Also, the impressive carvings of the main gate are commendable with 11-tiered black and gold pagoda in the inner sanctum. 

It is the best Balinese architecture, indeed! 

Suggested read: Travel tips for Bali