The Kehen Temple in Bali is a many-tiered stone homage to the Hindu pantheon. Founded in the 11th century, it is known to be the mini version of Bali’s Besakih temple, which is as beautiful as it is. Any Bali tour to the eastern region would be incomplete without visiting this remarkable ancient temple.
The Kehen temple complex comprises a sloping terraced entryway and three interior courtyards with smaller meru shrines and altars. Also, there are 38 stone steps to the main Kehen temple. In the central courtyard is a beautiful moss-blanketed stone lotus throne. Along the base of the building’s exteriors, you can see stylish carvings of snakes and turtles, representing the underworld which is a really unique concept of the temple.
During the annual religious ceremonies, the traditional dances on the temple grounds are a visual treat! Let’s explore the entrance fee, the best time to visit, and how to reach Kehan Temple.
Kehen Temple Entry Fee & Hours
- Kehen Temple Entrance Fee For Adults: IDR 50,000 per person(including the rental of sarong and sash) as of 2024.
- Kehen Temple Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Kehen Temple Dress Code
Best Time To Visit Kehen Temple
For the most peaceful visit, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At these times, it’s cooler, with fewer people around.
Kehen Temple In Bali Address
Address: Jl. Raya Besakih, Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80613, Indonesia.
How To Reach Kehen Temple
By Cab
- Hire a cab with a driver. This is the most convenient way to reach Kehen Temple.
- You can book through your hotel or a travel agency. It gives you the freedom to explore and stop wherever you want.
By Scooter
- If you’re good at riding and know the roads, riding a scooter is cheaper.
- The trip from Ubud takes about an hour and shows beautiful countryside views.
- Make sure you have a proper license and wear a helmet.
Take A Guided Tour
- This is best if you want an easy trip. Many tour groups offer trips to the Kehen temple and other nearby attractions.
- They handle transportation, provide a guide, and cover entrance fees.
Best Things To Do At Kehen Temple
- Visit The Central Courtyard: Walk into a large open space with beautiful stone walls around it to admire detailed carvings on these walls.
- See The Main Temple Tower: Check out the temple’s most important part – a three-level tower (called meru) that honours Shiva, an important Hindu god. You will see beautiful colourful decorations and detailed carvings on it.
- Walk Through The Gardens: Take a peaceful walk in the temple gardens. You’ll find tropical plants, pretty flowers, and old stone statues. It’s a quiet place perfect for relaxing.
- Explore The Temple Museum: Stop by the museum to learn more about the temple’s story. You can see old objects, traditional clothes, and religious items that show you what Balinese culture is like.
More Information
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. And, in the 13th century, the temple was renowned as Kehen.
Significance Of Kehen Temple
Kehen Temple – What To Expect?
- Kehen is a beautiful hilltop temple surrounded by a lot of greenery, where you may get pestered by some touts or sarong sellers at the entrance.
- Also, like the other temples of Bali, Kehen Temple is divided into 3 sanctums, each with different degrees of holiness according to Hindu beliefs.
- 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 on the walls of the temple. It is very unusual and cannot be seen in any other temple.
- 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!
Travel Tips For Kehen Temple
- People in wheelchairs cannot easily enter the temple because of many steep steps.
- Visitors must dress properly by covering their shoulders and legs.
- There’s a fee to enter the temple for adults(The entry fee usually includes a sarong rental).
- Sarongs help visitors cover up and meet the temple’s dress rules.
- Always take permission while taking pictures.
- Be polite while visiting the temple.
- Maintain silence in the temple premises
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Kehen temple unique?
The Kehen temple’s strategic location with beautiful Balinese architecture makes it worth the visit. It is one of the finest Bali temples. It is a many-tiered stone homage to the Hindu pantheon.
How can visitors experience the spiritual ambience of Kehen temple?
Located in a place called Bangli in Bali, Kehen Temple is an architectural marvel. The temple is surrounded by beautiful green plants and trees, making it peaceful. People who visit love to look at the detailed carvings on the walls and the tall buildings, which tell stories from Bali’s past
Are there any guidelines or protocols to observe when visiting Kehan Temple?
While visiting the Kehen temple, visitors need to dress respectfully. They need to follow the dress code: A sarong and a Sasha that can be rented at the temple’s entrance. Also, visitors are advised to ask permission before taking pictures.
What are some notable features of the Kehen Temple?
This beautiful temple has amazing detailed carvings, a very old banyan tree, and special religious events that attract people from around the world.