Pura Kehen Temple is located in the Bangli regency and is one of the most revered shrines in Bali. Although it is sometimes compared to Pura Besakih, this is more of a metaphorical comparison as the temple has its own unique features and atmosphere.
Location and Overall Layout
Pura Kehen is situated at the foot of a high, lush hillside. The complex consists of eight terraces that gradually ascend. The first five terraces lie outside the sanctuary, featuring stone foundations adorned with shrubs and palm trees. The top three terraces are located within the temple and hold special symbolic significance.
The Three Inner Mandalas
1. Outer Mandala (Jaba Pisan)
This terrace symbolizes the human world. Pilgrims gather here to socialize, enjoy music, and observe ritual dances.
2. Middle Mandala (Jaba Tengah)
This is the transitional level, where offerings are prepared and final preparations for prayers take place.
3. Inner Mandala (Jero)
The sacred space representing the realm of the gods. It is reserved for prayer and sacred rites.
Features of the Outer Mandala
Three entrances lead to the outer mandala: one central gateway and two side gateways.
• The central gateway is designed in the style of paduraksa, a distinctive feature of Pura Kehen. Typically, such gateways are found in inner sanctuaries. They are richly carved in stone, depicting heroes from Hindu epics and symbolic figures.
• Above the gate stands the head of Bhoma, son of Vishnu and the earth goddess, Devi Pertiwi.
• A banyan tree over 400 years old grows in this area. It is considered sacred, and any damage to its branches is regarded as a bad omen.
Middle Mandala
On this terrace, you’ll find several bale (pavilions) used by pilgrims, priests, and for preparing offerings. The candi bentar stone gateway connects the middle mandala with the inner mandala.
Inner Mandala
This is the temple’s most sacred area.
• An eleven-tiered meru pagoda, thatched with black palm leaves, is believed to be the earthly dwelling place of the gods.
• A padmasana (lotus throne)—the central altar symbolizing the universe—takes the form of a turtle supporting the earth, wrapped by two serpents.
• Relief carvings along the sides feature Shiva, Ganesha, and Durga.
• Sacred texts are stored here, and major religious ceremonies are performed in this section.
Panoramic Views
From the topmost terrace of the temple, you can enjoy sweeping views of nearby villages, rice terraces, and tropical hills, making Pura Kehen both a spiritual and aesthetically pleasing destination.
Pura Kehen: History, the Cult of Brahma, and Its Role
Dedication to Brahma
Pura Kehen is one of the few temples in Bali dedicated to Brahma, the creator of the universe. Among the Hindu trimurti deities, the cult of Brahma has long been less prominent due to various mythological reasons, such as curses imposed by Shiva or the sage Bhiru. Nevertheless, prayers to Brahma feature in many rituals, and his image is present in temples like Pura Kehen.
Brahma in Hinduism
• Origins: Various myths suggest that Brahma was born from a lotus growing out of Vishnu’s navel or from a golden cosmic egg created by Vishnu’s seed.
• Depiction: Brahma is portrayed with four heads and four arms. He holds a scepter, a water vessel, prayer beads, and the Vedas. Unlike other trimurti gods, Brahma does not wield any weapon.
Religious Ceremonies
Important ceremonies held regularly at the temple include:
• Piodalan: An annual festival during the ninth full moon.
• Kelivon Sinta: Linked to specific calendar coincidences.
• Ngusaba: Performed every few years to pray for fertile land.
• Other observances honor Saraswati, Purnama, and other gods.
Other Roles of the Temple
Pura Kehen serves not only as a religious hub but also as a vital focal point for the local community:
• Kings and officials once took oaths and performed rituals here.
• The temple provides an educational setting for learning prayers, rituals, traditional dances, and music.
• It functions as a gathering place for social and community events.
• It attracts tourists, contributing to the region’s economy.
Historical Information
• Megalithic Era: A shrine existed on this site since ancient times, evident from the presence of sacred stones and terraced structures.
• Ancient Documents:
• The first document (882–914 AD) mentions the temple as “Hyang Karimana” or “Hyang Api” (“Temple of Fire”).
• The second document (1016–1049 AD) associates the temple with royal officials of the Udayana dynasty.
• The third document (around 1204 AD) first refers to it by the name “Hyang Kehen.”
Pura Kehen continues to serve as an important spiritual and cultural center, reflecting Bali’s ancient history and religious traditions.