Said to have been built in the 11th century this beautiful temple is considered as the largest as well as the finest temple in the whole of Eastern Bali. According to local beliefs the guardian of this temple is Brahman, the God of Fire. The name of the temple itself symbolizes the protector as the word “kehen” stands for fireplace.
This site is treated with great respect and reverence by locals. As the Pura Kehen Temple is one of the very prominent sacred sites in the region, many religious ceremonies are held here. Some of the typical sights that can be seen at these ceremonies include women carrying large fruit offerings as well as different types of dances.
Before entering Pura Kehen there is a steep 38 stairs to climb. The path along the way is beautifully decorated with guardian statues taken from the popular Ramayana epic. The very first sight you will see as soon as you enter Pura Kehen is the courtyard. The second courtyard is quite significant as the walls are covered with Chinese porcelain. The third courtyard you arrive at is known as the Jeroan and is the most important one of all as it is considered to be the holiest courtyard amongst Balinese temples.
Another momentous thing to see is the stone carved lotus throne. There are also other interesting carvings of Hindu figures like the gods Shiva, Ganesha and Durga. A visit to this fascinating temple will definitely allow you to catch a glimpse of the amazing cultural and religious background of Bali. Also remember when you visit Pura Kehen make sure you are dressed accordingly as the temple is much revered by the locals.
When on the lookout for accommodation on the island choose one of the Bali resorts that will cater to all your travel requirements. Anantara Seminyak Bali is a wonderful choice giving you easy access to all the leading bars, shops and restaurants along the shoreline as well as natural wonders like inland mountains, rivers and villages. This charming Bali resort is set in a prime beachfront location with panoramic and breathtaking views of the ocean.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
