Bangli - Pura Kehen

The Pura Kehen (Temple of the Treasury), some 2.5 km (11/2 mi.) north of the town center, is one of the largest and finest temples on Bali. Built on seven terraces below the hill of Bukit Bangli, it was founded in the 11th century by the princely priest Sri Brahma Kemute Ketu. It contains valuable bronze tablets believed to date from 1204, the year in which Bangli was founded.

The first four terraces lead up to a covered gate (candi korung) at the entrance to the main temple precinct. To the right of this, in the outer forecourt, is a bale for the gamelan orchestra; to the right another bale is now an assembly point for visitors to the temple.

In the center of the outer forecourt stands the Batu Keramat, a stone which is venerated as sacred. On the far side of the forecourt steps lead up to the split gate (candi bentar) at the entrance to the inner forecourt, on the next terrace.