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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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. Beyond the gate, to right and left, are two buildings in which shadow plays are performed during temple festivals. Set into the wall on the far side of the forecourt are pieces of faience of Chinese origin.
Another split gate leads into the innermost and most sacred part of the temple, on the far side of which (the side nearest the hill) are a number of merus with varying numbers of tiers (the tallest, with eleven tiers, being dedicated to Shiva), shrines for various divinities and tugus (stone lanterns which are the abode of divinities of lower rank).
From the innermost courtyard, on the highest of the seven terraces, there are good views of the whole temple precinct and of Mt Batur.
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. Beyond the gate, to right and left, are two buildings in which shadow plays are performed during temple festivals. Set into the wall on the far side of the forecourt are pieces of faience of Chinese origin.
Another split gate leads into the innermost and most sacred part of the temple, on the far side of which (the side nearest the hill) are a number of merus with varying numbers of tiers (the tallest, with eleven tiers, being dedicated to Shiva), shrines for various divinities and tugus (stone lanterns which are the abode of divinities of lower rank).
From the innermost courtyard, on the highest of the seven terraces, there are good views of the whole temple precinct and of Mt Batur.