Kehen Temple

Bali is not only about beaches. Many people come to Bali also because of the cultures it has. The cultures in Bali are strongly influenced by the religion of the people in Bali. The people in Bali are mostly Hindu, so when you are in Bali, you will see many of the cultures are influenced by the Hinduism.

One of the things you will see in Bali is the temples that are everywhere. Temples in Bali can be easily found in every corner of Bali. Some of the temples in Bali are included as ancient temples with historical stories behind. One of the most ancient temples in Bali is Kehen Temple. Kehen Temple is located in Bangli Regency and it takes around one hour from Denpasar to Kehen Temple.

Based on the inscription found, Kehen Temple had already been used by the people in around 11th century, and predicted was built at the end of the 9th century or at the beginning of 10th century. The name of Kehen Temple comes from the word “Kehen” means “fire”; Kehen Temple used to be named as “Hyang Api” where “Api” is “fire” in English. The things that make Kehen Temple becomes famous is not only about the age of Kehen Temple but also the unique design and the stories Kehen Temple has. The gate of Kehen Temple is different from any other temple in Bali.

Balinese people who understand the design of temples really know that the design in Kehen Temple is different but still do not know the reason why Kehen Temple was built differently. Kehen Temple also has a huge ancient Banyan Tree. People around Kehen Temple believe that this Kehen Temple has spiritual power. If there is any breakdown in any part if the Banyan Tree in Kehen Temple, people believe there will be a disaster coming towards. That is why whenever there is a breakdown of the Banyan Tree in Kehen Temple, people will hold a ceremony to ask for blessing and protection from God.

The function of Kehen Temple is also a little bit different from other temples in Bali. Instead of functioned as a temple to praise God, Kehen Temple is functioned as a place to take the oath for the people who worked for the king. Kehen Temple was also functioned as a place to take the oath for the king as well.

People believed that every person who broke the oath in Kehen Temple would get the worst punishment from God. If someone breaks the oath that they take in Kehen Temple, they will get bad luck for the rest of their life, even for their next generations. That is why people respect Kehen Temple because Kehen Temple teaches them to keep their duty and responsibilities in their whole life.