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The regency of Bangli covers two distinct
geographical areas, the volcanic uplands of the Batur and Kintamani
area, stretching down towards the sea near Tianyar and Tejakula,
and the upper part of the rice growing area of southern Bali, overlooking
Gianyar and Klungkung.
Geographically, Bangli is home to the mountain lakes and water sources
that make Bali so fertile. Numerous villages are scattered across
a landscape of rice terraces, lush valleys and forests. This mountainous
region is a strikingly different site of Bali Aga traditional communities.
Bangli was the capital city of Gelgel dynasty kingdom. The largest
and most sanctified temple of the district is Pura Kehen, a mountain
haven and state temple of Bangli.
As the state temple of the Bali Kingdom, Pura Kehen occupies the
site of an earlier temple, which dates back to the 9th Century.
It owes much of its appeal to its unique ambience, set majestically
on a number of level against the background of a hill forest, large
trees shade the shrines and gates of its courtyards.
A flight of 38 stairs leads to the meru-shaped gate between rows
of wayang statues. Overlooking the gate is the threatening head
of Kala, guardian of the netherworld. There is a magnificent shrine
with eleven roofs dedicated to the God of Fire, the resident temple
God.
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