I zipped past the stage, and ended up at this lift that takes me to kerah..is that it?
Am i just suppose to walk past the shrine as if it were a giant door to another place?

WEll actually you have to go see Kerah before you can do anything with Anephas' altar - so you were "right on"
While visiting Kerah - you should have gotten a light obelisk and also discovered the leprechaun's treasure. Did you??
Take the light obelisk back down to the pyramid and look for the "light pedestal" - place light obelisk on light pedestal, look around. Admire that many, many decorative obelisks in the rooms. Hey! Start moving them into those odd squares on the floor - you should note that the light from the light obelisk is now being redirected! Kewl. Continue and you will get that light all the way down to Anephas' altar. Place ashes on altar!
Have fun!

Wyv