Explore the largest and most impressive Hindu temples outside of India. These temples provide a fascinating look into Hinduism’s rich culture and heritage.
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Britannica notes that Hinduism, with about one billion followers, is considered the world’s oldest religion, with scriptures dating back 3,000 years.
While India has the most Hindu temples, impressive temples can also be found worldwide. The largest Hindu temples outside India are in countries with significant Hindu communities, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
These major Hindu temples outside of India are not just important religious sites but also popular tourist attractions. They offer visitors a chance to experience Hinduism’s rich culture and heritage.
Here are 5 of the largest Hindu temples around the world:
- Angkor Wat
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Besakih Temple
- Akshardham Complex
- Prambanan, Trimurti temple
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world, covering an area of 162.6 hectares (401 acres) in Cambodia.
1. Angkor Wat
Source: Pragyata
Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s stunning Hindu temple complex and the world’s largest religious monument. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, it is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple covers over 400 acres and includes more than 70 monuments.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Angkor Wat, known as the City Temple, spans 162.6 hectares (401 acres). It was constructed for the Hindu god Vishnu by Khmer King Suryavarman II between 1113 and 1150. The temple’s outer wall measures 1,280 meters (4,200 feet), and it once housed a population of 80,000 before being abandoned in 1432.
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Source: Wikipedia
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, UK, is the largest Hindu temple complex outside India. Built in traditional Hindu architectural style, it boasts intricate carvings and sculptures. Dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan, the temple complex includes the main temple, a cultural center, a community center, and a garden.
3. Besakih Temple
Source: Wikipedia
Besakih Temple, also known as Pura Besakih, is the largest and most important Hindu temple complex in Bali, Indonesia. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest mountain, it is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The temple complex consists of 23 temples spread across several mountain terraces. The main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, is the largest and most significant in the complex and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
4. Akshardham Complex
Source: World Record Academy
The Akshardham Complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, is the largest Hindu temple complex in the Western Hemisphere. Dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan, it includes a main temple, a cultural center, a community center, and a garden. Spanning 160 acres, the complex features detailed carvings and sculptures.
5. Prambanan, Trimurti temple
Source: Wikipedia
Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Yogyakarta, southern Java, Indonesia. Dedicated to the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Indonesia’s top tourist attractions.
The Trimurti Temple is the largest and most important temple in the Prambanan complex. It features a tall, slender structure with a soaring central spire and intricate reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. Inside, the temple houses a statue of Shiva.
6. BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi
In the modern cityscape of Abu Dhabi, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir stands out as a stunning Hindu temple made of sandstone and marble. It will be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. At 108 feet tall and 262 feet by 180 feet, the BAPS Mandir is more than just a place of worship. It represents peace and harmony, connecting different cultures and religions in the UAE.
