Hinduism, one of the world’s ancient religions, is considered by Britannica to be the oldest faith with its origins tracing back over 3,000 years. It boasts a significant following of about one billion people today. Hindu temples, which have been constructed globally over centuries, are particularly abundant in India. However, impressive Hindu temples can also be found across the globe.
In countries with substantial Hindu communities, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, there are some of the largest Hindu temples outside India. These temples not only serve as major religious centers but also attract tourists eager to explore the rich cultural and historical aspects of Hinduism.
Here are five of the largest Hindu temples around the world:
- Angkor Wat
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Besakih Temple
- Akshardham Complex
- Prambanan, Trimurti temple
Angkor Wat, a breathtaking Hindu temple complex in Cambodia, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest religious monument. Constructed in the 12th century under the Khmer Empire, it is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. The sprawling complex covers 400 acres and encompasses over 70 monuments. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Angkor Wat, also known as the City Temple, spans 162.6 hectares (401 acres) and was built by King Suryavarman II during 1113–1150. Its outer wall measures 1,280 meters (4,200 feet), and it supported a population of 80,000 before its abandonment in 1432.
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The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, UK, stands as the largest Hindu temple complex outside of India. Constructed in traditional Hindu architectural style, this temple showcases intricate carvings and sculptures. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Swaminarayan, the complex features a main temple, a cultural center, a community center, and a garden.
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Besakih Temple, also known as Pura Besakih, is Bali, Indonesia’s largest and most significant Hindu temple complex. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, it is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple complex comprises 23 temples arranged across several terraces. The primary temple, Pura Penataran Agung, is the largest and most significant within the complex, primarily dedicated to Shiva.
The Akshardham Complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, is the largest Hindu temple complex in the Western Hemisphere. Dedicated to Swaminarayan, the complex includes a main temple, a cultural center, a community center, and a garden, spanning 160 acres. It is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
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Prambanan, a 9th-century Hindu temple complex located in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, is dedicated to the Trimurti, the three principal deities of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Indonesia’s most prominent tourist destinations. The Trimurti Temple, the largest and most significant structure in the Prambanan complex, features a tall central spire and is adorned with elaborate reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. The inner sanctum houses a statue of Shiva.
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In Abu Dhabi, amidst contemporary skyscrapers, stands a majestic Hindu temple crafted from sandstone and marble by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). This temple is set to be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. Rising 108 feet high with a grand span of 262 feet by 180 feet, the BAPS Mandir symbolizes peace and unity, fostering cultural and religious harmony in the heart of the UAE.