Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. According to Britannica "Adherents hold that Hinduism—one of the principal faiths in the modern world, with about one billion followers—is the world’s oldest religion, with complete scriptural texts dating back 3,000 years."
Hindu temples have been built all over the globe for centuries. While India is home to the largest number of Hindu temples, there are also many impressive Hindu temples located outside of India.
The largest Hindu temples in the world that are located outside India are in countries with large Hindu populations, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The largest Hindu temples in the world outside of India are not only important religious sites, but they are also popular tourist destinations. These temples offer visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of Hinduism.
Here are 5 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, the largest religious structure is Angkor Wat which spans an area of 162.6 ha (401 acres) in Cambodia.
1. Angkor Wat
Source: Pragyata
Angkor Wat is a mesmerising Hindu temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple complex is spread over 400 acres and includes over 70 monuments.
The Guinness Book of World Records states, "The largest religious structure ever built is Angkor Wat (City Temple), enclosing 162.6 ha (401 acres) in Cambodia. It was built to the Hindu god Vishnu by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the period 1113–50. Its curtain wall measures 1,280 m (4,200 ft), and its population, before it was abandoned in 1432, was 80,000. "
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Source: Wikipedia
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, UK is the largest Hindu temple complex outside India. It was built in the traditional Hindu architectural style and features intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan and includes a main temple, a cultural centre, a community centre, 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. It is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest mountain on Bali, and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Besakih Temple is a complex of 23 temples that are spread out over several terraces on the mountainside. The main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, is the largest and most important temple in the complex. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
4. Akshardham Complex
Source: World Record Academy
Akshardham Complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA is the largest Hindu temple complex in the Western Hemisphere. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan and includes a main temple, a cultural centre, a community centre, and a garden. The temple complex is spread over 160 acres and features intricate carvings and sculptures.
5.Prambanan, Trimurti temple
Source: Wikipedia
Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in southern Java, Indonesia. It is dedicated to the Trimurti, the three main gods of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.
The Trimurti temple is the largest and most important temple in the Prambanan complex. It is a tall and slender structure with a soaring central spire. The temple is decorated with elaborate reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a statue of Shiva.