Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions. According to Britannica “Adherents believe that Hinduism – one of the major religions in the modern world, with around one billion followers – is the world’s oldest religion, with complete texts of scriptures dating back 3,000 years.”Hindu temples have been built throughout the world for centuries. Although India is home to the largest number of Hindu temples, there are also many impressive Hindu temples outside India.
The largest Hindu temples in the world outside of India are located 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 also popular tourist destinations. These temples offer visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of Hinduism.
Here are the 5 largest Hindu temples around the world:
- Angkor Wat
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Temple of Besakih
- Akshardham Complex
- Prambanan, Trimurti Temple
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest religious building is Angkor Wat which covers an area of 162.6 ha (401 hectares) in Cambodia.
1. Angkor Wat
Source: Pragyata
Angkor Wat is an enchanting complex of Hindu temples 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 covers 400 hectares and includes over 70 monuments.
The Guinness Book of World Records states, “The largest religious building ever built is Angkor Wat (City Temple), covering 162.6 ha (401 hectares) in Cambodia. It was built by the Khmer king Suryavarman II in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu between 1113 and 1150. 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 is built in traditional Hindu architectural style and contains intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan and includes a main temple, a cultural center, a community center and a garden.
3. Besaki 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 in Bali, and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The Besakih Temple is a complex of 23 temples spread over several terraces on the slopes of the mountain. 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
The 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 center, a community center and a garden. The temple complex is spread over 160 hectares and contains intricate carvings and sculptures.
5. Prambanan, Trimurti temple
Source: Wikipedia
Prambanan is a 9th century Hindu temple complex in the special region of Yogyakarta, South 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 building with a tall central tower. The temple is decorated with complex reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. There is a statue of Shiva in the inner sanctum of the temple.
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