A long time ago, a religion called Hinduism began to grow. Today, it is one of the oldest and most widely followed religions, with about one billion believers. Hinduism has ancient texts that have been cherished for around 3,000 years.
All over the world, people have built Hindu temples where they can pray and connect with their faith. While most temples are found in India, many beautiful ones are in other countries as well.
Some of the largest Hindu temples outside India are in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These temples are not just places of worship; they are also popular tourist destinations.
List of Top 20 Largest Hindu Temples in the World
1. Angkor Wat, Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a huge temple in Cambodia. It covers 162.6 hectares. Long ago, it was built for the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple has tall towers and beautiful carvings. Many people visit Angkor Wat every year. It shows the rich culture of the Khmer Empire. The temple is a symbol of Cambodia. It was once a place of worship. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, United States
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is a beautiful temple. It covers 74 hectares. This temple was built by the Swaminarayan community. It opened in 2014. The temple is made of stone and wood. It has amazing carvings and sculptures. Many people come to pray and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There are also gardens and a cultural center nearby. The temple teaches about Hindu values and culture.
3. Thiru Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirapalli, India
Thiru Ranganathaswamy Temple is in Tiruchirapalli, India. It covers 63 hectares. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu. It is one of the largest temples in South India. The temple has tall towers and beautiful artwork. People come here to pray and celebrate festivals. The temple is very old and has a rich history. Many visitors walk through its grand entrance. It is a place of peace and devotion.
4. Sri Lakshmi Narayani Devi Temple, Sripuram, Vellore district, India
Sri Lakshmi Narayani Devi Temple is in Sripuram, India. It covers 40 hectares. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The temple is famous for its golden architecture. Many visitors come to see its beauty. People come here to pray for blessings and prosperity. The temple has a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens. It was built to promote spirituality and devotion. Visitors often take part in special ceremonies.
5. Chhatarpur Temple, New Delhi, India
Chhatarpur Temple is in New Delhi, India. It covers 28 hectares. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is one of the largest temples in the area. The temple has beautiful marble work and colorful decorations. Many people visit to pray and seek blessings. There are several smaller temples within the complex. The temple hosts many festivals, especially during Navratri. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lovely gardens.
6. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi, India
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi is a grand temple. It covers a large area of 240,000 square meters. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It was opened in 2005 and is famous for its stunning architecture. The walls are filled with beautiful carvings and sculptures. Many people come to visit and learn about Hindu culture. There are also exhibitions and gardens around the temple.
7. Prem Mandir, Vrindavan, India
Prem Mandir is in Vrindavan, India. It covers 22 hectares. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. It was built in 2012 and is known for its beautiful marble work. The temple glows at night with colorful lights. Many visitors come to see its stunning sculptures and paintings. People come here to pray and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Festivals are celebrated with great joy, especially during Janmashtami.
8. Besakih Temple, Bali, Indonesia
Besakih Temple is in Bali, Indonesia. It is known as the “Mother Temple.” The temple covers 200,000 square meters. It is dedicated to the Hindu gods. Besakih Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Agung. Many visitors come to admire its beautiful architecture. The temple has several shrines and terraces. People visit to pray and make offerings. It is an important place for Balinese Hindus. Festivals and ceremonies are held here throughout the year.
9. Ramanuja Temple with 108 Divya Desams, Muchintal, India
Ramanuja Temple with 108 Divya Desams is in Muchintal, India. It is a special temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has 108 smaller shrines, called Divya Desams. Each shrine honors a different form of Vishnu. This temple covers 182,109 square meters. Many devotees come here to pray and seek blessings. The temple is beautifully designed with colorful decorations. Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially for Vishnu’s birthday.
10. Belur Math, Howrah, India
Belur Math is in Howrah, India. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Order. The temple covers 160,000 square meters. Belur Math was built in the early 20th century. It is dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, a famous saint. The temple has beautiful architecture that blends Indian and Western styles. Many people visit to pray and meditate. The atmosphere is peaceful and calm. Visitors can learn about the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
11. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, India
The Nataraja Temple is in Chidambaram, India. It covers 16 hectares, which is about 40 acres. This temple is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva. Nataraja is shown dancing, symbolizing creation and destruction. The temple has beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings. People visit to pray and see the amazing artwork. It is an important place for Hindu worship. Festivals are celebrated here with great joy.
12. Prambanan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Prambanan is a famous temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It covers a large area of 152,000 square meters. This temple is dedicated to three main Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It was built in the 9th century. Prambanan is known for its tall, beautiful towers. The carvings on the walls tell stories from Hindu scriptures. Many people visit to admire its beauty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Festivals are celebrated here with music and dance.
13. Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, India
Brihadisvara Temple is in Thanjavur, India. It is very big, covering 102,400 square meters. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 11th century by King Raja Raja Chola. The temple has a huge tower that rises high into the sky. The walls are decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures. People visit to pray and admire the art. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Arunachalesvara Temple, Tiruvannamalai, India
Arunachalesvara Temple is in Tiruvannamalai, India. It covers 101,171 square meters. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Arunachala. It has a large tower and beautiful carvings. People believe this temple is very sacred. Many come here to pray and meditate. The temple is famous for its festivals, especially during the full moon. Pilgrims walk around the sacred hill nearby. They believe it brings blessings.
15. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, India
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is in Kolkata, India. It is set on 10 hectares, which is about 25 acres. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a powerful form of the Divine Mother. It was built in the 19th century by a wealthy woman named Rani Rashmoni. The temple has beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens. Many people visit to offer prayers and seek blessings. It is also famous for its connection to the saint Ramakrishna.
16. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, India
Varadharaja Perumal Temple is in Kanchipuram, India. It covers 95,000 square meters. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is known as Varadharaja. It was built many centuries ago and is famous for its beautiful architecture. The temple has tall towers and intricate carvings. People visit to pray and admire the art. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is a treasure of devotion and culture in Kanchipuram.
17. Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi, India
Rajagopalaswamy Temple is in Mannargudi, India. It covers 9.3 hectares, which is about 23 acres. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is known as Rajagopalaswamy. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and large gopurams (gateway towers). The temple has colorful carvings and many halls. People visit to pray and celebrate festivals. One of the biggest festivals is the Rajagopalaswamy Festival, which attracts many visitors.
18. Ekambareswarar Temple and Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, India
Ekambareswarar Temple and Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple are in Kanchipuram, India. They cover 93,000 square meters. Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple is for Lord Vishnu. The temples are known for their tall towers and beautiful carvings. Ekambareswarar Temple has a large sacred tree, which is very special. Many people visit to pray and seek blessings. Festivals are celebrated with joy, attracting many visitors.
19. Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur, India
Thyagaraja Temple is in Tiruvarur, India. It covers 20 acres, which is about 8.1 hectares. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Thyagaraja. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and large halls. The temple has many colorful sculptures and carvings. People visit to pray and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The temple hosts many festivals, especially the Thyagaraja Aradhana, which celebrates the great saint Thyagaraja.
20. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, Canada
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is in Toronto, Canada. It covers 7.3 hectares, which is about 18 acres. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and showcases beautiful Indian architecture. It was built by many skilled artisans and features intricate carvings. People visit to pray and learn about Hindu culture. The temple has a peaceful garden and spaces for community activities. Festivals are celebrated here with great joy, bringing people together.
List of Biggest Under-Construction Hindu Temples
1. Perth Ram Temple (Australia)
The Perth Ram Temple will be one of the tallest religious structures in the world. It will cover 150,000 m². This grand Hindu temple in Australia will be a spiritual center for Hindus. The estimated cost is ₹600 crore (US$75 million). The completion date is not yet announced.
2. Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir (India)
The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir will be the tallest religious monument in the world. It will cover 250,905 m² and can hold 30,000 people. Located in Vrindavan, this massive temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It will cost about ₹300 crore (US$42 million) and is expected to be completed soon.
3. Viraat Ramayan Mandir (India)
The Viraat Ramayan Mandir, in Kesaria, will be the largest religious monument in the world, covering 909,371 m². It will hold 20,000 people and be nearly double the size of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and is expected to be completed by 2025.
4. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir (India)
The Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, also known as the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, will cover 303,514 m². It will hold 20,000 people and will be both a temple and a Vedic planetarium. Located in Mayapur, it will spread knowledge of Vedic scriptures and culture.
5. Carolina Murugan Temple (USA)
The Carolina Murugan Temple will cover 526,091 m² and is being built in North Carolina. It will be a large temple serving the Hindu community in the region. Religious services and festivals will be held there. The completion date is yet to be confirmed.
6. Gurudarbar Sindhi Temple (Dubai, UAE)
The Gurudarbar Sindhi Temple will cover 6,968 m² and accommodate 1,500 people. It will be a key religious place for the Sindhi community in Dubai. This temple will host religious and cultural events. It is expected to be completed soon.
