Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions. They are known for their rich culture and religious beliefs around the world. They boast a rich heritage of temple architecture and sacred sites dedicated to various deities. Hindu Temples do not only serve as places of worship, they also stand out as a unique architectural marvel. The unique architectural Hindu temples are spread all over the world. Today, we will list the 10 largest Hindu temples in the world, known for their grandeur, vastness, and historical significance. These temples attract millions of devotees and tourists annually, which increases the spiritual essence of Hinduism.
Top 10 Largest Hindu Temples in The World
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- Swaminarayan Akshardham, United States
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India
- Sri Lakshmi Narayani Devi Temple, India
- Chhatarpur Temple, India
- Swaminarayan Akshardham, India
- Prem Mandir, Prem Mandir
- Besakih Temple, Indonesia
- Ramanuja Temple, India
- Belur Math, India
1. Angkor Wat
- Area: 1,626,000
- Location: Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple, located in Siem Reap. It is the largest religious monument in the world. It also holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire. It was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu but later transferred into a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat is also famous because of its stunning architecture, intricate carvings and Khmer art and architecture. It also holds the Guinness World Record considered as the largest religious structure in the world.
2. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham (New Jersey)
- Area: 655,591
- Location: Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, United States
Swaminarayan Akshardham (New Jersey) is located in Robbinsville. It is a Hindu temple inspired by traditional Indian architecture and spirituality. This temple is dedicated to the Bhagwan Swaminarayan and features carved marble pillars, domes, and sculptures. This Akshardham temple was inaugurated on October 8, 2023, as the world’s 2nd largest Hindu temple. It is a temple 58 metres high and situated 99 kilometres (62 mi) south of New York City.
3. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Area: 631,000
- Location: Tiruchirapalli, India
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest temple in India and the third largest in the world. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. This temple has complex houses towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and sacred tanks. The main attraction of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the idol of Lord Ranganatha, in a reclining posture on the serpent AdiShesha. This temple is designed in the Dravidian style. Millions of visitors gather in the temple during the grand Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival.
4. Sri Lakshmi Narayani Devi Temple
- Area: 404,686
- Location: Thirumalaikodi, Vellore, India
Sri Lakshmi Narayani Devi Temple is also known as the Golden Temple because it is covered with pure gold. It is the second largest Hindu temple in India, dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi Narayani, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. This temple was constructed by the Vellore-based charitable trust, Sri Narayani Peedam, who is the spiritual leader of Sri Sakthi Amma also known as ‘Narayani Amma’.
5. Chhatarpur Temple
- Area: 280,000
- Location: New Delhi, India
Chhatarpur Temple is also known as Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir. It is a white Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Katyayani, a form of Goddess Durga. It is a complex temple spread over a wide area of 8 hectares (70 acres). This temple has numerous shrines, mandapas, and intricately carved sculptures. It is most crowded during Navratri, a festival celebrating feminine energy for nine days. It is one of the revered pilgrimage sites in Delhi.
6. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Area: 240,000
- Location: Delhi, India
Swaminarayan Akshardham is situated in Delhi. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his spiritual successor, Gunatitanand Swami. It stands as a masterpiece of Indian architecture. Its building was inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
7. Prem Mandir
- Area: 222,577
- Location: Vrindavan, India
Prem Mandir, meaning A temple of divine love. It is dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was Established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. It is a huge temple spread over 22 hectares. The main sanctum is the idols of Radha and Krishna, which are popular for their divine love story. It is a super popular temple in India. Every year millions of people visit the Prem Mandir.
8. Besakih Temple
- Area: 200,000
- Location: Bali, Indonesia
Besakih Temple is one of the largest and most important Hindu temples in Bali, Indonesia. It is also known as Pura Besakih and is situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. It is Hindu temple dedicated to the three main gods named Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with their consorts. It is one of a series of Balinese temples. This temple is built on six levels in the form of a slope. Its entrance has candi bentar. It is the Mother temple of Bali, which attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
9. Ramanuja Temple with 108 Divya Desams
- Area: 182, 109
- Location: Muchintal, India
Ramanuja Temple with 108 Divya Desams is a statue of equity. It refers to a concept in Vaishnavism, a Hindu sect that worships Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. The 108 Divya Desams are a collection of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, particularly in his various incarnations. A prominent philosopher and theologian named Ramanuja promoted the 108 Divya Desams to spread Vaishnavism. Each Divya Desam is associated with a unique legend, deity, and religious significance. People visit and worship at these Divya Desams as a means of attaining spiritual liberation (moksha) according to Ramanuja.
10. Belur Math
- Area: 160,000
- Location: Howrah, India
Belur Math is a religious and spiritual institution located in Belur, West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This institution is inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. The main temple at Belur Math is dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th-century mystic and saint. This temple is based on a unique blend of Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist styles and symbolises the universality of Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings.