Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with many cultures and traditions. Hindu temples, particularly in India but also in South Asia, Nepal, Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, and Tobago, represent the symbolism of Hinduism. The following is a list of the most famous Hindu temples outside of India.
1. Prambanan Temple, Java, Indonesia
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The Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound that is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It is situated on the dividing line between the provinces of Central Java and Yogyakarta. The Trimurti of Hindu Gods – Brahma (The Creator), Vishnu (The Protector), and Shiva (The Destroyer) – are honored in this temple. Inside a large complex of individual temples, the temple complex has eight main shrines known as “Gopuras”, which towers 47 meters high. There are also hundreds of smaller ‘Gopuras’ surrounding it. Hand-carved arts narrate stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana on the temple walls. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors come from all over the world to see it.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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Angkor Wat is a religious shrine in Cambodia that is one of the most famous Hindu temples outside of India. Suryavarman II, the Khmer King, built it in the 12th century. The temple complex covers 162 hectares of land. Its original name was ‘Vrah Vishnuloka,’ which means sacred abode of Vishnu, and it was built as a temple dedicated to God Vishnu. It was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century. Angkor Wat translates to “Temple City” in Khmer. The temple is a national symbol, and its architecture and grandeur are admired. The temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and it is the country’s main tourist attraction.
3. Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Pashupati Nath Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, is dedicated to God Shiva and is one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. The temple complex, which is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, contains numerous temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions. There are many legends about the temple’s origins, with some dating it back to 400 BC, but no one knows for sure when it was built. The temple complex is 624 hectares in size and contains 518 temples and monuments. Maha Shivaratri is one of the temple’s most important festivals, with over a million devotees expected to attend. While visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit the temple’s perimeter, only practicing Hindus are permitted to enter the inner courtyard. Pashupati Nath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and thousands of people visit each year to pay their respects to Pashupati Nath, also known as the “Lord of All Beings.”
4. Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
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The Tanah Lot temple, located on a large offshore rock off Bali’s western coast, is one of the seven sea temples. Each of these temples is connected to the next in a long chain that runs along the coast. With its breathtaking magnificence and splendor, it is a photographer’s dream. It is perhaps the most well-known of Bali’s many Hindu temples. It has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries, and Hinduism has had a significant influence on it. The Sea God, ‘Dewa Baruna,’ is the main deity of the temple. Due to its stunning natural beauty, it is a popular tourist destination in Bali.
5. Batu Caves Sri Subramanian Swamy Devasthanam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The Batu Caves are a series of limestone caves north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that house the world’s tallest Lord Murugan statue (47.2 meters) at their entrance. Visitors must ascend a steep flight of 272 stairs that rises nearly 100 meters above the ground. Lord Murugan’s temple is one of the most popular Tamil shrines and famous Hindu temples outside India, and the focal point of Malaysia’s Hindu festival Thaipusam. Many pilgrims and tourists travel from Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Australia to visit.
6. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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The Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple, which was built in a hut-like shelter in Johar Bahru, Malaysia, in 1922, is now one of the majorly famous Hindu temples outside India. After visiting Thailand and seeing a temple with glass artwork at its entrance, Sri Sinnathamby Sivaswamy, who became the temple’s chief priest in 1991, was inspired to turn it into a glass temple. A montage of 300,000 pieces of multicolored glass adorns nearly 90 percent of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Athma Lingam sanctuary features a ‘lotus’ as a centerpiece, where devotees can pour rose water and pray. The temple walls are covered in 300,000 Mukni Rudraksha beads, each with a chanted prayer embossed in it.
7. Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Tividale, England
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The Shri Venkateshwara (Balaji) temple, modeled after India’s famous Tirupati Balaji temple, is Europe’s largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji. After a five-day consecration ceremony, it opened on August 23, 2006. A 12-foot statue of Lord Venkateshwara, who is considered an incarnation of God Vishnu, can be found in the temple’s main shrine. On either side of the presiding deity are statues of his wife Padmavati (incarnation of Vishnu’s wife Goddess Lakshmi) and Monkey King Hanuman. All religions are welcome to visit the temple.
8. Radha Madhav Dham, Texas, USA
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The Radha Madhav Dham, also known as the Barsana Dham, is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is Texas’s oldest temple as well as North America’s largest making it one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. It’s also one of the Western Hemisphere’s largest Hindu temple complexes. There are areas built around the temple that has been designated as meditation areas. The temple, which was built to represent the holy land of Braj in India, where Radha and Krishna are said to have lived, is known for hosting the largest Janmashtami (birth of Lord Krishna) celebrations in North America.
9. Shri Krishna Temple, Muscat, Oman
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In 1987, the Gujarati merchant community who had settled in Muscat built this lovely temple. It was then extensively renovated to provide all visitor amenities, including a multipurpose hall that can accommodate 500 to 700 worshipers. During the Navaratri festival, it is a popular place of worship and celebration.
10. Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Atlanta, USA
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One of the largest and most famous Hindu temples outside India is the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Atlanta, Georgia. It was officially opened on August 26, 2007. This massive 32000 square foot temple is set on 30 acres of landscaped grounds and was built in accordance with ancient Hindu architectural scriptures. The main shrine houses Swaminarayan’s and Gunatitanand Swami’s idols. Over 34000 pieces of hand-carved Italian marble, Turkish limestone, and Indian Pink sandstone make up this stunning temple. Visitors of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to come worship in this beautiful temple.
11. Shri Kali Temple, Yangon, Burma
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The Shri Kali temple is a 147-year-old Hindu temple in Yangon’s Little India neighborhood (now called Myanmar). While Burma was still part of British India, Tamil migrants from India built this temple in 1871. The intricate stone carvings of Hindu gods on the roof and walls are stunning. The temple’s architecture is known for its vibrant colours. The local Indian community in Yangon looks after the temple.
12. Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Nadi, Fiji
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The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is a nearly century-old Hindu temple in Fiji, which has a large population of people of Indian origin. It was built in 1926 at the southernmost point of Nadi. The foundation of the new temple was laid in 1976 during the Golden Jubilee celebrations. The temple was rebuilt in accordance with traditional Dravidian architecture and Vaastu principles. In 1986, the new construction was completed. It has made its way into our list of top 15 most famous Hindu temples outside India.
13. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Victoria, Australia
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The Shri Shiva Vishnu temple is Victoria’s largest Hindu temple, located in the Carrum Downs suburb of Melbourne. The temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in 1994 and is dedicated to their worship. In the temple, the two main streams of Hindu tradition are represented. Every year, thousands of devotees attend various ceremonies and festival celebrations.
14. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Jaffna District, Sri Lanka
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In the 10th century, the original Kandaswamy temple, also known as Nallur Murugan Kovil, was built. The bronze idol of the Goddess of Nallur temple, worshipped today, is said to have been bequeathed by Chola Queen ‘Sembiyan Mahadevi.’ In 1743 A.D., the current temple was built. The temple has been gradually renovated and many additions have been made to it over the centuries to bring it to its current splendor. Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War, is honored in this temple. He is Lord Shiva’s and Goddess Parvati’s son. The temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Hindu temples.
15. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, USA
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The Sri Venkateswara temple, which is located in Penn Hills, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh, is one of the first Hindu temples built in North America. On August 7, 1975, the Sri Venkateswara Temple organization was formed. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Venkata (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) rests.
These are just a few of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. So, if you’re planning a trip to these countries, try to go and experience their spirituality.