Hinduism, the ancientest religion in the world, has many traditions and cultures. Hindu temples, especially in India but also in South Asia, Nepal, Fiji, Trinidad, Mauritius, and Tobago, represent the symbolism of Hinduism. Here is a list of some of the most well-known Hindu temples located outside of India.
Prambanan Temple, Java, Indonesia
The Prambanan Temple, located in central Java, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. It lies at the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces. This temple is home to the Trimurti of Hindu Gods, Vishnu (The Protector), Shiva (The Destroyer), and Brahma (The Creator). People from all over the world visit Prambanan. It was built in 850 CE and consisted of eight main shrines, the ‘gopuras.’ Located in a complex of smaller temples, they are 47 m high (154 ft). There are 250 smaller gopuras around them. Nearly all walls of the temple have hand-carved art. They tell the tales of Lord Vishnu’s Dasavataram, Ramayana, adventures, and other Hindu legends. Many tourists from all over the world visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, a famous Hindu temple in Cambodia, is one of the most well-known temples outside of India. It was built by Suryavarman II (the Khmer King) in the 12th Century. The temple complex surrounds 162 hectares of land. Originally called Vrah Vishnuloka, it means the sacred abode of Vishnu. It was built to be a temple dedicated to God Vishnu. It was transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th Century. Angkor Wat translates to “Temple City” in Khmer. The western world visited this marvel in the 16th Century during British and Portuguese colonization. Tourists who visit Angkor Wat should also stop by the nearby ruins at Angkor Thom or Bayon. These two magnificent Hindu temples were once the capital of the Khmer empire. In addition to its grandeur and architecture, it is the country’s national symbol. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1992, the temple is now the country’s most popular tourist attraction.
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pashupathinath temple is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 753AD, King Jayadeva built Kathmandu’s oldest Hindu temple. It was rebuilt in the 12th and 17th centuries. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, but its origin is unknown. Many legends surround the founding of this temple, but there is no evidence to support its existence or confirm its construction. It is known for fulfilling wishes. You can also find an expansive collection of other temples and ashrams and images and inscriptions surrounding Pashupatinath. One of the most impressive Hindu temples outside India, it is built in a Nepalese pagoda style, different from traditional Hindu temples. The main temple is only open to Hinduism followers. Other buildings are open to foreigners. Pashupatinath is often crowded with sadhus. This temple is also available on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list.
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia
The Tanah Lot temple is on a sizeable Indonesian coast rock. One of the renowned Hindu temples in Bali, this temple is one among seven sea temples within easy sight of each other and forms a chain on the south-western coast. It is a popular tourist spot that draws millions of tourists annually and is one of Bali’s most photogenic places. For centuries, the Tanah Lot temple was a part of Balinese mythology. Hinduism has influenced it. The main deity of this temple is Dewa Baruna, the Sea God. It is a popular tourist spot in Bali due to its natural beauty.
Batu Caves Sri Subramanian Swamy Devasthanam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Batu Caves is a group of limestone caves located 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. It is 42.7 meters tall and is one of the most famous statues of Lord Murugan outside of India. K. Thamboosamy Pillai, a Tamil trader, built this temple. It has been a tourist attraction ever since. This temple complex is home to the famous Thaipusam Hindu festival. This temple attracts many pilgrims from Malaysia, India, Australia, and Singapore.
Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, one of the oldest temples in Malaysia, is probably the only Hindu glass temple in Malaysia. It was initially a hut-like structure that dates back to 1922. Since its construction, the temple has attracted a lot of foreign and local tourists. A mosaic of 300,000 pieces of glass in different colors covers at least 90% of the temple. Siva lingam is the first in Malaysia to be made with ‘Mukni rudraksha’ beads. It also has an unusual embossed texture. Each Rudraksha’bead has a chanted prayer embedded into the walls. It can be prayed to by devotees who pour rosewater on it. There are also ten sculptures in gold. This temple is a must-see for Hindus from outside India.
Radha Madhav Dham, Texas, USA
Radha Madhav Dham, also known as Barsana Dham, is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is Texas’s oldest and North America’s most significant temple, making it one of the most well-known Hindu temples other than India. It is also the biggest Hindu temple complex in the Western Hemisphere. Areas around the temple have been designated as meditation spaces. The building is meant to represent Braj, the sacred land in India where Radha (and Krishna) lived. The temple is also known for hosting one of the largest Janmashtami celebrations in North America.
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Nadi, Fiji
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is an almost century-old Hindu temple located in Fiji. It houses a large Indian population. It was constructed at the southernmost point of Nadi in 1926. Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1976 laid the foundation for the new temple. The temple was rebuilt according to traditional Dravidian architecture and Vaastu principles. Completed in 1986, the temple is now on the top 15 list of most famous Hindu temples worldwide.
These are only a few of the many famous Hindu temples that you can find outside India. If you are planning a journey to these places, make sure to experience their spirituality.
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