Hindu religion is the oldest religion in the world there was no religion before Hinduism. Hindu temples war build all around the world. Today we are going to share World’s Largest Hindu Temples, and if you don’t know about the Biggest Hindu Temple in the world, you will be surprised to know that it is not in India.
Religion is a sort of love affair with the Almighty God. Hindu Religion, which is the oldest Religion in the world, also knows that love is the only way of realizing God.
Well, the method can vary, but it has to be a love affair with God which breaks boundaries and creates what is truly no less than magic, and magnificence.
Hindu Temples have their own beauty, and there are temples which prove that there is a great bonding between the devotee and The God.
Here we have come with a compilation of 10 World’s Largest Hindu Temples. The beauty, grandeur, and magnificence of these temples are magical.
They are huge structures covering acres of land and height that state that sky is the limit. They create love in the heart of a devotee for the Almighty God.
Hindu Temple has their unique architecture which can not be found in any other religion. Hindu Temples are built with specific architecture which is considered to be like the human body.
In the temple, the place where God statue is placed in known as “Garbhagriha” which is like a human womb. Normally Garbhagriha is windowless and only have a single entrance. The Garbhagriha is built east facing so that rising Sunlight can touch God statue.
There are many other things conceder while creating a Hindu Temple. The architecture of the temples is sometimes very complex.
As Hinduism was not limited to India, it was spread in most of East Asia like Bali, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. One can find historical evidence of Hinduism in various countries.
Today we will look at some of the World’s Biggest Hindu Temples, and I think you will be amazed to know about these amazing temples.
Table of Contents
List of Largest Hindu Temples in The World
1. Angkor Wat – Angkor, Cambodia
The Largest Hindu Temples is not in India it is in Cambodia, Angkor Wat Temple. One of the top icons of Cambodia, Angkor Wat Temple Complex, is the Largest Hindu Temple in the World. With over 500 acres the Angkor Wat Temple is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
Khmer King Suryavarman II built the temple complex. It has the status of being a largest religious center in the world. The temple site is measuring 162.6 hectares or 1,626,000 square meters.
The temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which later became a Buddhist Center at the end of the 12th century. It is a portrayal of sacred mountain Mount Meru.
Four other towers surround its center tower which stands at the height of 65 meters. The central hall is a three-story structure. It has images of Buddha and important scenes from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Angkor Wat faces towards West which is unusual because most of the Hindu temples are build facing east. The sandstones are used as the main material to build this temple.
The entrance of the Angkor Wat temple was nicely decorated with sculptures and carvings. Lord Vishnu’s 3.2 meters statue is situated in the temple.
2. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple – Srirangam, Tamilnadu
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is the largest Hindu Temple in India. It is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of the Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Bhoologa Vaikundam Bhogamandam.
The temple occupied an area of 156 acres and located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is mentioned in Tamil literature of the Sangam era and in epic Silapadikaram.
The temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has been renovated from time to time by different dynasties such as Chola, Hoysala, Pandya, and Vijayanagar.
The superb structure has 21 towers and 39 pavilions in Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. It comprises seven enclosures and has a hall with 1000 pillars which is decorated with sculptures.
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple is a perfect example of Hindu planimetric geometry knowledge. The temple is located on as an island surrounded by Kaveri River, and the temple is aligned to a north-south, and east-west axis.
3. Akshardham Temple – New Delhi
Located near the banks of holy river Yamuna, Akshardham Temple of New Delhi is one of the largest Hindu temples. This temple predecessor Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj built the Akshardham temple which opened on 6th November 2005. The temple was built according to Hindu Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra.
Akshardham temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is spread over 100 acres. It has the status of being the symbol of Hindu art, culture, and spirituality.
The template is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and in temple’s central dome 11-foot high statue of Swaminarayan seated in abhayamudra.
Its central part has murtis Sita Ram, Shiva Parvati, Laxmi Narayan and Radha Krishna. Sandstone and marble are used to create this temple. The main Akshardham complex consists of 234 carved pillars and nine domes.
Akshardham Temple, Delhi holds Guinness world record of World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
4. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Thillai Nataraja Temple is one of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva represents akasha (aether). Here Lord Shiva is worshiped in its dancing form known as Nataraja. It is located in the center of the temple town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu.
The Chidambaram temple was built in 10th century at the time of Chola dynasty. The temple complex is quite huge spreading across an area of 50 acres in the heart of the city. The temple got renovated by different dynasties from Chola, Vijayanagara, Chera, etc.
The main complex of Lord Shiva also contains shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Sivakami Amman, Murugan, and Vishnu.
It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are still presented in this place, but normal people can’t view them.
There are five halls in the temple area known as Chit Sabhai, Kanaka Sabhai. Nrithya Sabhai, Raja Sabhai (1000 pillared hall), Deva Sabhai.
The temples wall carving displays 108 postures of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
Thillai Nataraja Temple Dharshan Time
Morning 6.00 A.M. to 12.00 noon
Evening 5.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M.
5. Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeeswarar Temple known as the “Dhakshina Meru” of South India is one of the largest Hindu Temples in the World. It is also called as Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Kovil. This Hindu Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is the best example of a fully realized Tamil architecture. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I during the period 1003 and 1010 AD. Presently, the temple has the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is referred to as the “Great Living Chola Temples.”
Its massive vimanan, sculptures, architecture, are simply awesome and breathtaking. People also witness the wealth and richness of Tamil inscriptions which are engraved in stone. Its main vimanam is 200 feet high probably the highest when it was built.
However, the original monuments of this 11th century Tamil temple were built around a moat. It included gopura, the massive tower, the main temple, together with the inscriptions, frescoes, and sculptures which predominantly relate to Shaivism, but also has Vaishnavism and Shaktism marks of Hindu tradition.
In the course of time, some portions of the temple were damaged, and so some artwork is now missing. Later on, additional mandapam and monuments were added.
As of now, the Brihadeeswarar Temple stands amidst fortified walls that were built after the 16th century.
The temple’s Vimanam tower (built with granite) above the sanctum is one of the tallest in Southern India. It has a massive corridor. The Shiva lingam is one of the largest in India.
The quality of its sculpture is simply breathtaking. The temple complex has shrines for Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Nandi, Varahi, Dakshinamurti, Chandeshvara, Sabhapati, and others.
The temple witnesses thousands of devotees every year and is a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu, India.
6. Annamalaiyar Temple – Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
The Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu is one of the largest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the base of Annamalai hills in Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India.
The temple is representative of the Shaivism sect of the Hindu tradition. It is associated with the five elements known as the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, specifically to the element of fire, or Agni.
Lord Shiva is the main deity and worshiped as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleshwarar. He is represented in the form of Lingam. His idol is referred to as Agni Lingam. Goddess Parvati is depicted as Unnamalai Amman.
Many Tamil saint poets have composed numerous literary work dedicated to the presiding deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple. The prominent among those is the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram. It was written by Nayanars – the Tamil saint poets. Another notable work is the 9th-century Tiruvempaavai which was composed by Saiva saint poet Manikkavasagar.
The Annamalaiyar Temple Complex spans 10 hectares and happens to be one of the largest in India.
It has four gateway towers which are called Gopuram. Its eastern tower is the tallest one with 11 stories reaching a height of 66 meters (217 ft). In fact, it happens to be one of the tallest temple towers in India.
There are numerous shrines in the temple. The Annamalaiyar and Unnamalai Amman are the prominent ones. The temple complex has many halls. There is a thousand-pillared hall which was built during the Vijayanagar period.
The temple witnesses six daily rituals from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Karthigai Deepam is one of its major festivals which is celebrated between November and December during the day of the full moon. The pilgrims take part in a religious practice called Girivalam wherein they circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills.
The present temple structure was built in the 9th century during the Chola Dynasty. Later on, Vijayanagar rulers also did some expansion between 1336 CE to 1570 CE.
7. Ekambareswarar Temple – Tamil Nadu
The Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the holy city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India.
The temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam and represents Earth or Prithvi which is one of the primary elements of nature. It is the largest temple in the holy city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Lord Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar. He is represented in the form of Lingam. His idol is referred to as Prithvi Lingam.
Goddess Parvati is represented as Gowridevi Amman.
The temple spans an enormous area of 23 acres.
Its gateway tower reaches a height of 59 meters and is known as Raja Gopuram. It is one of the tallest Gopuram in India.
The temple complex has five different courtyards.
There are 1008 Shiva Lingams in the inner wall of the temple.
There is an enormous hall in the temple that has a thousand pillars. It is known as “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam.”
There is another significant feature of this temple. The Sunrays directly fall on the Shiva Lingam of the Ekambareswarar Temple in March and April.
The temple sees six daily rituals from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There are twelve yearly festivals on its calendar.
The “Panguni Uthiram” is the most prominent festival of the temple. It is celebrated for thirteen days in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April).
The temple was built during the Chola Rule by King Paranthaka Chola in 650 A.D. The temple happens to be one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
8. Varadharaja Perumal Temple – Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Varadharaja Perumal Temple is another very large Hindu Temple located in the holy city of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple is located in one of the suburbs of Kanchipuram known as Vishnu Kanchi that houses many Vishnu Temples.
It is believed to be one of the Divya Desams that is it is one of the 108 Divya temples of Lord Vishnu which have been visited by 12 poet-saints.
The great Hindu scholar Ramanuja who was a master in Vaishnava philosophy is believed to have resided in this temple.
The Varadharaja Perumal Temple along with Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram has been popularly referred as Mumurtivasam (abode of the trio).
As the Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the Divya Desams, it is also popularly known as “Perumal Koli.”
In fact, the Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the most sacred places for the Vaishnavites.
9. Jambukeswarar Temple – Trichy, Tamil Nadu
The Jambukeswarar Temple in Tiruchirapalli of Tamil Nadu is one of the largest Hindu Temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalam and represents the “water” element in nature. In fact, there is an underground water stream in the main sanctum of the temple.
The temple is also known as Thiruvanaikaval Shiva Temple.
It is regarded as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam.
Lord Shiva is the main deity in the temple which is worshiped in the form of Jambukeswarar.
There is a very interesting mythological story related to this temple place. Once Akilandeswari (Incarnation of Goddess Parvati) came to this place from Mount Kailash for penance. She built a Shiva Lingam with the waters of Cauvery River.
That’s why the Jambukeswarar Temple represents water or “neer” which is a prime element in nature.
In fact, the Shiva Lingam of Jambukeswarar Temple is known as ‘Appu Lingam’ meaning Lingam made of water.
The temple was built by the Chola King Kocengannan Chola in the 1st Century CE. Jambukeswarar temple has inscriptions and sculptures from the Chola period.
The temple complex has five enclosures.
The outer wall of the temple complex is referred to as Vibudhi Prakara and is hugely enormous with a length of 1 mile and a height of 25 feet. The fourth enclosure of the Jambukeswarar Temple has 196 pillars. There is also a small tank in the temple premises which is fed by natural springs.
10. Nellaiappar Temple – Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
The Swami Nellaiappar Temple is one of the largest and most beautiful Hindu temples located in the city of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built nearly 2500 – 3000 years ago.
Lord Shiva is worshiped as Nellaiappar and called as Venuvananathar. He is represented in the form of Lingam. Goddess Parvathi is depicted as Kanthimathi Amman.
The temple complex spans an area of nearly 15 acres.
All the shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls.
The temple houses a number of shrines including those of Swami Nellaiappar and his consort Shri Kanthimathi Ambal.
Various rituals are performed the entire day from 6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. It has six yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam is the most prominent festival in the temple. It is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July).
The original temple complex was built by the Pandyas.
The present masonry structure was constructed by the Chola Rulers and Pallavas, Cheras, and Nayaks.
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