Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism is for sure one of the biggest and most influenced religions in the world and it has been like that for thousands of years now. And if you truly want to get the feel of Hinduism and the culture, you must pay a visit to the temples. But here, we aren’t talking about temples that you can find in every city of India, no, we are talking about THE BIGGEST Hindu temples in the world by area. Yes, that’s what we are here for. So, come up with us as we explore the top 10 Biggest Hindu Temples in the world as of 2024. Here we go now.
1. Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
On the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, lies the Pashupatinath Temple. This site has everything to do with showing love to Lord Shiva, named “Pashupati”. It takes around 608 acres and is not just a major religious spot. It is also a slice of cultural heritage acknowledged by UNESCO since 1979. Dating back to the 5th century, the design of the temple provides testimony to the rich Newari style of the Kathmandu Valley. This complex had 518 temples and monuments around the sacred Linga in the main temple. The one really comes alive during Maha Shivaratri and Teej.
2. Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia
Speaking of the world, Angkor Wat is the pride of Cambodia, it speaks of Hindu piety and magnificent craft. The largest religious monument in the world, the temple passes an area of over 500 acres. Built in the 12th century for Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist site. It reflects spiritual changes and has now developed as an emblem of Cambodia. In the example of the cosmic world, its design has a central tower with walls filled with tales from Hindu mythology.
3. Akshardham Temple, Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA
The Akshardham Temple is one of the Indian Culture and Hinduism facilities based in the United States and located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. With an enormous site of 185 acres, this is one of the biggest Hindu temples outside Asia and was just opened by the BAPS group in 2014. Known for its elaborately done marble and sandstone, the place is of interest to the local Hindu community, giving space for homage and celebration. The temple is a labor of love by volunteers and artisans who merge different worlds with their spiritual and cultural essence.
4. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a large complex built for Lord Vishnu in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Covering a huge area of 156 acres, the temple is the largest functioning Hindu temple compound in the world. Prime site for the Vaishnavites, the origins of which reach back into the 1st century, and which has been adorned over the centuries by dynasties such as the Cholas. Some of the notable structures include the seven praharas and the main tower, one court that contains several small shrines, and a hall, all 1000-pillared.
5. Akshardham Temple, Delhi, India
The Akshardham Temple stands right in the middle of New Delhi, a truly modern wonder, yet reflecting the traditions of ancient Hindu architecture and spirituality. Open since 2005, this huge 100-acre complex is calling all who need spiritual insights and unity. Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, it carries the combination of art, culture, and architecture from past India to modern eras; a central monument stands amid the gardens and water features, allowing one to have peace in the rush of the city.
6. Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu, India
Nataraja Temple, situated in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, spreads across 40 acres. The place is completely devoted to the joy of Shiva as Nataraja, the King of Dance. The reason the temple is so different is that it is made after the symbol of creation, maintenance, and destruction. The temple was built in the 10th century and is one of the truest forms of Tamil architecture. The temple is a real charm: it has five large courtyards, beautifully adorned gateway towers, and the golden roof, not only for devotees but also for lovers of art and architecture.
7. Belur Math, Kolkata, India
Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata and sprawling over 40 acres, the Belur Math is kinda the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The architecture here represents a mix of Hindu, Christian, and Islamic styles to show how they have combined all the faiths. This is a very peaceful place if someone wants to find spiritual calm to learn social service or the philosophy of Vedanta. A visit here also shows the life of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, whose thoughts have shown the way for the hearts of people all over the world.
8. Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
Annamalaiyar Temple is located at the foot of Annamalai hills in Thiruvannamalai. It sprawls over an area of 25 acres of land. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Annamalaiyar or Arunachalesvara, believed to be associated with fire. This place boasts of having a remarkable history as it was patronized by the great Chola. Most famous for the tall Gateway Towers, strongly sculpted examples, and, of course, the lingam that it houses.
9. Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Ekambareshwarar Temple, sprawling across 23 acres in Kanchipuram, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the symbol of Earth. The temple has been founded through many changes over the years. Contributions are from the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara empires. This famous temple has a high gateway tower and a hall of a thousand pillars with Hindu myths, and a 3500-year-old mango tree that stands for Shiva and Parvati.
10. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikal, Tamil Nadu, India
Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikal, Tamulnādu, extends over 18 acres and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. He is known here as Jambukeswarar, having a link with water, forming one among the Pancha Bhoota Stalam hailed in water’s reverence. The temple was built some 1800 years ago by the Chola dynasty, the architectural design and spiritual vibration of which captivated all those who visited. It is amongst these that the temple is well known because of its concentric enclosures, which are garnished with decorative gateways and inscriptions.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now remember, we have ranked these temples based on the area they are built in and not the actual size of the main building. Anyway, if you have it on your wishlist to visit the biggest Hindu temples in the world, well, you now have a proper list prepared for that. So yeah, go on.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
