Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, boasts a profound cultural legacy and a variety of traditions. Temples hold a pivotal role in Hindu practice, providing sacred sites for prayer, meditation, and religious ceremonies. Among the many Hindu temples worldwide, a few are particularly remarkable due to their immense size and architectural splendor. This article explores the top 10 largest Hindu temples in the world, highlighting each as a tribute to the faith and artistic skill of Hindu devotees.
World’s Largest Hindu Temple
Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia stands as the largest Hindu temple in the world, covering a vast expanse of 500 acres. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this architectural marvel attracts visitors from around the world who can explore its expansive grounds for a fee, with a single-day pass costing USD 20 and a week-long pass priced at USD 60.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy spans 156 acres, a prominent among the 8 self-manifested temples of Lord Vishnu. Akshardham Temple in Delhi, covering 100 acres, showcases deities like Sita Ram and Radha Krishna, with free entry and nominal fees of Rs. 170 for exhibitions. The 40-acre Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, features towering 250 ft structures adorned with Bharatanatyam poses and Hindu mythology sculptures.
Top-10 Biggest Hindu Temples in the World
Angkor Wat Temple, located in Cambodia, holds the title of the biggest Hindu temple in the world, followed by Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Akshardham Temple, Nataraja Temple and Belur Math.
Here is the list of top-10 biggest Hindu temples in the world:
Biggest Hindu Temples in the World | |||
S. No. | Temple Name | Location | Size (in acres) |
1. | Angkor Wat Temple | Cambodia | 500 |
2. | Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple | Trichy, Tamil Nadu | 156 |
3. | Akshardham Temple | Delhi, India | 100 |
4. | Nataraja Temple | Tamil Nadu | 40 |
5. | Belur Math | Kolkata, India | 40 |
6. | Annamalaiyar Temple | Thiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu | 25 |
7. | Ekambareshwarar Temple | Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu | 23 |
8. | Jambukeswarar Temple | Jambukeswarar Temple | 18 |
9. | Meenakshi Temple | Madurai, India | 17.3 |
10. | Vaitheeswaran Kovil | Tamil Nadu | 15 |
World’s Biggest Hindu Temple – Angkor Wat Temple
Location: Cambodia
Area: 500 acres
Despite the visually imposing structures of the modern Virat Ramayan Mandir in Bihar and the Swaminarayan Temple in New Jersey, they pale in comparison to the vastness of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple, covering an expansive 500 acres. This colossal Hindu temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, outshines others in sheer size and cultural significance. Entry fees, priced at USD 20 for a single-day pass and USD 60 for a week-long pass, contribute to the preservation of this monumental testament to Hindu architecture and heritage.
Second Largest Hindu Temple in the World – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Location: Trichy, Tamilnadu
Area: 156 acres
Situated in Trichy, Tamilnadu, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple stands as the second-largest Hindu temple globally. Holding a paramount position among the 8 self-manifested (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is a key shrine among the revered 108 Divyadesams. The primary deity lies in a majestic reclining posture atop Adishesha, adding to the temple’s significance and grandeur.
Third Biggest Hindu Temple in the World – Akshardham Temple
Location: Delhi, India
Area: 100 acres
Recently constructed along the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, the Akshardham Temple is the third-largest Hindu temple globally. Within its sacred precincts, visitors can encounter divine manifestations such as Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Lakshmi Narayanan, Shiv Parvathi, and Lord Hanuman. Entry to the temple is open to all at no cost, but there are nominal charges of Rs. 170 for exhibitions and Rs. 30 for enjoying the mesmerizing musical fountain experience. This architectural marvel serves as a spiritual haven for devotees and a cultural destination for those seeking to explore Hindu art and heritage.