India is often referred to as the “Land of Temples” due to the vast number of Hindu temples found throughout the country. But the temples are not limited to India only. Here are the ten Hindu temples outside India that you must visit once in your lifetime.
India is not only a beautiful but also a spiritually rich country compared to any other in the world. Brimming with countless pilgrimage destinations, India is a deeply devotional country with a rich spiritual history and diverse religious traditions. Approximately 15% of the total world population identifies as Hindu followers. Approximately 94% of the world's Hindus reside in India. It’s the third-largest religion in the world. Hence, major Hindu temples can be found throughout the world. And, you will be surprised to know that some of the Hindu pilgrimage sites around the globe boast centuries of history. Many ancient Hindu temples outside India are located in neighboring countries, such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Hinduism’s influence extends to other countries as well, like Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Here is a list of the ancient temples across the world that you should plan for your religious tour:
Located on the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most revered and oldest Hindu temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Pashu means “animals” and Nath means “Lord”, so Pashupatinath means “the Lord of Animals”. It shows that Lord Shiva is the protector of all living creatures. As a reverence and tradition, no leather products, like belts, wallets, and shoes, are allowed on the temple’s premises. Photography is also prohibited. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This temple was built in the 8th century by King Jayadeva, and only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. However, people from other religions can enter the temple’s premises to marvel at its architecture. This temple is situated on an area of 246 hectares, encompassing 518 mini temples. You can see the beautiful architecture of the temple in the principal pagoda style.
Recommended Tour Package: Pashupatinath Muktinath Janakpur Tour Package
One of the revered Hindu temples outside India is Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Initially, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Angkor Wat temple is now transformed into a Buddhist Temple. It is the largest religious structure by land area in the world. It covers an area of approximately. 162 hectares. The temple complex features over 100 stone temples, which are an architectural wonder. They appear on the national flag of Cambodia. This massive temple was built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Khmer Civilization. This architectural wonder is one of the top ten Hindu temples in the world, and is a treat to the eyes.
Prambanan Temple is the largest temple in Indonesia. Located in Yogyakarta, in southern Java, Indonesia, this is one of the revered and largest Hindu temples in the world that you must visit once in your lifetime. The temple is dedicated to the holy Hindu Trinity—Lord Brahma (the Creator), Lord Vishnu (the Protector), and Lord Shiva (the Destroyer). Thus, it is also known as the Trimurti Temple in Indonesia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, the temple complex has 240 temples. It has survived natural disasters, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, yet the temple remains standing tall.
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir in London is one of the most revered and top ten Hindu temples outside India. The temple’s marvelous architecture draws people from all around the world. It is also one of the largest Hindu sacred sites outside India. The temple is popularly known as Neasden Temple and is constructed according to ancient Vedic architectural texts. It is a sanctuary for Hindus to worship their Gods and attend morning and evening Aartis. But this temple is open for people of all faiths and religions. The temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan and has intricate carvings and sculptures. The complex comprises the main temple, a community hall, and a garden.
Batu Caves is located in Selangor, Malaysia, approximately 13 km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Batu Caves Temple, also known as Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, is one of the largest Hindu sacred sites in the world and a famous Hindu temple outside India. It holds a special place in the hearts of Indian tourists, as it features a 140-foot-tall statue of the Hindu Lord Murugan. The Cathedral Cave is the main cave that houses the temple of Lord Murugan. The temple and other structures were built recently in the 19th century by the Indian immigrants in the country. But the cave has a series of limestone caves, making it a significant religious and tourist destination in Malaysia. Besides, the temple is famous for housing the tallest statue of Lord Murugan and for hosting the Thaipusam Festival, one of the largest Hindu festivals in Malaysia. Due to the temple’s cultural, spiritual, and natural significance, this sacred site is always included in travellers’ Malaysia tour itineraries.
The Shri Kali Temple in Myanmar is one of the top ten Hindu temples outside India. It is located at the centre of Yangon, a city in Myanmar. It was built in 1871 by the Tamil immigrants, when Myanmar was still a part of British India and was less populous. And, today it is maintained by the local Indian community in Yangon. This richly decorated temple is famous for its marvelous architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and a vibrant color palette. You can see the beautiful stone sculptures and carvings of Hindu gods on the temple's roof. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Tourists from all around the world, planning a Myanmar tour, must visit this sacred Hindu site.
Besakih Temple is one of the most famous and largest temples in the world, located in Bali, Indonesia. It is among the holiest temples in Bali, sprawled over the majestic slopes of Mount Agung. It is not just one temple, but an entire complex of public and private temples. Since the temple is still used for praying and religious ceremonies, it is known as “the mother temple” in Bali. During Bali tours, tourists visit this famous pilgrimage destination in Indonesia. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity: Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Along with the main sanctum, the complex includes 23 other temples.
Trincomalee, a prominent city in Sri Lanka, showcases its deep Hindu history with the Koneswaranm Temple. It is one of the famous Hindu temples in the world. Not only is the spiritual significance and architectural brilliance, but the temple is also famous for its breathtaking surroundings. It is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee. Tourists from all over the world planning Sri Lanka tours must add this pilgrimage destination to their itinerary. It is a pilgrimage site in the country and is also known as the Kailasha of the South, as it is part of the five “Pancha Ishwarams” (five abodes of Shiva). The original construction of the temple dates back to 400 B.C.E. and had a thousand-pillared hall, but this was later destroyed.
Shiva Vishnu Temple in Australia is one of the most popular and iconic Hindu temples outside India. The temple is dedicated to the two most prominent Hindu Gods, Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The temple is designed in the Dravidian architectural style. The two deities of the temple are worshipped according to traditional Hindu rituals. This temple was officially inaugurated in 1982 on the occasion of Saraswati Puja by the Ceylon Tamil Association. Today, it is one of the largest Hindu temples in Victoria, Australia.
The last name on our list of the top ten Hindu temples outside India is Tanah Lot Temple in Indonesia. It is a significant landmark of Indonesia that makes its way into every traveler’s Indonesia tour itinerary. It is a sacred Hindu temple in Indonesia, revered for centuries. Tanah Lot means “The Land in the Sea” in Balinese. The temple is perched on the rocky outcrop and is famous for its unique offshore setting and mesmerizing sunset backdrop. You will see the waves constantly hitting the rock, offering visitors a breathtaking view. It is a must-visit destination during a trip to Indonesia.
In this blog, we discussed the top ten Hindu temples outside India that you must visit once in your lifetime. If you are planning a pilgrimage tour and want to witness the revered temples outside India, these are the top temples that you must visit. Most of the revered and ancient temples are located in Asian countries themselves, such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Planning your trip to explore these temples will be hassle-free, especially with popular pilgrimage tour packages from a reputable tour operator. We hope that you learned something new today by exploring these temples verbally. And if you need any assistance visiting these temples, feel free to contact us and book tour packages tailored to your pace and interests.