Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world with over 1.2 billion followers. It’s also one of the oldest religions, dating back to 5000 BCE. Hinduism is a complex religion with many different Gods and Goddesses. temples are an important part of Hinduism as they are seen as the home of the Gods. worshipers can go to temples to pray, meditate, or make offerings. There are an estimated one million Hindu temples worldwide and they come in all shapes and sizes. In this blog post, we will explore 10 of the most amazing Hindu temples from all over the world.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, India
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as the Big Temple. The temple was built by Chola king Rajaraja I in 1010 AD. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple has a massive structure and is made of granite. The main shrine is inside the temple and there are multiple smaller shrines around it. The main shrine has a lingam (an icon of Lord Shiva) which is 12 feet tall. There are also shrines for Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and other Gods and Goddesses.
The temple has many intricate sculptures and carvings. The walls of the temple are decorated with paintings of scenes from Hindu mythology.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Thousands of people visit the temple every year to see its unique architecture and artworks.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia. The temple complex, which covers an area of 162 hectares, was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II to serve as his state temple and capital city.
Angkor Wat is made up of three elaborate levels: an outermost gallery enclosing a middle level with an inner sanctuary at the center. The temple is decorated with numerous stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and statuary, all of which depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
The most iconic feature of Angkor Wat is its Central Tower, which rises to a height of over 60 meters. The tower symbolizes the home of the Hindu god Vishnu, and its five tiers represent the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space.
Angkor Wat is one of the most impressive examples of Khmer architecture and engineering. It is believed to have been constructed using a unique hydraulic mortar that allowed for a high degree of precision in stone placement. The temple complex also features an intricate system of canals and reservoirs that were used to store water for use during droughts or military siege
Prambanan, Indonesia
1. Prambanan, Indonesia:
Prambanan is one of the most beautiful and popular Hindu temples in Indonesia. Located in Central Java, this temple was built in the 9th century by the Mataram Kingdom. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The main attraction of this temple is its magnificent architecture which is a mix of Javanese, Balinese, and Indian styles. The temple complex comprises of three main temples which are dedicated to the Trimurti gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There are also many smaller temples and shrines within the complex. The Prambanan temple is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
Wat Pho, Thailand
Wat Pho is a temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. It is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The Wat Pho complex includes several buildings, including a large chedi (stupa), a viharn (temple hall), and a number of smaller shrines.
The highlight of Wat Pho is the 46-meter long reclining Buddha statue. The statue depicts Buddha in his final moments before entering nirvana. The statue is gold-plated and decorated with gems and mother-of-pearl inlays.
Wat Pho is also home to a school of traditional Thai massage. Visitors can receive massages from student masseuses for a reasonable price.
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Wat Pho is an important religious site for Buddhists in Thailand. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, and it houses many important relics, statues, and murals.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in India and is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are holy abodes of Vishnu. The temple complex covers an area of 156 acres and has 21 gopurams, or gateway towers. The tallest gopuram is 13 stories high and is a beautiful sight. Inside the temple complex there are 59 sub-shrines and numerous shrines dedicated to other deities.
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is known for its grandeur and architecture, and is one of the largest temples in India. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts pilgrims from all over India. The temple complex is also home to a number of educational institutions, including a Sanskrit college, making it an important center for learning.
Banteay Srei, Cambodia
Banteay Srei is one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia. It is located in the city of Siem Reap, and was built in the 10th century. The temple is made of pink sandstone, and is decorated with intricate carvings. The temple is a popular tourist destination, and is a great place to learn about Cambodian culture and history.
Konark Sun Temple, India
The Konark Sun Temple is an incredible Hindu temple located in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Surya, and was constructed in the 13th century. The Konark Sun Temple is an architectural masterpiece, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The Konark Sun Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sukothai Wat, Thailand
Sukothai Wat is a temple complex in the Thai city of Sukothai. It is one of the most important religious sites in the country, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The complex consists of multiple buildings and courtyards, each of which contains numerous sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Visitors to Sukothai Wat can explore the different parts of the complex at their own pace, and many find the experience to be both deeply moving and spiritually uplifting.
Loha Prasat, Thailand
Loha Prasat is a stunning temple complex in Thailand that was built in 1846. The main temple is a nine-storey structure made entirely of metal, with intricate designs and carvings. It's believed to be the only all-metal building in the world, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about these amazing Hindu temples from around the world. Each one is unique and has its own story to tell. If you ever have the opportunity to visit any of these temples, be sure to take the time to appreciate their beauty and history.