Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, and its temples are not just places of worship but also iconic symbols of art and architecture. With their intricate carvings, towering gateways, and vibrant colors, Hindu temples attract millions of visitors from around the world.
Some of these temples are massive in size and cover vast areas of land, making them not just religious but also cultural landmarks. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 11 largest Hindu temples in the world in terms of area.
From India to Cambodia, these temples are true marvels of human engineering and artistic expression, and a testament to the enduring power of faith. So, whether you're a devout Hindu or simply an admirer of grand architecture, read on to discover the top 11 largest Hindu temples in the world.
Here is a list of the top 11 largest Hindu temples in the world by size:
1. Angkor Wat Temple, Angkor, Cambodia - Covers an area of approximately 402 acres (1,626,000 square meters)
Angkor Wat Temple, located in the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world, representing the architectural and cultural excellence of the Khmer civilization.
Constructed in the 12th century, Angkor Wat showcases a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences, with its intricate carvings, towering spires, and expansive courtyards.
The temple complex is adorned with captivating bas-reliefs depicting mythological tales and historical events, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Khmer civilization.
Ascending the steep steps of Angkor Wat leads to the inner sanctum, where sacred shrines and serene Buddha statues reside, creating a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Angkor Wat offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, casting a magical glow over the temple and leaving an everlasting impression on visitors.
2. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, India - Covers an area of approximately 156 acres (631,000 square meters)
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, situated in Srirangam, India, is one of the most significant and largest Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu).
With its sprawling complex spread over an area of 156 acres, the temple is renowned for its impressive gopurams (towering gateways) and intricate carvings that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Dravidian style.
The main deity, Lord Ranganatha, reclines on the sacred Adi Sesha (the cosmic serpent) and is adorned with intricate jewels, symbolizing his divine majesty and grace.
Pilgrims and devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings and witness the grand annual festival called Vaikunta Ekadasi, during which the deity is believed to open the celestial doors to heaven.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is not just a religious site, but also a cultural and historical treasure, preserving centuries of tradition, art, and devotion, making it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
3. Akshardham Temple, Delhi, India - Covers an area of approximately 100 acres (404,686 square meters)
The Akshardham Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a magnificent Hindu temple complex that stands as a symbol of spirituality, art, and cultural heritage.
Built in 2005, the temple showcases stunning architecture with intricate carvings, ornate domes, and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for visitors.
The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and encompasses various exhibitions, including the Hall of Values, which showcases the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through multimedia presentations and animatronic displays.
The temple also features the breathtaking Sahaj Anand Water Show, a multimedia fountain show that combines light, water, and music to depict ancient Indian traditions, spirituality, and the cycle of life.
Akshardham Temple serves as a center for spiritual enlightenment, cultural learning, and peaceful contemplation, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire its architectural grandeur and experience its spiritual ambiance.
4. Prambanan Trimurti Temple, Central Java, Indonesia - Covers an area of approximately 98.5 acres (398,615 square meters)
The Prambanan Trimurti Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
Built in the 9th century, the temple complex is dedicated to the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).
Prambanan showcases exquisite architecture with its towering spires, intricately carved reliefs, and stunning stone sculptures depicting Hindu mythological stories and deities.
The main temple of Prambanan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features an impressive 47-meter-tall central tower, surrounded by smaller temples dedicated to Brahma and Vishnu.
Prambanan is not only a religious site but also a cultural symbol in Indonesia, representing the rich historical and artistic legacy of the ancient Mataram Kingdom, and attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its grandeur and spiritual significance.
5. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu - Covers an area of approximately 40 acres (161,874 square meters)
The Thillai Nataraja Temple, located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the holiest and most significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.
Known for its architectural splendor and spiritual significance, the temple is revered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element of space (Akasha).
The temple complex is renowned for its iconic sanctum sanctorum, the Chit Sabha, where the presiding deity, Lord Nataraja, is depicted in a majestic dancing pose within a golden cosmic stage.
The temple also houses the renowned Kanaka Sabha, a golden hall adorned with intricate carvings and statues, which serves as the venue for various religious and cultural events.
Thillai Nataraja Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of classical art, dance, and music, hosting the annual Natyanjali Dance Festival, where artists from around the world pay homage to Lord Nataraja through their performances.
6. Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple, Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India - Covers an area of approximately 40 acres (161,874 square meters)
Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple, situated in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vaidyanathar, the divine physician and manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The temple holds immense significance as it is believed to possess powerful healing energies and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees seeking relief from physical ailments and illnesses.
The presiding deity, Lord Vaidyanathar, is worshipped as the ultimate healer who bestows blessings for good health, vitality, and overall well-being.
The temple is renowned for its ancient traditions and rituals, including the practice of offering medicinal herbs, known as "Theertham," to the devotees as a means of healing and spiritual rejuvenation.
Vaitheeswaran Kovil Temple is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also an architectural gem, featuring intricate carvings, majestic gopurams (towering gateways), and serene surroundings that create a serene and tranquil ambiance for devotees and visitors alike.
7. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, India - Covers an area of approximately 29.6 acres (120,000 square meters)
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent examples of Dravidian temple architecture in the country.
Built in the 11th century by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the Chola dynasty.
The temple is renowned for its towering vimana (main tower) that reaches a height of 66 meters, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The vimana is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the mastery of Chola craftsmanship.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the colossal lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva, which is revered as one of the most sacred and powerful lingams in the country.
The temple complex also features numerous mandapams (pillared halls), ornate gopurams (gateways), and beautiful frescoes that depict mythological scenes and stories from Hindu scriptures, adding to its cultural and historical significance. The Brihadeeswarar Temple continues to be an active place of worship and a source of inspiration for devotees and visitors alike.
8. Annamalaiyar Temple, Thiruvannamalai, India - Spreads across approximately 25 acres (101,171 square meters)
Annamalaiyar Temple, located in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the most revered and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds great spiritual significance for devotees and is believed to be one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element of fire (Agni).
The temple spreads across a vast area, encompassing several grand structures and halls, including the majestic Rajagopuram (main gateway), which stands as a prominent landmark of Thiruvannamalai.
At the heart of the temple lies the sanctum sanctorum, where Lord Annamalaiyar (another form of Lord Shiva) is worshipped in the form of a lingam. Devotees flock to this sacred space to seek blessings, offer prayers, and experience spiritual solace.
One of the notable rituals at Annamalaiyar Temple is the Girivalam, a circumambulation around the sacred Arunachala Hill. Thousands of devotees undertake this pilgrimage, walking a distance of approximately 14 kilometers, as an act of devotion and to attain spiritual elevation.
Annamalaiyar Temple is also renowned for hosting several festivals, with the most prominent being the Karthigai Deepam. This grand celebration involves lighting a giant lamp atop the Annamalai Hill, illuminating the surroundings and drawing countless devotees from far and wide to witness the divine spectacle.
9. Sri Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur, India - Spreads across an area of approximately 23 acres (93,077 square meters)
Sri Andal Temple, located in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Andal, a prominent figure in the Vaishnavite tradition and an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
The temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur and rich cultural heritage, reflecting the Dravidian style of temple architecture. It showcases intricately carved pillars, magnificent gopurams (gateways), and beautifully adorned halls.
Sri Andal Temple holds deep religious significance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Andal, a saint-poetess known for her profound devotion to Lord Vishnu. The temple commemorates her life and contributions.
The presiding deity, Goddess Andal, is worshipped with great devotion, particularly during the annual festival of "Adi Pooram." This vibrant celebration showcases processions, music, dance, and recitations of Andal's divine compositions.
Sri Andal Temple serves as a spiritual and cultural center, attracting devotees and visitors who seek blessings, witness the exquisite architecture, and experience the divine aura surrounding the temple premises.
10. Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Gujarat, India - Spreads across an area of approximately 23 acres (93,077 square meters)
The Shri Swaminarayan Temple, located in Gujarat, India, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the revered spiritual leader and founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
This architectural masterpiece is known for its intricate craftsmanship, ornate carvings, and vibrant colors, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Gujarat.
The temple serves as a center for spirituality, promoting the principles of devotion, moral values, and selfless service as taught by Lord Swaminarayan.
Devotees and visitors flock to the temple to seek blessings, participate in religious ceremonies, and engage in devotional practices like prayer, meditation, and singing hymns.
The Shri Swaminarayan Temple is not only a place of worship but also a hub of community activities, hosting cultural events, social initiatives, and educational programs that foster unity, compassion, and spiritual growth among its followers.
11. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, India - Spreads across approximately 23 acres (93,077 square meters)
The Ekambareswarar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the most revered and ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element of Earth (Prithvi).
The temple is renowned for its architectural splendor, featuring a towering gopuram (gateway), intricately carved pillars, and sprawling corridors that showcase the intricate craftsmanship of the Dravidian style.
The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped as Ekambareswarar and is represented by a lingam, the symbolic representation of divine energy. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
The temple complex is spread over a vast area and includes several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, adding to its religious significance and providing devotees with diverse worship opportunities.
Ekambareswarar Temple is also renowned for its association with the revered Tamil poet-saints known as the Nayanars, who composed devotional hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The temple continues to be a vibrant center of worship, attracting devotees and visitors who seek spiritual solace and wish to experience the divine aura of this sacred place.
Note that the exact measurements of these temples may vary depending on the source, but they are all considered among the largest Hindu temples in the world.