Famous Hindu Temples Outside India

Most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two-tiered golden-roofed temple on the Bagmati River banks is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The temple complex includes hundreds of linga shrines and cremation ghats along the river.

The world's largest religious monument and Cambodia's most iconic landmark. Built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, its five-tower silhouette appears on the Cambodian national flag. The temple features 1,200 square metres of bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics and Khmer court life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

The largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main Shiva temple rises 47 metres with pointed spires representing Mount Meru. Prambanan's Ramayana reliefs are among the most complete narrative stone carvings in Hindu art. The temple was buried by volcanic eruptions and rediscovered in the 19th century.

One of Southeast Asia's most visited Hindu temples, set within limestone caves. The 42.7-metre gold statue of Murugan at the entrance is the tallest in the world. During Thaipusam, over 1.5 million devotees gather here. The Cathedral Cave features a 100-metre-high vaulted ceiling with several Hindu shrines.

The largest modern Hindu temple outside India, built from hand-carved Italian marble and pink sandstone. Covering a 183-acre campus with a 73-acre developed mandir area, the complex includes a traditional Hindu monastery, exhibition halls, and gardens. Every stone block was carved by artisans in India and shipped to the US.

The first traditional Hindu temple built in the United States following authentic Agama Shastra guidelines. Built in the Chola-Dravidian architectural style with a 10-foot gold-plated vimana, the temple serves as a major cultural and religious centre for the North American Hindu community.

Perched on the hills of Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this temple complex includes separate shrines for Venkateswara and Shiva in traditional South Indian architectural style. It is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Western United States and a spiritual hub for the California Hindu community.

The largest Hindu temple in Europe, hand-carved from 5,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone and Italian marble. No structural steel was used — the entire building is supported by stone. The temple won the 1996 City Heritage Award and remains a landmark of British multiculturalism.

One of the Pancha Ishwarams (five ancient Shiva temples) of Sri Lanka, perched on a dramatic promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. The temple is mentioned in ancient Tamil Sangam literature (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). Destroyed by Portuguese colonizers in 1622, the temple was rebuilt in the 20th century and remains a major pilgrimage site.

Known as the Mother Temple of Bali, Pura Besakih is the largest and most important temple complex on the island. Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, the complex comprises 23 separate temples with the main Pura Penataran Agung at its centre. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique fusion of Hindu and indigenous Balinese traditions.

One of the 108 Divya Desams and a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple features 108 water spouts (mukti-dhara) and an eternal flame fed by natural gas. Located at 3,710 metres elevation in the Himalayas, Muktinath is a key stop on the Muktinath Yatra pilgrimage circuit.

The oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, featuring a spectacular five-tiered gopuram adorned with intricate carvings of deities. Built by Tamil immigrants, the temple is a prominent landmark in Chinatown and remains an active pilgrimage site, especially during festivals like Navaratri and Thaipusam.