Temples are places of worship and religious significance for many people around the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small shrines to massive complexes that can cover acres of land. Some of the largest temples in the world are truly awe-inspiring structures that have been standing for centuries. These temples are a testament to the power of faith and the dedication of the people who built them.
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, covering a total area of approximately 400 acres. It was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple complex is made up of towers, courtyards, and galleries, and is decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and animals.
2. Borobudur, Indonesia
Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located in Indonesia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a pyramid-shaped structure with nine levels, and is decorated with over 2 million stone carvings.
3. Akshardham Temple, India
Akshardham Temple is a Hindu temple complex located in New Delhi, India. It was built in the early 2000s and is dedicated to Swami Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The temple complex is made up of white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings.
4. Temple of Christ the Saviour, Russia
The Temple of Christ the Saviour is a Russian Orthodox church located in Moscow, Russia. It is the largest Orthodox church in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was originally built in the 19th century, but was destroyed by the Soviet Union in the 1930s. It was rebuilt in the 1990s and is now a popular tourist destination.
5. Baalbek, Lebanon
Baalbek is a Roman temple complex located in Lebanon. It was built in the 1st century AD and is dedicated to the Roman gods Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. The temple complex is made up of three temples, a courtyard, and a monumental staircase.
6. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple complex located in Srirangam, India. It is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world, and is dedicated to the Hindu god Ranganatha. The temple complex is made up of 70 shrines, 23 towers, and a massive courtyard.
7. Temple of Tikal, Guatemala
The Temple of Tikal is a Mayan temple complex located in Guatemala. It was built in the 3rd century AD and is dedicated to the Mayan god Kukulcan. The temple complex is made up of six pyramids, a ball court, and a palace.
8. Jetavanaramaya, Sri Lanka
Jetavanaramaya is a Buddhist temple complex located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built in the 3rd century AD and is dedicated to the Buddha. The temple complex is made up of a stupa, a monastery, and a shrine.
9. Temple of Saint Sava, Serbia
The Temple of Saint Sava is a Serbian Orthodox church located in Belgrade, Serbia. It is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans, and is dedicated to Saint Sava, the first Serbian Orthodox patriarch. The church was built in the 19th century and is a popular tourist destination.
10. Prambanan, Indonesia
Prambanan is a Hindu temple complex located in Indonesia. It was built in the 9th century AD and is dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The temple complex is made up of three main temples, a courtyard, and a series of smaller shrines.
These are just a few of the many large and impressive temples that can be found around the world. These temples are a testament.