Did You Know? The World’s Largest Hindu Temple is Not in India – Find Out Where and Which Temple It is

Did You Know? The World’s Largest Hindu Temple is Not in India – Find Out Where and Which Temple It is (canva images)

India is often known as the birthplace of Hinduism and home to the largest Hindu population in the world. Naturally many assume that the world’s largest Hindu temple must also be in India. Surprisingly, that is not true. The world’s largest Hindu temple is located outside India, in Cambodia and it is none other than the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex. Known for its vast size, spiritual significance and extraordinary Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat stands as the largest religious monument in the world.

Angkor Wat: The World’s Largest Hindu Temple

Angkor Wat in Cambodia holds the title of the largest Hindu temple ever built. Dedicated originally to Lord Vishnu, the temple was constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire.

Spread over 402 acres, Angkor Wat is larger than many modern cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple represents not only the religious devotion of its builders but also the unmatched brilliance of ancient Khmer architecture.

Why Angkor Wat is Remarkable?

• Covering more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument.
• Its central towers represent Mount Meru, the sacred center of the universe in Hindu belief.
• The walls feature timeless reliefs from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Originally a Hindu shrine, it later became a Buddhist temple, showing harmony between the two traditions.

• The temple complex is bigger than most small cities.
• Construction required more stones than the Egyptian pyramids.
• Over 3,000 apsara carvings (celestial dancers) adorn its walls.
• Around 300,000 workers and 6,000 elephants were involved in building it.
• Its outer moat is 620 feet wide, encircling the monument.
• The central tower rises to 213 feet, symbolizing cosmic mountains.
• It's perfect symmetry reflects the balance of the universe.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired worldwide.
• The temple features detailed carvings of Lord Vishnu with multiple arms.
• Angkor Wat appears proudly on Cambodia’s national flag.

1. Where is the world’s largest Hindu temple located?

The largest Hindu temple, Angkor Wat, is located in Cambodia.

2. Who built Angkor Wat?

It was constructed in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire.

3. How big is Angkor Wat?

The temple complex covers about 402 acres, making it the world’s largest religious monument.

4. Is Angkor Wat still a Hindu temple?

It was originally built for Lord Vishnu but later became a Buddhist temple. It still preserves deep Hindu heritage.

5. Why is Angkor Wat famous?

It is celebrated for its massive scale, intricate carvings, cosmic symbolism, and Khmer architecture.

Though India has thousands of beautiful temples, the world’s largest Hindu temple lies in Cambodia. Angkor Wat continues to amaze visitors with its majestic scale, mythological carvings, and timeless design. It remains a symbol of devotion, cultural pride, and architectural brilliance, attracting millions of tourists and devotees every year.