Hinduism, an ancient religion with a rich history, boasts a staggering following of over 900 million people worldwide. While India is home to most Hindus, significant numbers can be found in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
The construction of temples in India traces back nearly two millennia, signifying an important shift in Hinduism from its Vedic origins. As time progressed, the architecture of these temples evolved, resulting in a splendid array of styles.
Typically, these temples are dedicated to a single primary Hindu deity and house a sacred image, known as a murti, of that particular deity.
While there is no obligation for a Hindu to visit a temple regularly, these magnificent structures hold immense significance in Hindu society and culture.
10. Angkor Wat

Angkor, located in Cambodia, is an extensive complex of temples that showcases the awe-inspiring remnants of various capitals belonging to the Khmer Empire, spanning from the 9th to the 15th century AD.
Among these architectural wonders, you will find the renowned Angkor Wat temple, which holds the distinction of being the world’s largest religious monument. Another remarkable feat is the Bayon temple, nestled within Angkor Thom, adorned with numerous colossal stone faces.
Over its rich and eventful history, Angkor underwent multiple transitions in religious affiliation, oscillating between Hinduism and Buddhism on several occasions.
9. Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Brihadishwara Temple, situated in Thanjavur, India, was constructed by King Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty during the 11th century.
This remarkable temple is renowned as the world’s first fully-built granite temple, showcasing the magnificent Dravidian style of temple architecture. Its towering structure reaches an impressive height of 66 meters (216 feet), making it one of the tallest temples on Earth.
8. Sri Ranganathaswamy
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, India holds significant devotion to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This sacred shrine attracts millions of tourists and devotees annually.
Spanning across a vast area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²), it stands as one of the largest religious complexes across the globe. The temple boasts a rich history, with its oldest structure dating back to the 10th century.
7. Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, India, originated as a humble shrine and gradually transformed into an expansive complex during the reign of the Vijayanagara rulers.
It is widely believed that this temple has been in continuous operation since its humble beginnings in the 7th century AD, making it one of India’s oldest functioning Hindu temples. Standing tall, the temple’s grandest entrance tower measures an impressive 50 meters in height.
6. Prambanan

Prambanan, an enchanting Hindu temple complex, holds the title of being both the largest and most magnificent in all of Indonesia. It stands proudly 18 km to the east of Yogyakarta, although it may sometimes be unfairly overshadowed by its neighboring marvel, Borobudur.
However, these two sites possess distinct architectural styles. Prambanan showcases a cluster of towering and spire-like Hindu temples, while Borobudur boasts a single, grand Buddhist stupa.
Constructed around 850AD, Prambanan’s splendor is attributed to the Mataram Kingdom, who ruled over central Java. The complex proudly houses three primary temples devoted to Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva.
5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, situated in Madurai, holds great significance for Indian Hindus. It is dedicated to the divine forms of Lord Shiva, known as Sundareswar, and Goddess Parvati, known as Meenakshi.
This temple complex is adorned with 14 awe-inspiring towers, including two golden Gopurams that beautifully depict the main deities through intricate sculptures and paintings.
Throughout history, the temple has been cherished as a sacred symbol by the Tamil people, and its existence has been documented for thousands of years, although the current structure was constructed in the early 17th century.
4. Kanchipuram Temples
Kanchipuram, also known as the City of 1000 Temples, holds great historical significance as one of the oldest cities in South India. Renowned for its magnificent Hindu temples and exquisite silk sarees, this city is a treasure trove of ancient relics.
Among its notable landmarks are the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, a sanctuary dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Ekambaranatha Temple, which is considered one of the five sacred abodes of Lord Siva.
3. Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot, a Hindu temple located on a massive rock, holds an esteemed position as one of Bali’s most renowned landmarks, often captured in countless photographs. Imbued with rich Balinese mythology, the Tanah Lot temple has maintained its significance for centuries.
Notably, it is one of seven awe-inspiring sea temples strategically placed along the southwestern coast of Bali, forming a captivating chain that is visible from one temple to the next.
2. Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei, despite being included in the Angkor Wat complex, is located 25 km (15 miles) northeast of the main temple group. It is distinct enough to warrant a separate listing.
This magnificent Hindu temple was finished in 967 AD and predominantly crafted using red sandstone, which allows for intricate and striking wall carvings that remain remarkably intact to this day.
What sets Banteay Srei apart from other prominent temples at Angkor is that it was not constructed specifically for a king; rather, it was built by Yajnyavahara, one of King Rajendravarman’s trusted counselors.
1. Khajuraho

Khajuraho village, located in India, holds a special place among the country’s top tourist spots. Renowned for its intricate artwork depicting sensuality, the Hindu and Jain temples found here have captivated visitors for ages.
These magnificent temples were painstakingly constructed over the course of two centuries, from 950 to 1150. While some temples pay homage to the Jain pantheon, the others honor Hindu gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and various incarnations of Devi.