Sanaatan (commonly known as Hinduism) is the oldest survived religion on Earth. It is believed that is was orignated at the time of Indus Valley Civilization dating back to approximately 8,000 years old. This religion is really unique as it comes with a lot of scriptures and practices gifted to the mankind by various sages, prophets and scholars.
Read: Origin and facts about Sanaatan religion
We all know the fact that most of the Hindus are found in India and Nepal. We also know that the land of India, Pakistan and Nepal hold significance to study the origin for the same. But, you might not know that the largest temples in the world are not only in India.
Here are the largest Hindu temples in the world that survived:
1. Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal (roughly 608 acres)
Pashupatinath Temple is the world’s biggest Hindu temple located in Kathmandu city of Nepal. It has an expected size of 608 acres (roughly). This temple is devoted to Lord Shiv (the Hindu god) built under King Prachanda Deva (ruler of the Licchavi Kingdom) around 400 AD. (Source: Pashupatinath’s History – Pashupatinath Temple)
2. Ranganathaswamy Temple, India (about 156 acres)
Ranganathaswamy Temple is the world’s second-largest Hindu temple located in Tiruchirappalli city of Tamil Nadu state in India spreading across 156 acres of land as per UNESCO. This temple is devoted to worship Vishnu (a form of almighty god) built under King Varma Chola (ruler of the country, Chola) around 1336.
3. Akshardham, India (roughly 100 acres)
Akshardham is the world’s third-largest Hindu temple located in Delhi, India. It sprawls over 100 acres. It was built in 2005 by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha with the help of Indian Government. (Source: Magicbricks)
4. Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth, India (about 70 acres)
Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth is the world’s third-largest Hindu temple located in New Delhi city of Delhi union territory of India. It sprawls over 70 acres as per Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir Trust. It was established by the Hindu Preacher and Saint, Baba Nagpal in 1974.
5. Besakih Temple, Indonesia (roughly 49 acres)
Besakih Temple, Indonesia is a Hindu temple located in Bali, Indonesia. There is conflicting information about the area of this temple but it is expected to built up on area of roughly 49 acres at least. It was built by the Hindu Sage, Sri Markandeya in 10 AD.(Source: Besakih Temple | Bali Mother Temple | Biggest Hindu Temple (baligoldentour.com)
