Most people probably think of the India, China or elsewhere in the Far East when they hear the word ‘temple’, but as this list proves, there are exquisite temples in every country around the world. It was Rumi who once said that ‘There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground’, and this list of breathtaking temples from around the world proves that statement to be true. From India and China to Egypt and the United States, visiting some of these temples is sure to land on your bucket list. But for now you don’t need a plane ticket, just enjoy!
7. Lotus Temple (India)
This exquisite temple in New Delhi, India, was completed in 1986 and is one of the most important Bahai temples in the world. Built in the shape of the lotus flower, it is made of pure white marble and surrounded by nine pools that light up in natural light.
6. Wat Benchamabophit (Thailand)
6. Wat Benchamabophit (Thailand)
This ornate Buddhist temple, known as the “Marble Temple,” is made entirely of Italian marble, but retains all of the classically Thai architectural traits. Construction began 1899 and today it is one of the most visited temples in Thailand.
5. Prambana (Indonesia)
5. Prambana (Indonesia)
This Hindu temple in Central Java, Indonesia, was built around 850 CE. The 1200 year old temple has 8 main shrines and 250 smaller ones. Nearly all of the walls are covered in exquisite low relief carvings, narratives of Vishnu’s incarnations, and other stories and legends.
4. Shwedagon Pagoda (Malaysia)
4. Shwedagon Pagoda (Malaysia)
This breathtaking Buddhist temple is covered in gold. The spire has more than 5000 diamonds and 2000 rubies, and even the tip has a 76 carat diamond! Legend says the golden temple, which has strands of Buddha’s hair inside, is 2500 years old, but some archaeologists say it was likely built between the 6th-10th centuries.
3. Temple of Heaven (China)
3. Temple of Heaven (China)
This Taoist temple in Bejing, China was built in the 14th century by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, the same emperor who built the Forbidden City. Everything with a circular shape represents heaven and everything that is square shaped represents earth. At 273 acres, it is one of the largest architectural compounds in the world.
2. Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang)
2. Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang)
This vibrant Buddhist temple began in 1890 and is still expanding today with its menagerie of color and architectural styles. It is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and boasts 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha.
1. Chion-in Temple (Japan)
1. Chion-in Temple (Japan)
The Chion-in temple, in Kyoto, Japan, was built in 1234 CE in honor of the founder of Jodo Buddhism, a priest named Honen, who fasted to death at the very spot of the temple. The massive temple bell weighs 74 tons and takes the strength of 17 monks to ring it. Unfortunately, most of the original 21 buildings have been destroyed by earthquakes and fire.
