Amazing Temples in the World

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There are approximately 4,000 different religions practised in the world today. I find it quite fascinating that while we’re all human, we’re so different from each other. And these numbers are only what seems like a proper religion. There are many tribes practising different traditions which act like their religion. While some places are cordoned off for outsides, there are some temples you can check out to get a sense of the people and their beliefs there. If you’re respectful, I see no harm in exploring around.

Learn about a different side of history

While most of the history is composed of wars and conflicts, along with new discoveries and such, another side of it is the religion. I think it’s interesting to learn about different traditions and beliefs as well as the reason behind it. Some religions evolve with time while some stay the same. On my trip to Bangkok in Thailand, I visited a few of their temples and pagodas. The huge Buddha statues and the utmost respect people have for him. It was fun to tour around and learn about it all. 

Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

Located in Chiang Rai, it’s also known as the white temple. The colour white actually symbolizes the purity of Buddha. Looking like something out of a wintery fairy-tale, the architecture itself symbolizes a lot of things. The glittering glass used in places is a representation of the infinite wisdom of Buddha. Due to Thailand’s culture, architecture is a mix of Thai and Hindu. The overall vibe is very serene as there’s a tranquil lake upfront. There are many paintings of Buddha inside and new ones are being added. 

Tigers Nest Monastery, Bhutan

Lodged on the side of the cliffs in the upper Paro Valley, this is one of the most sacred locations in Bhutan. The second Buddha who introduced the religion in Tibet, Guru Padmasambhava, is said to have meditated here for a long time. Built back in 1692, this monastery is 3000 meters above sea level. As you can tell, people have to go on a long challenging trek just to get here. But I personally think that the whole mystical vibe and the views are worth the effort. If you want the full experience try to visit during the festival of Tsechu, which honours the second Buddha.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

A huge complex of religious buildings that were established back in the 15th century by the Ming Dynasty to honour the sky. It’s one of the largest ancient temples in all of China. There is a round wall around it that represents the sky and a rectangle one outside that, representing earth. While considered a Taoist temple, back then it was used by the emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties who lead prayers up to the heavens to help with the annual harvest. This heaven worship along with a ritual of sacrifice predates Taoism. This great temple is also a UNESCO heritage site.

Prambanan, Indonesia

This Hindu temple contains 3 buildings dedicated to Trimurtis, to Gods of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The one dedicated to Shiva is the highest and located in the centre. Each of the building has many rooms as well as a statue of the respective deity. From afar, you’ll see intricate designs and the visible proof of old age since it was built back in the 10th century. Since it’s dedicated to Hinduism, it’s built using the same architectural styles of other Hindu temples. It’s the largest religious complex in all of Java. Take a guided tour because while it’s a sacred place, it’s also an excellent historic site.

Golden Temple, India

Built back in 1604 by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, it’s one of the most sacred places for Sikhs. Located in the Punjab region of India, it’s not just painted golden but the marble building is actually gold plated! The way it shines in the sun makes it seem like some surreal holy place. It’s also home to the holiest text in Sikh religion, Guru Granth Sahib. With entrances on all four sides of it, it welcomes people from all over the world. Plus it’s also a wonderful place for positive charity as more than 35000 people are fed here for free. Follow the dress code to enter here and have a look around.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

Located in Yangon, Myanmar, this place is the most famous Buddhist temple in all of Asia as its home to 8 pieces of hair of Buddha. In fact, this marvellous temple was built during the time of Buddha, around 2600 years ago. Taphussa and Bhalika, who built this impressive structure actually got a chance to meet Lord Buddha back in BC 588, right after he had been enlightened. He gave them 8 pieces of his hair which inspired them to build this temple. It was them plated with gold while the top parts are decorated with thousands of diamonds. If you’d like to see a good example of Buddhist architecture then make sure you visit here.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Deemed as the largest religious monument in the whole world, as it sprawls over 401 acres and reaches the height as high as 700 feet. It’s a delight to check it out, marvelling at the Hindu architecture of the place. It was built by Suryavarman II back in the 12th century in tribute to Lord Vishnu. Sadly, over the centuries the temple went through a rough time and was destroyed to some extent. It was later restored and fixed by the Khmer empire. This mixed some Buddhist influence in the Hindu architecture. The top of the temples was beautifully decorated and designed by the Khmer Empire. It’s also unique because unlike other temples it faces west. Take a guided tour of the place to view the many sculpted decorations and statues. The history behind it is also very fascinating especially due to the fact that it went such changes. The mix of ancient and the Khmer influence is pretty clear.