15 Most Beautiful Temples In The World

Man’s devotion to God is one of the strongest bonds in this universe. Travel to any part of the world, and you’ll see countless structures built over centuries that show man’s blind faith in the supreme power.
And, we bring to you the 15 most beautiful, breathtaking and extraordinary temples from across the world that prove there’s one power that unites us all.

1. Wat Rong Khun ‘White Temple’, Thailand

The first thing that strikes the eye is its unique, unconventional and modern architecture, which makes it stand apart from any temple across the world. The temple is accessible through a bridge that runs over a pond that is guarded by sculptures of ghostly figures and demons. The stark white building, the clear blue water and the play of reflections in the sculptures using mirrors makes the experience of visiting the temple heavenly!

2. Gawdawpalin Temple, Myanmar

This Buddhist temple was erected in 1227 and was one of the most treasured temples of Myanmar. But, an unfortunate earthquake of magnitude 9.5 struck it down in the year 1975. The temple was later reconstructed in the following years and is the second tallest temple in Bagan.

3. Philae Temples, Egypt

The remains of Philae Temples date back to 400 BC. The Philae temples were built to worship Goddess Isis, the daughter of the god of earth and the goddess of sky.

4. Temple Of Heaven, Beijing

Emperor Yongle constructed this temple in the 15th century and is still considered as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world’s great civilizations” by UNESCO.

5. Lotus Temple, Delhi

One of the many architectural marvels India is proud of, the Lotus temple, also known as the Bahai temple, allows people from all religions to come together to pray to the Almighty.

6. Swayambunath Monastery / Monkey Temple / Swayambhu Stupa, Nepal

This one sits atop a mountain and has to be accessed by climbing 365 steps. But the effort is definitely worth it if you can stay there to see the spectacle it forms at sunset. You’d find a lot of monkeys around the area, which is why it is also commonly known as the Monkey Temple.

7. Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok

Even though this temple has derived its basic architectural form from a typical Thai temple, it is much simpler and unique in design. It is made up of white Italian marble and looks nothing like the other temples in Bangkok. Check out this picture!

8. Batu Caves, Kuala Lampur

It is a hill consisting of beautiful cave temples and it is also famous as the most beautiful Hindu shrine outside India. Visiting these caves is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

9. Medinet Habu, Egypt

This simplistic and serene temple in Egypt is approximately 3000 years old. The straight lines and minimalist details make it look even more calming.

10. Paro Taktsang / Taktsang Palphug Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

This monastery built on a cliff is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this cave for exactly three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours.

11. Khajuraho Temples, India

These Nagara-style architectural wonders are famous for their erotic sculptures. There used to be 85 temples when the complex was built in the 12th century. Today, only 20 of these have survived. Visit Khajuraho and you’ll know why India is called the land of Kamasutra.

12. Prambanan Temple, Indonesia

This temple is dedicated to the Trimurti – the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple is 47-metres high!

13. Ta Prohm, Cambodia

We bet you’ve never seen a temple that looks like this. This temple is so old, it is said that it is much older than the trees that are present in the world today, and hence, the trees sprouting out of it. It is indeed one of the most extraordinary sights in the world!

14. Thatbyinnyu Temple, Myanmar

The tallest temple in Myanmar has been built on an unsymmetrical cross-shaped plan and is an architectural wonder!

15. Gangotri Temple, India

Sitting at the source of the holy river Ganges, it is one of the most worshipped pilgrimage destinations for Hindus all across the world! We couldn’t have done without including this on the list.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015