India has scores & scores of venerable temples, many dating back to Before the Common Era. Hinduism flourished beyond India's borders too.
Where are some of the oldest temples elsewhere in the world?
Rising gorgeously from the heart of Cambodia’s steamy jungles, it is the largest global religious monument. First built in the 12th century as a Vishnu temple, it gradually transformed into a Theravada Buddhism centre.
One of the few Hindu temples in the Arabian Peninsula, the early 20th century Muscat shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It serves the Indian diaspora there, operating under special permission from the Sultanate.
Among the oldest functioning Hindu temples in the country, the Karachi mandir is believed to be over 1,500 years old. In honour of Lord Hanuman, especially in his rare panchmukhi (five-faced) form.
Mother Temple of Bali, at Mount Agung -- largest, holiest, most important Balinese Hindu temple, over 1,000 years old. Dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Galungan and Kuningan celebrated here.
Built in 1827, Sri Mariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Located in Chinatown, the deity is Goddess Mariamman, known for curing illnesses and protecting the community.
At Watford is a premier centre of ISKCON in Europe. The manor was donated in 1973 by Beatles guitarist George Harrison (who embraced Hindu philosophy). Includes a Lord Krishna mandir, an organic farm, goshala, a Vedic college.
Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, at Comilla, it features classic Bengali richly-carved architectural style. Built during the 18th century under the patronage of a local zamindar.
Paramaribo is home to the largest Arya Samaj temple in the Western hemisphere. Established in 1929, it represents a reformist branch of Hinduism that emphasises monotheism, the Vedas, social progress.
At San Francisco was built, in 1905, the first Hindu temple in the Western world. Founded by Swami Vivekananda, it represents the Ramakrishna-Vedanta tradition, focusing on spiritual unity, interfaith harmony, self-realisation.