10 Most Famous Temples in Asia

The Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji was constructed as a retirement villa in 1397 for one of the well-known shoguns of Japan. His son transformed this temple as Zen temple. Several major Buddha’s relics are kept here. During the Onin War, it sat on fire for two times. In 1950, it was burned off accidently by a monk who committed suicide.  In 1955, Kinkaku-Ji was renovated properly.

It took just 5 years to complete and inaugurated in 2005. It was built to showcase rich spirituality, traditions and architecture of India. The pink stone carved on the exterior shows eternal devotion and white marble shows peace and purity. It has 9 domes, 234 well-designed pillars, 20000 idols, 20 Shikhars and giant stone elephants.

Located in North Gyeongsang, this Buddhist temple was listed at the list of UNESCO Heritage Site in 1995. In this temple, the stone structures are thoughtfully preserved and seven of them have been officially declared as Korean National Treasures.

The national pride of Cambodia, Angkor Wat has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the 12th century, Angkor Wat was first dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later transformed into as Buddhist temple. It is known to be the largest religious tombstone in the world.

Known as Sri Harmandir Sahib in India, the Golden Temple is among the most sacred structures for Sikhs worldwide. Initially, it was just a tranquil lake in the mid of the forest where Lord Buddha stepped for meditation. Sikh religion’s founder, Guru Nanak also stopped here. His followers continued his tradition even after his death. Under the regulation of each Sikh guru, the temple started becoming more and more glorious over the centuries. It is built with gold and marble and designed with a lot of valuable gems.

Initiated in 1906, the Buddhist monastery is originally known as Da Maopeng which means “A Big Hut”. There were three visiting monks who started it. The main temple has three bronze statues of Buddha to symbolize past, present and future. The 112 ft. long Tian Tan Buddha is the tallest, bronze seated, outdoor Buddha here.

Built in 1692, it is Bhutan’s holiest place. It was burned and rebuild in 1998. It balances insecurely on the corner of a cliff in Paro Valley on 3000 ft. height.

The White Temple, Wat Rhon Khun was built by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a well-known Thai artist. It is beautifully designed with mosaic mirrors making it shine all day long.

Constructed in 850 CE, Prambanan is among the well-known Hindu temples in the world. Located in Central Java, it features 8 major shrines and 250 little shrines covering it.