Hindu Temples :- A Global Spiritual Oasis In Diverse Lands
This article explores the global presence of Hindu temples, highlighting their rich traditions and practices. Hindus, migrating to different countries, have established these temples in places like Canada, the United States, Australia, Dubai, and Great Britain, showcasing the widespread influence of Hinduism beyond geographical boundaries.
Canada– Canada’s Hindu community has grown to around 610,000 people, accounting for 1.70% of the population. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Etobicoke, Toronto, is a remarkable temple, constructed in 18 months with 24,000 hand-carved marble pieces. It spans 18 acres, includes a haveli and a Heritage Museum, follows Hindu scriptures and welcomes daily worshipers.
United States– The United States has experienced substantial growth in its Hindu population, with the Vedanta Society’s founding by Swami Vivekananda in 1893 as a significant milestone. Presently, there are over 1,450 Hindu temples in the country, serving around 2.5 million Hindus. Some noteworthy temples include Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam in New York, the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Florida, and the Akshardham Temple in New Jersey.
Australia– Australia is culturally diverse and hosts over 410,000 Hindus, making up 1.7% of the population. The country boasts 236 Hindu temples as of 2023, including notable ones like the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Helensburgh and the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury. These temples are essential for preserving and promoting Hindu traditions in a multicultural society.
United Arab Emirates– The UAE, primarily a Muslim nation, showcases religious tolerance through the presence of a Hindu temple. Dating
back to 1958, when Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum permitted its construction in Bur Dubai, this temple symbolizes the coexistence of diverse faiths. A new temple, inaugurated in October 2022, blends Indian and Arabic architectural elements, standing as a testament to harmony.
United Kingdom– The United Kingdom has a significant Hindu presence dating back to the 19th century, with 423 Hindu groups, institutions, and temples currently in the country. The Shree Radha Krishna Mandir in Manchester, founded in 1969, holds the distinction of being Manchester’s first Hindu temple. The appointment of a Prime Minister of Hindu origin reflects the community’s integration and influence, a source of pride for British Hindus.
Country | Hindu % | Hindu Population | Number of Hindus Temples |
Canada | 1.7 | 610,000 | 443 |
USA | < 1 | 2,510,000 | 1450 |
Australia | 1.7 | 410,000 | 236 |
United Arab Emirates | 7.7 | 660,000 | 2 |
United Kingdom | 1.6 | 1,030,000 | 505 |
@world population review –These data are not official. They are approximate figures and cannot be used for evaluation purposes.
The data highlights the presence of Hindu communities in several countries outside of India. While the percentages of Hindus in these countries may seem relatively small, it’s important to note that the absolute numbers are quite significant. For instance, the United
States boasts a Hindu population of 2,510,000, reflecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
The number of Hindu temples in each of these countries provides insight into the level of infrastructure and community support for Hindus. Canada has the highest ratio of Hindu temples to its Hindu population, with approximately 0.725 temples per 1,000 Hindus. This indicates that there is a relatively greater availability of Hindu temples for the Hindu community in Canada compared to the other countries . While the USA, with 1450 temples, stands out as a country with a robust network of religious institutions catering to the needs of its Hindu population. Canada stands out as the country with the highest availability of temples per capita, followed by the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom.
