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Hindu Temples and Sites in UNESCO World Heritage List

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The UNESCO World Heritage List consists of several ancient Hindu Temples and sites. Here are the Hindu sacred sites and monuments in the UNESCO List:

 Prambanan Temple Compounds in Indonesia – The 10th century Prambanan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are also temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and Vishnu and to the vehicles of the Trimurtis. The highlight of the temple is the Illustrations from Ramayana.

Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia – The largest Hindu temple in the world was built during the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat Temple, the Bayon Temple and the countless sculptural decorations are part of the Angkor Archaeological Park.


Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape in Laos – Envisioned by the rulers of Khmer Empire, the Champasak cultural landscape, including the Vat Phou Temple complex, was shaped to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity, using an axis from mountain top to river bank to lay out a geometric pattern of temples, shrines and waterworks extending over some 10 km.

Katmandu Valley in Nepal – It consist of the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist Stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka – Temples built by Cholas during the 11th and 12th century is dotted with Hindu temples and deities. The architecture of the Hindu temples had a greater influence on the Buddhist temples in the region.

Ellora Caves in India – The 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora dating from A.D. 600 to 1000 are dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in India – The seventh and eighth century Pallava monuments are noted for the temples in the form of chariots, cave sanctuaries, the famous ‘Descent of the Ganges’ and the thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.
Sun Temple at Konark in India – This majestic representation of Surya's chariot was built in the 13th century.

Monuments in Hampi in India – These inspiring monuments of the great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagara were built between 14th and 16th centuries.

Khajuraho Temples in India – Built in the 9th and 10th century by the Chandella Dynasty the temples are noted for its sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of temple sculptures in ancient India.

Elephanta Caves in India – Rock Art linked to Lord Shiva on an island in the Sea of Oman near Mumbai.

Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu, India - The 11th century Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur, the 11th century Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the 12th century Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. A testimony of Chola architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.

Temples at Pattadakal – The 7th and 8th century Chalukya temples includes the famous Virupaksha Temple and an impressive array of eight temples.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat, India - The Kalikamata Temple on top of the Pavagadh Hill, chalcolithic sites and a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital. It is noted for ancient Hindu architecture, temples and special water retaining installations.