9 unique temples in India and around the world, where the culture will surprise you

Temples are often connected to spirituality, devotion and tranquillity. However, certain holy places around the world astonish people with their unique customs, architecture, and history. India is often referred to as the “land of temples” with millions of shrines that showcase the nation’s rich spiritual legacy, architectural mastery, and cultural diversity. (Image: Canva)

Each one of them, from exquisitely carved stone wonders to cathedrals situated in the middle of wilderness, narrates a tale of workmanship, devotion, and faith. India is not the only country with temples that are unique. Some are praised for their size and magnificence, but others are famous for their unique customs, settings, or even the deities they honour. Ranging from bone-covered chapels in Europe to rat-filled halls in India, here are 9 of the most unique temples you will not believe exist. (Image: Canva)

1. Ta Prohm, Cambodia | This 800-year-old temple in Angkor, is known as “Tomb Raider Temple” due to its Hollywood fame. Overrun by jungle, its stone walls are covered with enormous silk-cotton trees, whose roots crisscross hallways and doors.

2. The Bone Church, Czech Republic | Named as the Sedlec Ossuary, this church in Kutná Hora displays remains of more than 40,000 people. Skulls are piled in spooky pyramids to create chandeliers, coats of arms, and elaborate wall art made of bones.

3. Dragon Temple, Thailand | The Dragon Temple (Wat Samphran) is a tall, pink, 17-story temple in Nakhon Pathom that is enclosed in a huge green dragon sculpture. A secret stairway inside the dragon’s body allows visitors to make their way to the top.

4. Batu Caves, Malaysia | Built beneath a limestone hill close to Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a Hindu temple and one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist attractions. The place is guarded by a 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan, and visitors ascend 272 rainbow-coloured steps to get to the entrance.

5. Beer Bottle Temple, Thailand | Built from more than a million recycled beer bottles, primarily Heineken and Chang, this temple in Sisaket Province is also known as Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew. This eco-friendly, shimmering wonder took almost 20 years to build.

6. Kamakhya Temple, India | Located on a hill in Assam, Kamakhya Temple is one of the few shrines dedicated to the goddess of menstruation. It holds an annual event called the Ambubachi Mela to celebrate the menstrual cycle of the goddess, reproduction and womanhood.

7. Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple, India | The Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple in the Kannur region of Kerala is famous for its unique connection with dogs since it is believed that Lord Muthappan, the deity, has dogs as companions.. (Image: Parassini Madappura Sree Muthappan Temple)

8. Snake Temple, Malaysia | The Snake Temple in Penang, Malaysia, pays tribute to a monk who was believed to coexist peacefully with snakes. Venomous pit vipers perch freely on sculptures, railings, and altars as people pray.

9. Karni Mata Temple, India | The Karni Mata Temple, also known as the “Rat Temple,” is situated in Rajasthan. It is home to more than 25,000 rats, who are revered as sacred creatures. Every day, devotees provide them with bowls of milk, cereal, and candies.