Below is a list of temples located throughout the Netherlands. Most are Hindu temples, but each has notable features and details that provide a range of education for any curious architect. It is an interesting experiment to compare the facades, color pallets, and iconography of each temple.
Eventually, developing the typology of temples develops. What details do you notice in these temples that are prevalent in traditional Indian temples? Which ones would you like to visit? Please keep in mind that each temple has its own COVID-19 guidelines in place; make sure to research each locations’ specific restrictions before visiting.
1. Vinayagar Temple
Located in Den Helder, Netherlands, this temple towers over the local residential buildings with opulent colors and intricate details. Impossible to miss, the temple practically touches the sky.
The inside features beautiful paintings and colorful shrines, bathed in natural light from a large skylight in the center. Entering the temple feels as though you’re entering a whole new world. The neighboring architecture is bland in comparison to the temple architecture.
2. The Hague Netherlands Temple
While this is the only temple on this list that is not specifically Hindu, it bears noting due to its unique design. Unlike any temple or church I’ve ever seen, the structure features narrow stained glass windows and crisp white paneling.
The temple is geometric, focussing on sharp angles and flat planes. Perched atop a central tower sits a golden man blowing a horn towards the sky. The landscape design is gorgeous, as well. Surrounded by colorful gardens and a small pool with water features, the temple is a must-see for any design enthusiast.
3. Roermond Murugan Temple
The second southernmost temple on this list takes us to Roermond, Netherlands. It features gorgeous wood carvings and paintings, many of which are done with rich blues.
This temple’s facade also doesn’t make its purpose obvious, but the interior guides guests on the spiritual journey they are about to undergo. A grand temple for those who are homesick and find themselves in the Southern Netherlands.
4. Vereniging Murugan Temple Limburg
Located so far south in the Netherlands that you’re practically in France, this temple almost qualifies as a temple hidden in its surroundings, save for its ornamentation. The large entrance has a curved brick pathway leading towards it, welcoming travelers inside.
Once inside, one might be surprised to see the sheer magnitude of the space. Sloped roofs angle towards a large skylight that bathes the space in light. The light interacts with the beautiful paints, carvings, and idols all around the room.
5. Shree Ram Mandir
This tall brick structure sits almost alone in a field of trees. The interior is less decorated than many on this list, but the idols and iconography are still beautiful. The windows are the most exciting feature of the facade.
The semi-circle motive is mimicked throughout the building, allowing tons of sunlight to bathe the interior at any point of the day. This unique temple architecture is neither obvious nor subversive if you know what you’re looking for.
6. Hare Krishna Temple
While this is less of a temple and more of an ISKCON Hare Krishna Centre, its atmosphere and aesthetics provide a small area of spirituality within Rotterdam. It sits upon a street corner and provides the same coziness of entering a familiar household. The centre is quaint, homey, and comfortable, perfect for weary travelers.
7. Shri Vishnu Mandir (4.5)
Less opulent than the more obvious temples on this list, Shri Vishnu Mandir takes elements of Indian temple architecture and drops them neatly into Almere, Netherlands. As other temples chose bright colors and intricate details to showcase, this temple plays with a more muted color palette: creams, golds, and rich, dark reds.
The temple is juxtaposed against residential spaces but does not tower over it. It exists in tandem with its surroundings and does not blend in. The tiered effect of the temple provides a very cool aesthetic on the two large columns attached to the building.
8. Amsterdam ISKCON
If you are not looking for it, you could miss this temple, too. While it is small, it still maintains the same atmosphere as a traditional Indian temple. Like many others on this lst, it offers free food and ceremonies for the local community.
9. Shri Shri Radheshyam Mandir
While this is also an ISKCON centre, the dome-like tower invites local townspeople through its red doors. Placed in the middle of a residential zone, the temple allows anyone who wants to be close to their region to have easy access. The interior is brightly colored and welcoming with ample space to host a congregation.
10. Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Pointed roofs draw you to this temple from down the street; the stained glass windows will draw you inside. Those windows help illuminate the entire temple, assisted only moderately by crisp white walls and golden details.
Interestingly, this temple architecture is less overt than our most decorated temple, yet its purpose is clearer than the temples hidden within a strip mall. If you find yourself visiting this temple, why not stop across the street for some snacks after puja.
11. Arulmigu Sri Arunachaleswarar
Decorated in primary colors, the Arulmigu Sri Arunachaleswarar temple sits in Heemskerk, Netherlands. Demarcated by a bright blue sculpture at the entrance and the red and white stripes painted on the outside, the temple is inviting. Trees behind the temple crown the architecture as if the temple comes straight from nature itself. Inside, space is well decorated and well lit by fluorescents.
12. Triloki Dhaam Mandir
Talk about a temple in sheep’s clothing; this hidden temple takes traditional Netherlandic architecture and fills it with rich colors and beautiful idols. The facade matches that of every other building on the block and looks deceivingly Dutch.
Painted brick, a curved roof, and a plethora of windows paired with dark red details make this temple a great scavenger hunt for anyone in the Eindhoven area.
13. Lord Shiva Hindu Temples
Nestled between a luxury athleisure brand and a high-end fashion studio, this temple blends in with the office spaces it adjoins. It could almost be missed, but the inside reminds one of the traditional temple interiors. Often cited as a great hall with idols, the temple provides a safe place to practice and meet.
14. Stichting ICCR – Shri Durga Mandir Rotterdam
Located in Pernis, Netherlands, one would miss this brick structure if they weren’t looking for it. Are we noticing a trend? Longer than it is wide, it fits right in with the houses it sits next to. Similar to the houses, the temple has many wide windows facing the entrance.
Inside, the same is warm, welcoming, and red. A great visit to understand more about how temples are laid out.
15. Sewa Dhaam
Located in Hague, Netherlands, this temple architecture is unlike any we’ve seen on this list. Certainly the largest, the ornamentation is bigger and unabashedly Hindu. This temple has nothing to hide and absolutely will not.
The windows are bordered by gorgeous carved siding and overlook an intricate sculpture garden. The courtyard is large and lush. Inside, those beautiful windows fill the hall with light comparable to the few temples on this list.
