As per 2011 data, around 120,000 Hindus live in Germany, constituting less than 1% of the country’s population. Over the years, Hindus who have made Germany their home have established temples all over the country, contributing to the religious and cultural diversity of Germany. Let’s take a look at some of the Hindu temples across Germany.
Sri Kamadchi Ampal Tempel, Hamm, started as a small place of worship in a basement and evolved into the largest Hindu temple in Germany and the second largest in Europe, thanks to the perseverance of Tamilians from Sri Lanka who migrated to Germany as civil war refugees. Modeled after Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in India, the temple is adorned with many intricate sculptures carved by Indian artists who were specially flown in for the job. It houses an idol of the goddess Kamakshi, alongside 200 additional idols of other deities. The temple hosts Hindu weddings as well a multitude of rituals and religious festivals.
Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Hannover, is the largest temple in North Germany and managed by Hannover Tamil Hindu Cultural Association. This three-storey ornate temple is the shrine of Muthumariamman, the South Indian goddess of good health and rain, who is a manifestation of the most important Hindu deity Parvati. In this temple, Muthumariamman is accompanied by other idols of other deities including Ganesha, Navagraha (personification of the nine planets) and Murugan. These handcrafted idols were flown in from India.
ISKCON, standing for International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is devoted to the worship of Hindu god Krishna all over the world. The establishment in Heidelberg, known as Bhakti-Yoga-Center (or Hare-Krishna-Temple) has been around for over 20 years. The temple is simple in structure but attracts devotees from diverse backgrounds with its peaceful ambience, in-depth religious teachings, rituals and festivals.
This temple in Frankfurt is dedicated to Hindu goddess Sri Nagapoosani Ambal, the deity who wears a snake (Naga in Sanskrit) like a necklace around her neck. Traditionally, she is believed to have the power to bring wealth to her devotees, protect them from bad luck and bless childless couples with children. Daily rituals as well festivals are held here, and attended by devotees from all corners of the city.
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, Berlin, houses one of the most famous Hindu deities – Lord Ganesha. Though he is mainly worshiped in India, his popularity is also widespread in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Thailand. Hundreds of worshipers flock to the Sri Ganesha Temple in Berlin to pray to the elephant-headed God of wealth and prosperity and the slayer of all evils.
Over 25 years back, several Afghan Hindu families living in Cologne got together to establish a place of worship in their new home, with immense support from German authorities. Over the years, the temple has grown in size and membership and extends a warm welcome to people of diverse backgrounds and religions. The temple, modeled on a typical Indian temple, is colorful and ornate. A big prayer service is held every Sunday, not dedicated to any particular deity, which draws hundreds of devotees. Prayers for specific deities are held on other days of the week.
Sri Hindu Mandir, Hamburg, is a rather nondescript building in the heart of Hamburg. However, it is guaranteed to surprise you as you step inside. The interior of the temple is massive, highly ornate and beautifully maintained. Regular patrons love the calmness, the teachings and the devotion with which rituals are performed and festivals celebrated in this temple. Multiple deities are worshiped in this temple with utmost reverence.
