Did you know one of India’s closest neighbours, renowned worldwide for its luxurious resorts and stunning beaches, has some of the world’s strictest religious laws?
One of India’s closest neighbors in the Indian Ocean enforces some of the world’s strictest religious laws. The legal framework there bans the public practice of religions except Islam. In addition, it prohibits the building of non-Islamic places of worship. Many may be surprised to know that a country which was once home to Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms does not allow building Hindu temples today.
In THIS country, construction of Hindu temples is not allowed?
The country in question is the Maldives. According to the Maldivian Constitution, all citizens must be Muslim. Consequently, it has strict laws against non-Islamic religious practices, places of worship, and symbols. It remains impossible to build a Hindu temple there.
ALSO READ: Nitin Gadkari makes big statement on E20 petrol mileage row, says, ’Car owner can’t…’
What are the strict religious laws in the Maldives?
The population in the Maldives is around 550,000, including thousands of foreign workers, mostly from India and Sri Lanka. They work in education, healthcare, and the hospitality industry. Despite having a global workforce, this tiny nation, covering 298 km, enforces strict religious laws, making public celebrations of Hindu festivals nearly impossible.
Why are Hindu temples not allowed in the Maldives?
Hindu temples cannot be constructed in the Maldives due to its strict legal, constitutional, and religious policies. The Maldivian Constitution, amended in 2008, established that it is a 100% Islamic nation. Article 9 states that only Muslims can be the country’s citizens, and the practice, promotion, or public display of any non-Islamic religion is strictly banned.
ALSO READ: Delhi-NCR to Kanpur in just 5 hours: New expressway to become UP lifeline, Rs 15000 crore road to be open for public by…
What happened to the old temples?
Today, there are no Hindu or Buddhist temples remaining in the Maldives. Before the 12th century, Buddhist temples and other religious structures were built across the islands, deeply influenced by India and Sri Lanka. However, after the country embraced Islam, most of the religious structures were systematically destroyed or repurposed into mosques, reports added. Archaeological findings suggest that some old Buddhist temples still lie beneath ancient mosques in Male city.
ALSO READ: Why did Yemen’s Houthis launch attack on Saudi Arabia airport? Missile, drone strikes raise fears of…, Iran-backed rebels warn…
First published on: Jul 14, 2026 11:49 AM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
About the Author
Sheetal Prasad
Sheetal Prasad is a news author with 1.5 years of experience in journalism. She covers a diverse range of topics, including politics, entertainment, and trending news, ensuring her readers stay informed about the latest developments. Sheetal holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Adamas University, West Bengal, which has equipped her with essential storytelling skills. Previously, she worked as a news journalist at Odisha TV. In addition to her articles, Sheetal manages a live blog that offers real-time updates on breaking news and trending stories. This interactive platform allows her audience to engage with the news as it unfolds, enhancing their understanding of significant issues. Every article she writes is rigorously verified by the News Desk team before publication, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Sheetal is committed to delivering trustworthy information, making her a dependable source for readers seeking quality content. When she’s not writing, Sheetal enjoys creating content for her YouTube channel and watching podcasts and interviews with renowned personalities. You can connect with her on Instagram for more insights and updates.
Read More
Related Story
