World’s Tallest Shivling to Be Installed in Bihar’s East Champaran
A landmark religious event is set to unfold in the village of Kaithwaliya, located in the Kalyanpur block of East Champaran district, Bihar. On January 17, the world’s tallest Shivling will be consecrated within the sprawling premises of the under-construction Virat Ramayan Mandir. The announcement has sparked widespread enthusiasm among devotees and local residents alike, as preparations for the grand ceremony reach their final stages.
Helicopter to Perform Jalabhishek and Flower Shower
Following the installation of the Shivling, a special ceremony will be conducted using a helicopter to pour sacred water and shower flowers over the structure. The water for the ritual has been sourced from several holy rivers and sites, including Kailash Mansarovar, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kashi, and Prayag. Organizers are working tirelessly to ensure the event is both majestic and spiritually uplifting.
Shivling Weighs 210 Tonnes and Stands 33 Feet Tall
The Shivling to be installed at the Virat Ramayan Mandir complex is an engineering marvel. Weighing 210 tonnes and standing 33 feet high, it took nearly a decade to complete. Skilled artisans from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, crafted the structure with exceptional precision. To place the Shivling on its pedestal, two massive cranes with a lifting capacity of 750 tonnes each have been brought in from Bhopal.
Chief Minister Likely to Attend
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to grace the installation ceremony. Lalan Singh, secretary of the Virat Ramayan Mandir, confirmed that all arrangements are being made with utmost care. Saints, scholars, and spiritual leaders from across the country have been invited to participate. On Wednesday, senior officials including DIG Harikishore Rai, District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal, Superintendent of Police, and DSP Santosh Kumar conducted an on-site inspection to review preparations.
Virat Ramayan Mandir: A Monumental Undertaking
Construction of the Virat Ramayan Mandir in Kaithwaliya village is progressing steadily. The foundation stone was laid in June 2012 by the late Kishore Kunal, then chairman of the Religious Trust Board. The project is being executed by the Mahavir Mandir Trust, Patna, at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore. Spread over 120 acres, the temple is expected to be completed by 2030.
Three Times Larger Than Ayodhya Temple, Taller Than Angkor Wat
The Virat Ramayan Mandir is designed to be a global landmark. It will stand 270 feet tall, 540 feet wide, and 1,080 feet long. The complex will feature 12 spires, with the main spire reaching a height of 270 feet. This makes the Kaithwaliya temple three times larger than the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and twice as tall as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The three-story structure will cover an area of 376,000 square feet.
- Dimensions: 270 feet tall, 540 feet wide, 1,080 feet long
- Spires: 12 in total, with the main spire at 270 feet
- Area: 376,000 square feet across three floors
- Cost: Approximately ₹500 crore
- Completion target: 2030
Construction and Global Impact
The temple is being built by Tata Consultancy Engineers and Centech Infra Solutions. With 22 individual temples and 12 spires, the complex is poised to put Bihar on the global map of religious tourism. Once completed, it is expected to attract pilgrims and tourists from around the world, offering a unique blend of spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur.
The installation of the world’s tallest Shivling marks a significant milestone in this ambitious project, drawing attention to the region’s growing prominence as a center of faith and culture.
