Construction work has commenced on what is anticipated to be the world’s largest Ramayan temple in Bihar’s East Champaran district. The ambitious project, undertaken by the Mahavir Temple Trust, began on June 20 with the foundation stone being laid by former IPS officer Acharya Kishor Kunal and former Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, Justice S. N. Jha, among others.
The Viraat Ramayan temple, a three-storeyed structure, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore. It will surpass the height of the renowned 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. The temple will occupy a sprawling 3.76 lakh sq. ft. of land in the Kaithwalia-Bahuara villages, located along the Kesaria-Chakia road, approximately 120 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar.
Featuring 12 impressive domes, with the tallest reaching a height of 270 ft, the temple will also encompass 22 sanctum sanctorums dedicated to various deities. Additionally, the complex will house marriage halls and guest accommodations. The temple itself will stretch over 2,800 ft in length, 1,400 ft in width, and stand at a towering height of 405 ft.
An extraordinary element of the temple will be a 33-ft-high black granite Shivling, weighing a staggering 200 tonnes. This remarkable Shivling is being crafted in Mahabalipuram, near Chennai, and upon completion, it will be recognized as the world’s largest Shivling. The installation of the Shivling is scheduled to coincide with Mahashivratri in 2025. With a seating capacity of 20,000 people, the temple aims to accommodate a significant number of devotees at a time.
The architecture of the world’s largest Ramayan temple draws inspiration from renowned structures such as the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, the Ramanathaswami temple in Rameshwaram, and the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai, all known for their architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.
The commencement of construction on this monumental temple marks a significant milestone in Bihar’s religious and cultural landscape. As the project progresses, it promises to attract devotees and admirers from around the world, further enriching the region’s heritage and offering a sacred space for spiritual contemplation and devotion.