Patna: Preparations are underway at the Virat Ramayan Temple in Bihar’s Kalyanpur region for the installation of what is being described as the world’s largest Shiva lingam, a 210-tonne structure that will be placed on its specially engineered base on January 17.
The 33ft-high sahasra shivlingam, which reached the site after a 47-day journey from Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, will be mounted on a newly completed foundation designed to withstand seismic activity. The base, known as the aadhaar peeth, has taken two years to construct at a cost of approximately Rs. 10 lakh.
Temple authorities said the structure reflects a combination of religious devotion and modern engineering. Built using reinforced concrete, steel rods and sand, the circular foundation has been designed to be earthquake-resistant. Its construction reportedly extends deep underground, beginning nearly 100ft below the surface to ensure stability for the massive weight it will bear.
The platform measures 36ft in length, with an additional 15ft semi-structure rising above it. Once the shivlingam is installed, the total height of the structure will reach around 56ft. Engineers involved in the project said careful piling work was carried out before the foundation was laid, followed by the use of cement and reinforced concrete to create a durable base.
As the installation date approaches, the temple complex has taken on the atmosphere of a fair. Devotees from distant regions are arriving daily to offer prayers and witness the historic moment. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” echo through the area from morning until evening.
Local officials said the crowd has continued to grow as word spreads about the scale of the structure and the significance of the occasion. Many visitors are coming not only to worship but also to see what is expected to become a global religious landmark.
The sahasra shivlingam’s arrival has already become a point of pride for the region. Its long journey from Tamil Nadu and the meticulous effort behind the construction of its foundation have added to its symbolic importance.
For many, the project represents more than just a record-breaking structure. It stands as a blend of faith, architecture and engineering, highlighting how traditional religious devotion continues to find expression through large-scale modern construction.
