Motihari: Construction work has begun on the Virat Ramayan Temple in Janaki Nagar, Kaithwalia, along the Ram Janaki Path between Ayodhya and Janakpur in Motihari, Bihar. Engineers have started taking measurements as the first step in building what is planned to be the world’s largest temple. SBL Construction, Noida, has been awarded the contract, and the Mahavir Mandir Religious Trust Board will provide all materials for the project. The foundation stone for the temple was laid in 2012, but active construction has now officially started.
The Virat Ramayan Temple will cover a massive 108 acres. Once completed, the temple will be 270 feet high, 1080 feet long, and 540 feet wide. It will include 16 shrines, 12 spires of varying heights, four ashrams, and one gopuram. The most striking feature will be the world’s largest Shivalinga, which will stand 33 feet high, measure 33 feet in circumference, and weigh 200 metric tons. A 30-foot-high roof will be constructed for performing rituals on the Shivalinga.
According to Acharya Kishore Kunal, former chairman of the temple trust board, a Janaki Puja and special feast will be held on May 10 as part of the temple’s celebrations. The construction will also require upgrading local infrastructure, including strengthening roads and building bridges capable of supporting the Shivalinga. The state construction minister and the central government have assured full cooperation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly offered support for the project.
The Virat Ramayan Temple is expected to become a major religious and tourist destination, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. With its enormous size, architectural features, and spiritual significance, the temple will not only be a centre for worship but also contribute to the local economy and culture. The project represents a combination of traditional religious architecture and modern engineering, marking a milestone in temple construction.
