Patna: The world’s largest Shivling is expected to be installed at the Virat Ramayan Temple in Chakia, East Champaran district of Bihar, in February, temple authorities have said. The massive structure is scheduled to arrive at the temple site by January 4, 2026, after travelling more than 1,600 kilometres across multiple states.
The 33-foot Shivling, carved from a single piece of black granite, began its journey from Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu on November 21 and has since passed through Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It is expected to enter Uttar Pradesh next, where several ceremonial receptions are planned, before travelling via Varanasi and Mohania into Bihar.
According to Sayan Kunal, secretary of the Mahavir Sthan Nyas Samiti, devotees have gathered in large numbers at every halt along the route to offer prayers. “Wherever the vehicle stops, people assemble for worship,” he said.
In Bihar, the Shivling will pass through towns including Ara, Sakaraddi, Chhapra, Masrakh, Mohammadpur, Kajaria and Kesaria before reaching the Virat Ramayan Temple. Organisers said welcome ceremonies are planned at 10 to 15 locations across the state.
Weighing 210 metric tonnes, the Shivling features 108 smaller carvings, known as sahasralingams. It took nearly a decade to complete and was sculpted in Pattikadu village near Mahabalipuram. The structure is being transported on a specially designed 96-wheel trailer. The company involved in its construction said the project cost approximately Rs. 3 crore.
The Virat Ramayan Temple, being built by the Mahavir Mandir Trust, is envisioned as the world’s largest temple complex. Construction began after the foundation stone was laid on 20 June 2023. Several key elements — including the entrance gate, Nandi statue, sanctum piling and temple gateways — have already been completed.
Once finished, the temple complex will measure 1,080 feet in length and 540 feet in width, featuring 18 spires and 22 shrines. The tallest spire will rise to 270 feet. Located around 120km from Patna, the project is described as the dream initiative of the late religious scholar Acharya Kishore Kunal.
