Second Phase of Construction Begins on World’s Largest Ramayan Temple in Bihar

The ambitious project to build the “world’s largest Ramayan temple” has entered its second phase of construction in East Champaran district of Bihar. The Viraat Ramayan Mandir, as it is known, promises to be a monumental structure that will surpass the size of the recently constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, drawing inspiration from various architectural marvels across Asia.

Project Overview

Scale and Scope

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is set to become a landmark in religious architecture:

• It will be three times larger than the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
• The project comes with an estimated cost of ₹500 crore
• Upon completion, it will house the world’s largest shivling

Architectural Influences

The temple’s design draws inspiration from multiple sources:

1. Angkor Wat in Cambodia
2. Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu
3. Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai

Timeline and Structure

• Construction began in June 2023
• The project is expected to be completed by 2025
• The temple will be a three-storey structure
• It will cover an area of 3.76 lakh sq.ft.

Construction Phases

First Phase

• Completed in 10 months
• Laid the foundation for the massive structure

Second Phase

• Focuses on construction up to the plinth level
• Will reach a height of approximately 26 feet from the ground
• Includes the challenging task of installing the world’s largest Shivling in the arghya (sanctum sanctorum)

Third Phase

• Will involve the construction of shikhars (spires)
• Final finishing touches will be applied to the entire temple complex
• The main shikhar will stand at an impressive 270 feet tall

Temple Features

Central Deity

• The temple will house a 33-foot-tall Shivling in the main sanctum sanctorum

Multiple Sanctums

• The complex will feature 22 sanctum sanctorums for different deities
• These smaller temples will be dedicated to important figures mentioned in the Ramayana

Architectural Elements

• A total of 12 shikhars will adorn the temple
• The main shikhar will reach a height of 270 feet

Comparison with Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir will significantly surpass the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in terms of size:

• Length: 1080 feet (Viraat Ramayan Mandir) vs. 360 feet (Ram Mandir)
• Height: 270 feet (Viraat Ramayan Mandir) vs. 161 feet (Ram Mandir)

Project Management

Overseeing Organization

The construction is being managed by the Patna-based Mahavir Mandir Trust

Funding

• All expenses for the Viraat Ramayan temple are being borne by the Trust from its internal resources

Project Leadership

Acharya Kishore Kunal of the Mahavir Mandir Trust is overseeing the project and has highlighted the challenges involved, particularly in installing the massive Shivling in the second phase of construction.

Significance and Impact

Religious and Cultural Importance

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is set to become a major pilgrimage site, celebrating the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Ramayana.

Architectural Achievement

Upon completion, the temple will stand as a testament to modern engineering and traditional architectural principles, blending various styles from across India and Southeast Asia.

Tourism Potential

The scale and uniqueness of the temple are likely to attract visitors from across India and potentially worldwide, boosting tourism in Bihar.