A wave of spiritual fervour swept across Bihar as the world's largest Shiva Lingam, undertaking an epic journey from the south of India, crossed into the state on Saturday. The monumental granite sculpture transformed national highways into vibrant corridors of faith, with villagers erupting in joyous celebration and devotional chants.
A Colossal Marvel on the Move
Crafted with precision in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, the sacred structure is an engineering and artistic wonder. The Shiva Lingam stands 33 feet tall and weighs a staggering 210 metric tonnes. To facilitate its thousand-kilometre pilgrimage, it is being transported on a specially designed trailer with 96 wheels. After entering Bihar, its passage through districts like Gopalganj triggered a frenzy of devotion.
Curious onlookers and devout followers lined the roadsides in massive numbers. As the vehicle carrying the Lingam progressed, people scrambled to offer prayers, bow their heads in reverence, and even touch the colossal structure. The cold winter air resonated with powerful chants of "Har Har Mahadeo". Many devotees offered flowers and sandalwood paste, turning the logistical transit into a moving festival.
Destination: The Virat Ramayan Temple
This giant Shiva Lingam has a grand final destination: the under-construction Virat Ramayan Temple at Kaithwalia in the Kalyanpur block of East Champaran district. The temple complex itself is projected to become the world's largest Hindu religious structure, even taller than Cambodia's famed 12th-century Angkor Wat.
Officials reported that foundational work for key parts of the temple, including the entrance gate, lion gate, Nandi Mandap, and the sanctum sanctorum where the Lingam will be installed, is already complete. The foundation stone for the temple was laid on June 20, 2023, by the late Kishore Kunal, who was chairman of the Bihar State Religious Trust Board.
A Historic Moment for Bihar's Devotees
The event was perceived as a deeply historic and blessed occasion by both the public and officials. Harshit Pathak, a local resident, expressed immense pride, stating they were fortunate to welcome the world's biggest Shiva Lingam to their state. The sentiment was echoed by police officer Lalit Dubey, who was overseeing security. He said he felt blessed to witness the sculpture pass through his district and offered his own prayers.
B K Mishra, Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of the temple, noted the overwhelming public response. He mentioned that wherever the massive vehicle slowed or halted briefly, long queues formed instantly as devotees gathered enthusiastically to perform puja. The journey of the Shiva Lingam has not just been a transport operation but a profound devotional journey, uniting people in a shared expression of faith and marking a significant chapter in Bihar's cultural and religious landscape.
