On the auspicious morning of January 17, 2026, a moment of profound spiritual and architectural significance unfolded in the village of Kaithwalia, East Champaran. As two massive cranes, one of 750 tonnes, carefully guided a colossal black monolith into place, the air vibrated with the chants of “Har Har Mahadev” from thousands of devotees.
This was the installation of the Sahasralingam—the world’s largest Shivling—at the Virat Ramayan Mandir in Motihari, Bihar.
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| The World’s Largest Shivling Motihari, Bihar |
The installation marks a pivotal moment for this ambitious temple complex, which is poised to become a global spiritual and architectural landmark. This article explores the journey of this remarkable icon, from its genesis in a granite quarry in Tamil Nadu to its place at the heart of a new pilgrimage destination in Bihar.
The Monumental Dimensions of the Shivling
- Colossal Scale: Carved from a single block of black granite, the Shivling stands 33 feet tall with an equal circumference and weighs approximately 210 metric tonnes.
- A Record-Breaking Feat: This monolithic structure surpasses the size of the previously largest known Shivling, establishing a new world record for a structure of its kind.
- Intricate Craftsmanship: What makes it a Sahasralingam is the 1,008 smaller lingams meticulously carved across its surface, a detail that represents immense devotion and painstaking artisan skill
A Journey of Epic Proportions: From Tamil Nadu to Bihar
The Grand Installation Ceremony
| Sacred Element | Source/Description | Religious Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Water (Panchamrit) | Collected from Gangotri, Yamunotri, Prayagraj, Ganga Sagar, and Sonpur | Symbolic purification and unification of India's holy rivers |
| Flower Offerings | Sourced from within India and internationally; included an 18-foot ceremonial garland | Beautification and offering of nature's finest to the deity |
| Aerial Blessing | Flower petals showered from a helicopter over the newly installed Shivling | A modern gesture of celebration and divine blessing |
Kathavalia village in Bihar is making history as the world's largest Shivling (210 tonnes!) is being consecrated. Vedic chants fill the air in Motihari. 🙏#Bihar #Shivling #Motihari #Dharma pic.twitter.com/CNuYXxx2d4
— সত্য বক্তা 🍁 (@SoulofHindus) January 18, 2026
The Virat Ramayan Mandir: A Visionary Temple Complex
- The main temple structure is designed to rise to a height of 270 feet.
- The complex will eventually house 22 temples dedicated to various deities, crowned by 18 ornate spires.
- The primary deity of the larger complex will be Rama and Sita, with the inclusion of this grand Shiva temple beautifully symbolizing the harmony between Vaishnav and Shaivite traditions within Hinduism.
Final Words
I am not in the temple, nor in any shrine; I am not in rituals, nor in yoga alone. I am where you surrender with love.
Lord Shiva
FAQs Ask By Peoples?
Which is the no. 1 largest temple in the world?
The title "largest temple in the world" depends on the criteria used. By total land area, the largest religious structure is Angkor Wat in Cambodia. For the largest functioning Hindu temple complex, the title goes to the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India.
Where is the 2nd largest Shivling in India?
The second tallest Shivling in India, at 108 feet, is held by two sites: the Sureshwar Dham in Ranchi, Jharkhand and the Kautilya Lingeshwar Temple in Karnataka.
Where is Asia's biggest Shivling?
The record for the tallest Shivling is held by the Maha Mrityunjay Temple in Nagaon, Assam. This 126-foot (38.4 m) tall temple is itself built in the form of a monumental Shivling, making it Asia's biggest Shivling by height.
Which is the largest Shivling in the world?
The largest Shivling in the world, based on available records, is the 126-foot tall structure at the Maha Mrityunjay Temple in Nagaon, Assam, India. For the largest natural or ancient Shivling, the Baba Bhusandeswar Temple in Balasore, Odisha houses a massive 12 ft x 14 ft naturally formed granite lingam.

