The Viraat Ramayan Mandir (विराट रामायण मंदिर) is a grand Hindu temple complex currently under construction in the East Champaran district of Bihar, India. This ambitious project is situated in the twin villages of Kaithawalia and Bahuara, near Chakia. Once completed, it will stand as a significant religious and cultural landmark.
Construction Details
Cost and Dimensions
The construction of the Viraat Ramayan Mandir is estimated to cost ₹5 billion. The temple is planned to reach a height of 123 meters (405 feet), which will make it twice as tall as the renowned Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia. The main hall of the temple is designed to seat up to 20,000 people, providing ample space for devotees and visitors.
Timeline and Delays
Construction was originally scheduled to commence in June 2015. However, the project faced delays due to objections from the Cambodian government, which was concerned about the impact of building a replica of Angkor Wat. The project’s timeline has been adjusted, with the expected completion now set for 2026.
Financing and Construction Partners
The project is fully funded by the Mahavir Mandir Patna Trust. The Tata Company is overseeing the work, with Suntech Infra Solutions, a Delhi-based firm, handling the civil construction. Suntech Infra Solutions has a track record of successful projects in Bihar, including those for NTPC, fertilizer plants, and IOCL Barauni.
Planning and Design
Architectural Inspirations
The design of the Viraat Ramayan Mandir is inspired by several notable temples. These include the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia, the Rameshvaram Ramanathan Temple, and the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareshvara Temple in Tamil Nadu. The temple’s architecture aims to blend elements from these iconic structures.
Temple Layout
The temple complex will feature 18 shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, with Rama and Sita being the principal figures. The initial proposal was to build a replica of Angkor Wat, but this plan was altered due to concerns about structural feasibility. The name was changed from Virata Angkor Wat Rama Sita Mandiram to Viraat Ramayan Mandir to reflect its focus on Rama and Sita. A model of the temple was unveiled by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on November 13, 2013.
Location
Geographic Information
The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is located 60 kilometers from Vaishali and 120 kilometers from Patna, the capital of Bihar. It is situated 13 kilometers from Chakia and 96 kilometers from Raxaul. The exact location is Janaki Nagar, near Motihari, in the East Champaran district.
Site Details
The temple complex will span 51 hectares (125 acres) at the Bahuara-Kathwalia villages along the Chakia-Kesariya road. The overall dimensions of the complex are planned to be 850 meters (2,800 feet) in length, 430 meters (1,400 feet) in width, and 123 meters (405 feet) in height.
The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is set to be a major pilgrimage site and cultural attraction, embodying both traditional and innovative architectural elements.
Second Phase of Construction
New Developments
The second phase of construction for the Viraat Ramayan Mandir began in June 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2025. This phase involves building a three-storey structure spread over 3.76 lakh square feet.
Key Features
Once completed, the Viraat Ramayan Mandir will be three times larger than the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The temple will also feature the world’s largest Shivling, which will be 33 feet tall and situated in the sanctum sanctorum (arghya). The temple will have 22 sanctum sanctorum dedicated to various deities.
Construction Phases
- First Phase: Completed in 10 months, this phase laid the groundwork for the temple.
- Second Phase: Focuses on constructing up to the plinth level, reaching about 26 feet from ground level.
- Third Phase: Will involve constructing the spires (shikhars) and finalizing the temple’s architectural details. The main shikhar will rise 270 feet tall, with a total of 12 shikhars planned.
Challenges and Goals
A major challenge in the second phase is installing the world’s largest Shivling in the arghya. Acharya Kishore Kunal of the Mahavir Mandir Trust emphasized that this task is the most difficult part of the second phase.
The completed Viraat Ramayan Mandir will measure 1080 feet in length, making it three times larger than the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which is 360 feet long. Additionally, its height will be 270 feet, compared to Ayodhya’s 161 feet.
Temple Trust
Background and Management
The Mahavir Mandir Patna Trust has been managing the temple since its foundation in 1987, under the Bihar Hindu Religious Trust Act, 1950. The trust is composed of 11 members who oversee its operations and development.
Current Committee Members
The current members of the trust are:
- Justice BN Agrawal (President, retired)
- Acharya Kishore Kunal (Secretary, retired IPS)
- Justice Rajendra Prasad (Treasurer, retired)
- VS Dubey (Retired IAS)
- Ram Balak Mahto (Advocate General)
- Ram Sundar Das (Former Chief Minister)
- Kashi Nath Mishra (Former Vice-Chancellor)
- Justice SN Jha (Retired)
- RK Shrivastava (Retired IAS)
- Mrs. Mahashweta Maharathi (Bodh Gaya)
- Mahant Ramashray Das (Ayodhya)
Viraat Ramayan Mandir FAQs
What Is The Viraat Ramayan Mandir?
The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is a grand Hindu temple complex currently under construction, which aims to be a significant religious and cultural landmark in India.
Where Is The Temple Being Built?
The temple is being constructed in the East Champaran district of Bihar, India, specifically in the twin villages of Kaithawalia and Bahuara, near the town of Chakia.
How Much Will The Temple Cost To Build?
The estimated cost of building the Viraat Ramayan Mandir is approximately ₹5 billion, making it a major investment in religious architecture.
How Tall Will The Temple Be?
Once completed, the temple is planned to reach a height of 123 meters (405 feet), which will make it twice as tall as the famous Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
When Was Construction Supposed To Start?
The original plan was to begin construction of the temple in June 2015, but the project faced delays due to various concerns.
Why Was There A Delay In Construction?
The construction was delayed because the Cambodian government raised objections about the impact of building a replica of the Angkor Wat Temple, which affected the project’s timeline.
Who Is Funding The Temple?
The entire funding for the Viraat Ramayan Mandir is provided by the Mahavir Mandir Patna Trust, which is responsible for financing the construction and development.
What Company Is Overseeing The Construction?
The Tata Company is overseeing the construction of the temple, while Suntech Infra Solutions, a firm based in Delhi, is handling the civil engineering and construction work.
How Many Shrines Will The Temple Have?
The Viraat Ramayan Mandir will feature 18 shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, with the main focus on Rama and Sita, reflecting the temple’s religious significance.
When Is The Second Phase Of Construction Expected To Be Completed?
The second phase of construction, which began in June 2023, is anticipated to be completed by 2025, and this phase includes building a three-storey structure that will expand the temple complex.
