World’s Largest Ramayan Temple in Bihar

World’s Largest Ramayan Temple in Bihar

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir, set to be the world's largest Ramayan temple, is being constructed in the East Champaran district of Bihar, India. This grand project aims to surpass the size of the 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, making it a significant landmark for both architectural and religious significance.

Background and Location

The temple's construction began on June 20, 2023, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Located at Janaki Nagar near Motihari, it is about 120 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. The temple will cover approximately 161 acres of land and is projected to cost around ₹500 crore (USD 61 million)​ (Wikipedia)​​ (LiveMint)​.

Design and Architecture

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir will be an architectural marvel, inspired by the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, the Ramanathaswami temple in Rameshwaram, and the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple in Madurai. Although it will be twice the size of Angkor Wat, the design will incorporate elements from these three historic temples rather than being an exact replica​ (YatraDham)​​ (Hindustan Times)​.

The temple will feature:

• Length: 2800 feet
• Width: 1400 feet
• Height: 405 feet
• Domes: 12
• Sanctum Sanctorums: 22
• Black Granite Shivling: 33 feet high and weighing 200 tonnes

The main sanctum will house statues of Lord Ram, Sita, and their sons Luv and Kush. The temple complex will also include a massive prayer hall capable of accommodating 20,000 devotees, marriage halls, and guest houses​ (LiveMint)​​ (YatraDham)​.

Challenges and Progress

Initially, the project faced objections from the Cambodian government due to its resemblance to Angkor Wat. This led to a redesign and renaming of the temple from "Virat Angkor Wat Ram Sita Temple" to "Viraat Ramayan Mandir"​ (Wikipedia)​. Despite these challenges, the project has gained momentum, with extensive planning and the involvement of over 200 workers and engineers to ensure timely completion.

Significance

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir is not only a testament to India's rich cultural and religious heritage but also a symbol of modern architectural prowess. It is expected to become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Where is the Viraat Ramayan Mandir located?

   • A. Patna
   • B. Vaishali
   • C. East Champaran
   • D. Raxaul

2. What is the estimated cost of the Viraat Ramayan Mandir project?

   • A. ₹100 crore
   • B. ₹300 crore
   • C. ₹500 crore
   • D. ₹700 crore

3. Which temple's architecture does the Viraat Ramayan Mandir NOT draw inspiration from?

   • A. Angkor Wat
   • B. Ramanathaswami temple
   • C. Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple
   • D. Brihadeeswarar temple

4. When is the Viraat Ramayan Mandir expected to be completed?

   • A. 2023
   • B. 2024
   • C. 2025
   • D. 2026

5. How many domes will the Viraat Ramayan Mandir have?

   • A. 10
   • B. 12
   • C. 15
   • D. 20

Answers:

1. C. East Champaran
2. C. ₹500 crore
3. D. Brihadeeswarar temple
4. C. 2025
5. B. 12

The Viraat Ramayan Mandir promises to be a monumental addition to India's spiritual landscape, reflecting the country's dedication to preserving and celebrating its religious traditions.