MAHABALIPURAM: In a monumental feat of artistry, engineering, and devotion, the tallest Shivling ever carved from a single piece of granite is being transported from Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu to East Champaran in Bihar. Standing an astounding 33 feet tall and weighing around 210 tonnes, this magnificent monolith has been painstakingly created by skilled artisans over nearly a decade. Once installed, it will become the centerpiece of the upcoming Virat Ramayan Mandir, a Mandir complex that promises to be one of India’s grandest spiritual landmarks.
Champaran Shivling is a massive, 33-ft tall, 210-ton granite monolith on a 2,100 km road trip from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, to the under-construction Virat Ramayan Temple in East Champaran, Bihar. Carved from a single block of black granite, it took artisans nearly 10 years to… pic.twitter.com/2GdhVCgROu
— Rakesh Krishnan Simha (@ByRakeshSimha) December 18, 2025
A decade of craftsmanship
The story of this colossal Shivling began in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, where a rare block of “diamond granite” weighing close to 300 tonnes was sourced. Transporting such a massive stone over 700 km to Pattikadu village, near Mahabalipuram, was no small task. Using a special multi-axle truck-trolley system, typically reserved for moving heavy machinery like turbines and reactors, the raw block was delivered to a team of 24 artisans.
Although the contract for the project was awarded in 2015, the actual carving began in 2022, after years of searching for the perfect stone, securing permissions, and setting up the necessary infrastructure. Guided by Vinayak Venkatraman, founder of Delhi-based Kris and Vi, along with his 73-year-old mother, Hemlata, and senior sculptor, Loknath, the team combined traditional hand tools with modern machinery to achieve precision, balance, and a smooth finish.
The Shivling itself is a marvel of spiritual symbolism. Its structure is divided into three parts: the square Brahma-pitha, the octagonal Vishnu-pitha, and the round Shiva-pitha. The base is adorned with 1,008 miniature shivlingas arranged in 14 rows, earning it the name Sahasra Shivlingam. The entire project cost is estimated at around Rs 3 crore, reflecting the immense labor, skill, and resources invested over years of meticulous work.
An epic road journey
Transporting the Shivling from Tamil Nadu to Bihar is an equally remarkable endeavor. A 96-wheel hydraulic trailer has been specially arranged for the task, capable of safely carrying the enormous weight across 2,100 km. The journey is expected to take 20 to 25 days, depending on road conditions, traffic, and weather. Devotees along the route have already begun holding celebrations, making the transport itself a cultural event.
A special permit from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was required due to the load’s size and weight. The project team meticulously planned each 30-day phase, anticipating unpredictable weather and other logistical challenges.
Virat Ramayan Mandir
The Shivling is destined for the Virat Ramayan Mandir, being constructed by the Mahavir Mandir Trust in Patna. The Mandir complex will cover 1,080 feet in length and 540 feet in width, with outer walls featuring intricate depictions of scenes from the Ramayana. The complex will house 22 smaller shrines, 18 spires, and a main spire rising up to 270 feet, making it a landmark that rivals even India’s most famous Mandirs.
Some portions of the Mandir are already complete, including the main entrance gate, Ganesh Sthal, Singh Dwar, the Nandi statue, and the piling work of the sanctum sanctorum. The arrival and installation of the 33-foot Shivling will mark a significant milestone, with the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony expected to take place in early 2026 at an auspicious time.
What sets the Mahabalipuram Shivling apart is not just its size but its uniqueness as a single granite monolith. In contrast, India’s other towering Shiva representations, such as the 65-ft Kotilingeshwara or the 87-ft Namchi statue, are constructed rather than carved from a single stone. The original block of granite, weighing 300 tonnes, was reduced to 210 tonnes through the painstaking carving process, making this one of the rarest monolithic Shivlings in the world.
For nearly a decade, this Shivling has been a labor of faith, patience, and extraordinary skill. Its journey from Tamil Nadu to Bihar is more than just a physical relocation; it symbolises the union of art, spirituality, and engineering. Upon installation, the 33-foot monolith will not only dominate the Virat Ramayan Mandir but also draw devotees and tourists alike, becoming a major pilgrimage destination, much like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
