Installation of the World's Largest Shivling in Bihar Today
Historic Shivling Installation in Bihar
Virat Ramayan Mandir Shivling Installation: Today marks the installation of the largest Shivling globally in Kaithwalia, located in the East Champaran district of Bihar. In addition to the Sahasralingam Shivling, a total of 1072 deities will also be consecrated at the Virat Ramayan Temple. This impressive Shivling measures 33 feet in length and weighs an astonishing 210 tons. A 17-foot garland has been specially crafted for this occasion. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to attend the installation ceremony of the Sahasralingam Shivling today. The choice of today's date for this significant event is rooted in tradition.
Significance of Today's Date for Shivling Installation
According to the Hindu calendar, today coincides with the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. This tithi commenced on January 16, Friday, at 10:21 PM and will last until 12:03 AM on January 17, Saturday. Therefore, the Chaturdashi tithi is observed throughout the day. This day is particularly significant as it aligns with Shivratri, the night dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, Mahashivratri will be celebrated one month from today, on February 15th.
Timing for the Sahasralingam Shivling Installation
The rituals for the installation of the Sahasralingam Shivling are scheduled to occur between 8 AM and 10 AM. Following this, a havan (fire ritual) will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, during which the Shivling will be installed.
The auspicious time (Shubh-Uttam Muhurat) for the installation is set from 8:34 AM to 9:53 AM, while the general auspicious time (Char-Samanya Muhurat) is from 12:31 PM to 1:50 PM.
Garland and Floral Arrangements
A 20-kilogram garland composed of flowers, bel leaves, and datura will adorn the Shivling during the installation ceremony. In total, 3250 kilograms of flowers have been sourced for the temple's decoration, with contributions from Kolkata and Cambodia. The rituals will be conducted by 21 priests, who will also install the 1072 deities amidst Vedic chants. Offerings will be made to 64 deities during the Havan. At the end of the puja, the Sahasralingam Shivling will be relocated to its designated spot within the temple.
Details of the Sahasralingam Shivling
This remarkable Sahasralingam Shivling was crafted in Pattikadu village, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, taking nearly a decade to complete.
Standing at 33 feet tall and weighing 210 tons, the Shivling will be placed on a platform that is 23 feet high, resulting in a total height of 56 feet from the ground. The Sahasralingam Shivling features 1008 smaller Shivlingas and is constructed from black granite, which is why it is referred to as Sahasralingam (meaning 'thousand Shivlingas'). The construction of this monumental Shivling cost around 3 crore rupees. It was transported from Mahabalipuram to Kaithwalia over a span of 45 days using a 96-wheeled truck.
The Mahavir Mandir Trust Committee is responsible for the construction of the Virat Ramayana Temple. Acharya Kishore Kunal of the Patna Hanuman Temple envisioned the creation of this grand Shivling, and today, his dream is being realized with its installation.
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