Patna

In Bihar’s East Champaran, several Muslim families have donated land for the construction of the world's largest Ramayan Temple designed along the lines of Angkor Vat in Cambodia. Local Muslim traders are also pleased with the temple’s construction, as it is expected to boost economic activity in the region.

This initiative is being seen as a remarkable example of social cooperation and mutual trust.

The temple being built in the Kaitholia area of East Champaran will be the world’s tallest and largest Ramayan temple. Its height will be 270 feet. Its length will be 1080 feet and its width 540 feet. It will include 18 spires and 22 temples. In terms of size, it will be larger than the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The model of the proposed Viraat Ramayan Mandir

The coming up of the Viraat Ramayan Temple in East Champaran, which would also have the world’s largest Shivalinga, has energised the locals and everybody in the area is talking about it and also in the local news channels and YouTube broadcasts.

During the temple’s construction, content creator Ajay Kumar spoke on Facebook with Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, who belongs to Kaitholia village in Champaran and is currently residing in Guwahati.

Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan and his family donated 23 kathas of land to the temple trust in the year 2022.

Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan Mahavir Mandir Trust Secretary S. Kunal showing the land transfer deed

Attending the ceremony  of installation of Shivlinga at the construction site, shtiaq Khan said, “The land where I am standing was ours. If this had not been made available, the temple project would not have been possible." Realising this, he decided to donate his land.

He said that added that Kunal didn’t ask him for the land. The trust wanted to buy it at market price, but he said there is no way he would sell it. He offered to donate it.

The estimated cost of his land is 2.5 crore rupees.

The donation documents were formally registered at the Kesaria Registration Office. After the Khan family’s initiative, other villagers also began offering land at concessional rates.

Mahavir Mandir Trust Secretary S. Kunal, son of Padma Shri Acharya Kishore Kunal, wrote on Facebook that the Virat Ramayan Temple is a living symbol of shared Hindu heritage.

He said that the land donation by a Muslim family for this temple conveyed a positive message for society.

According to residents, the current market value of the land is very high. Despite this, the donor never raised the issue of price.

They say that places of worship, regardless of religion, convey messages of peace and ethics.

Residents believe that this incident has had positive effects at the local level. Mutual trust among people of different religions has increased. Both the Hindu and Muslim community members are cooperating in the temple’s construction and are also contributing donations.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attending the religious ceremories at the temple

The incident is also being widely discussed on social media, where it is being described as a living example of brotherhood in contrast to the politics of hatred. Social activists say that such initiatives strengthen the true identity of the country.

This incident highlights the fact that when intentions are sincere beyond religion, unity and harmony in society can be promoted. In Bihar, the donation of 8 bighas of land for the temple has emerged as a strong voice of humanity amid the noise of hatred.

The temple is being built at an estimated cost of around 1000 crore rupees and is targeted to be completed within 5 years. Pink Chunar stone from Uttar Pradesh will be used in the construction. Rajasthani carvings and Spanish-style sculptures will add to its grandeur.

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The temple is located near the historic Kesaria Buddhist Stupa on Ram Janki Marg and is being constructed using earthquake-resistant technology. It will also include a helipad, a large exhibition area, and a vivid depiction of scenes from the Ramayan.