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World's Largest Shivling Stalled in Bihar Due to Unsafe Bridge

The transportation of the world's largest Shivling to the Virat Ramayan Temple in East Champaran has been halted in Gopalganj, Bihar. Officials discovered cracks in a crucial bridge over the Gandak River, which cannot support the combined 370-tonne weight of the idol and its trailer. Teams from multiple agencies are inspecting the bridge and assessing two alternative routes, both of which also present significant structural challenges. The Shivling, crafted in Tamil Nadu, completed a 3,178-km journey before encountering this final logistical obstacle.

Key Points: World's Largest Shivling Transport Halted by Bridge Safety

  • 210-tonne Shivling transport halted
  • Bridge cracks raise safety concerns
  • 106-wheel trailer carries massive load
  • Officials inspect alternative routes
2 min read

World's largest Shivling reaches Bihar's Gopalganj; officials face challenges in further transportation

A 210-tonne Shivling's journey to a Bihar temple is stalled as officials inspect cracked bridges unable to bear its massive weight.

"The combined weight far exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the bridge, making transportation highly risky. - Officials"

Patna, Jan 5

The Gopalganj district administration in Bihar is facing a major challenge in transporting the world's largest and heaviest Shivling due to the deteriorating condition of a bridge over the Gandak River, also known as the Narayani River in the region.

The Shivling reached Gopalganj on Sunday morning. District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha said that teams from Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited (BRPNNL) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been called to inspect the bridge before permitting the transportation of the Shivling.

In addition, Bihar Pul Nirman and Rural Work Department Minister Ashok Choudhary is also scheduled to arrive in Gopalganj to review the situation with officials and personally inspect the bridge.

During the initial inspection, cracks were found at several places on the bridge, raising serious safety concerns.

The Shivling weighs around 210 tonnes and is loaded on a 106-wheel trailer, which itself weighs approximately 160 tonnes.

The combined weight far exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the bridge, making transportation highly risky.

The Shivling was constructed in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and took 32 days to reach Gopalganj, covering a distance of 3,178 kilometres.

The Shivling is scheduled to be transported to the Virat Ramayan Temple in Motihari, the district headquarters of East Champaran.

According to officials, there are two alternative routes to reach East Champaran, but the condition of both is not satisfactory.

One of the routes passes through the 70 Ghat bridge, located at Dumariaghat in Gopalganj district.

However, the bridge's structural condition, load-bearing capacity, and approach roads are not adequate to withstand the combined weight of the Shivling and the trailer.

The second route passes through the West Champaran district via Bettiah city.

Officials stated that this route also poses challenges, as several bridges and culverts lie along the way and would require detailed inspection before permitting the movement of such a heavy vehicle carrying the massive Shivling.

The administration is currently assessing all options to ensure the safe transportation of the Shivling.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The engineering challenge here is immense. 370 tonnes total weight! It's good they are being cautious. This highlights the need for better infrastructure maintenance across the country, not just for special projects.
P
Priya S
Amazing that it traveled all the way from Tamil Nadu! A beautiful symbol of unity. But it's a bit worrying that our bridges are in such a state. Hope they manage it safely.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to the religious sentiment, this situation exposes a bigger issue. Why are we spending crores on moving a giant stone when the basic bridges for common people are cracked and unsafe? Priorities need checking.
M
Michael C
The logistical planning for moving something this heavy over 3000+ km must have been incredible. It's a pity the final leg is the most difficult. Hopefully, the engineers can come up with a safe solution.
K
Kavya N
Om Namah Shivaya! The devotion of the people bringing it here is commendable. The administration should take all necessary precautions but also expedite the process. The devotees in Motihari are waiting eagerly.

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