What is the story of the 6 largest Shivalingas of India, some 126 feet, some 18 feet?

The faith of Lord Shiva is once again at the center of discussion across the country. Spread from Assam to Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, India’s largest Shivalinga is always in the headlines due to its amazing size, mythological beliefs and historical heritage. Somewhere the 126 feet high Mahamrityunjaya Shivling is attracting devotees, while somewhere the naturally growing Bhuteshwarnath Shivling remains a subject of debate between faith and science. In this series, Harihar Dham Shivling of Jharkhand is attracting people.

The stories related to these huge Shivalingas are not limited only to religious faith, but behind them we can also see the ambitions of ancient kings, excellence of craftsmanship, folk beliefs and a glimpse of modern engineering. Be it the historical Shivalinga of Bhojpur built by King Bhoj in the 11th century or Kautilingeshwar of Karnataka, where more than one lakh Shivalingas are installed. Every place reflects the colossal form of Lord Shiva and the cultural diversity of India.

Mahamrityunjaya Shivalinga, Nagaon (Assam) – 126 feet

This is considered to be the highest Shivalinga of India. Located in Nagaon district of Assam, this Shivalinga is installed in the Mahamrityunjay temple complex.

Story and Feature:

This Shivalinga does not belong to any ancient period, but was built in modern times by the determination of devotees and saints. It is believed that chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra here provides longevity, freedom from diseases and protection from untimely death. People from far and wide come here for special puja and rituals.

Chenkal Maheshwaram Shivling, Tiruvanantpuram (Keral) – 112 feet

This Shivalinga located in Chenkal village of Kerala is the tallest Shivalinga in South India.

Story and belief:

According to local belief, there has been a tradition of devotion to Shiva in this area for years and the result of that devotion is this huge Shivalinga. This Shivalinga is constructed in such a way that its height and structure is considered a symbol of spiritual upliftment of human consciousness. Here Shiva is worshiped in the form of compassion and meditation.

Kautilingeshwar Shivalinga, Kolar (Karnataka) – 108 feet

Located in Kolar district of Karnataka, this Shivalinga is amazing both in number and size.

Story and Feature:

There is a huge 108 feet high Shivalinga and more than lakhs of small Shivalingas are installed around it. It is believed that by installing Shivalinga here, wishes are fulfilled and this place is filled with devotees especially in the month of Shravan.

Bhuteswarnath Shivling, Gariaband (Chhattisgarh) – Naturally growing Shivling.

This Shivalinga is believed to increase in size every year.

Story and Miracle:

Local devotees believe that this Shivalinga is self-manifested and every year its height increases by a few millimeters. Scientists have not been able to confirm this, but measurements dating back years show that its shape has indeed been changing. This is the reason why it is also called living Shivalinga.

Jharkhand, Harihar Dham Shivling

The story of the huge Shivalinga established in Harihar Dham, Jharkhand is considered a unique example of faith, determination and modern construction skills. This Shivalinga is today counted among the major huge Shivalingas of the country and is a center of deep religious faith for the devotees.

Story and establishment of Harihar Dham Shivalinga

Harihar Dham is located in Giridih district of Jharkhand. The Shivalinga installed here is approximately 65 feet high and is considered one of the tallest Shivalingas in India. The construction of this Shivlinga started in the year 1994. The credit for its conception and establishment is given to Swami Akhandanand Ji Maharaj. It is said that by the grace of Lord Shiva and in the spirit of public welfare, he had resolved to build this huge Shivalinga.

Bhojpur Shivling, Raisen (Madhya Pradesh) – 18 feet

Even though it is smaller in height than other Shivalingas, it is unique in terms of history and weight.

Story and historical significance:

Built by Parmar king Bhoj in the 11th century, this Shivalinga is made of a single stone and its weight is said to be about 40 tonnes. It is believed that Raja Bhoj wanted to make it the grandest Shiva temple in the world but due to some reason the construction remained incomplete. Even today this Shivalinga is considered a miracle of architecture.