From the US to India, spiritual landmarks are getting taller, grander, and more ambitious than ever before. While the world’s tallest Murugan statue is coming up in North Carolina and Washington DC is to home America’s first Indian museum, India is breaking its own records. The holy city of Varanasi is all set to build the world’s tallest Shivling that would dwarf the 112-foot-tall Shiva Lingam in Kerala. However, the Statue of Belief in Rajasthan remains the world’s tallest Shiva statue.

World’s tallest Shivling in Varanasi: A ₹104 crore project

Varanasi would look up to the astounding height of 130 feet that the proposed Shivling would command as part of the Oxygen Park project in Bhelupur. The Oxygen Park featuring a colossal Shivling is a government project in Bhelupur close to the River Ganga and 3km from Varanasi International Airport. The Shiva theme park would be developed in a 20-acre area at an estimated cost of ₹104 crores, blending spirituality, culture, and heritage.   

130-foot Shivling Varanasi: Interesting details

The Bhelupur Oxygen Park and the Shivling would be a great addition to Varanasi’s tourist landscape. On completion, it would command global attention as one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Varanasi, India’s oldest living city.

The black monolithic Shivling would be surrounded by auditorium-like seating and meditation pathways. This would be unlike Kerala’s Sivaparvathi temple lingam with a Mount Kailash replica within its cave-like inside.

Varanasi’s Shiva theme park is likely to be designed as a green infrastructure model with extensive landscaping. There would be water bodies, walking trails, cultural spaces, and lush gardens.

The proposed Bhelupur Shiva complex may feature a digital museum, an art gallery, and laser & sound show showcasing the centuries-old heritage, rich history, cultural legacy of Varanasi. It will be developed in phases over 10 to 12 months once construction begins.

Varanasi’s spiritual landscape

If completed as envisioned, the world’s tallest Shivling will not only redefine Varanasi’s skyline but also enrich the city’s timeless legacy. For Shiva devotees worldwide, it promises to be a monumental symbol of faith and spirituality. Varanasi’s spiritual landscape also houses Swarved Mahamandir, one of the world’s largest meditation centers, with a stunning façade featuring hundreds of windows like Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal. Moreover, a Varanasi travel guide must include mesmerizing Ganga aarati on the sacred ghats.

“Recently, Varanasi has been in the news for a significant milestone in Indian aviation. India’s Easy Connect flights program links Varanasi to international destinations via New Delhi Airport. The Easy Connect flights model supports baggage check-in and immigration process at Varanasi Airport for outbound international travelers, eliminating pre-boarding formalities, except customs and security screening, at Indira Gandhi Airport,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of IndianEagle.com.

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The fervour of building the world’s tallest statues has spread from India to America. After the beauty and enormity of America’s largest Hindu temple in New Jersey stunned everyone, the world’s tallest Lord Murugan statue is coming up in North Carolina. It is highly anticipated from the project details that the statue will surpass the height of not only North America’s tallest Hanuman statue, but also the Statue of Liberty. The 155-foot Murugan Statue project has gained a great deal of attention for its cultural significance and architectural scale.

North Carolina to home the world’s tallest statue of Murugan

North Carolina is an emerging spiritual destination for Indians away from India. The state is a second home to the growing populace of South Indian immigrants from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka where Lord Murugan – another name of Karthikeya – is highly venerated for wisdom, prosperity, success, and victory. Many Indians from the US and Canada take their visiting parents and friends to Somesvara Temple atop Mouth Soma, also known as Mount Kailas of America, in North Carolina. The Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina, with the tallest Gopuram in the US, is nicknamed the Tirupati Balaji Temple of East Coast.

Carolina Murugan Temple project details

The world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan is being planned in Moncure in Chatham County, NC. 130 acres of land will be converted into a lush green, spectacular temple campus in phases. A short road trip from Cary and Raleigh takes to Moncure. The statue will be standing on a pedestal of about 35 feet in height and command an astounding height of 190 feet from ground to the top. This is a new project, not an extension of any existing temple.

Carolina Murugan temple and 155-foot statue: Key features

Apart from the statue as a central landmark, the Carolina Murugan Temple campus will be developed as a cultural hub and a spiritual hotspot.

• Main Sanctum for Lord Murugan: A traditional South-Indian-style garbhagriha where daily rituals, abhishekams, and special pujas will be conducted.
• Temples for Other Deities: Separate shrines for accompanying deities to support complete worship traditions in one campus.
• Meditation and Learning Halls: Quiet indoor spaces for yoga, meditation, scripture learning, sloka recitals, and spiritual workshops.
• Cultural and Festival Event Areas: Open and enclosed spaces to host Tamil and Hindu festivals, community events, music and dance programs.
• Walking Pathway for Devotees: Dedicated paths will be laid leading to the statue, the main temple and other shrines, offering a calm and reflective experience.
• Community Gathering Zones: Areas designed for families and groups to meet, connect, and celebrate their cultures.
• Ample Green and Open Space: The campus layout will preserve natural surroundings to maintain peace and serenity.

What is estimated cost of 155-foot Murugan statue in North Carolina

The Carolina Murugan Temple project will be developed in phases, thereby allowing the community to accumulate the fund for both the statue and the campus. The Phase 1 construction is already underway and is estimated to cost approximately $3 to $5 million. The site preparation, the main temple, three gopurams, and a road surrounding the campus will be completed in the first phase. The 155-foot statue installation and the full campus development will take place in the later phases. This long-term project is expected to cost more than 10 million dollars by the time it will be completed. The work is being helmed by a registered non-profit Hindu religious entity in the US. There is no government funding involved, except donations from:

• Indian immigrant organizations across the US
• South Indian communities in North Carolina
• Tamil diaspora families across the USA
• Donations from devotees worldwide
• Cultural fundraising events
• Sponsorship and square-foot donation programs

Brought to you by Indian Eagle, the leading travel-booking partner of Indians in USA; this article is part of our continued series on new attractions in America for Indian Diaspora. Travel Beats, a subsidiary of Indian Eagle Inc., is a one-stop portal for US-India travel news, transit visa guides, community stories, US visa and immigration updates.

The post World’s Tallest Murugan Statue & Temple Coming up in USA; It’s Taller than Statue of Liberty first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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The US is home to the world’s second largest Hindu temple in New Jersey, North America’s tallest Hanuman statue in Texas, a hilltop Shiva temple in North Carolina, and A Venkateswara Temple with the tallest gopuram in the West. Most Indian temples from East Coast to West Coast dabble as cultural centers where kids born to immigrants learn their mother tongues, Hindu scriptures, and Sanskrit slokas. But there is no dedicated museum on Indian history and heritage in America that 5.3 million Indian immigrants call home.

The absence of an Indian museum is starkly felt in the current socio-political climate of America where anti-Indian narratives are building up. It motivated a group of Indian Americans to build permanent landmarks in major cities where the US can walk through India’s civilizational and historical journey dating back 11,000 years. Led by Dr Amitabh Sharma, an eminent entrepreneur and educationist in Atlanta, their collective vision has shaped as a nonprofit – India Heritage Center.

All about first Indian history museum in USA

The US-based India Heritage Center’s first ambitious project is coming up in the American capital, after 8 years of research and planning. The proposed Indian museum in Washington DC will be a first-of-its-kind institution sprawling over a 20,000sqft area. Ten galleries, a library, a 350-seat auditorium, a gift center, and a food court are being planned under one roof at the museum. Each of the ten galleries would transport visitors to a different era of India’s grand civilization, great history, and glorious culture.

The upcoming India heritage and history museum in D.C. will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to depict India’s progress through immersive storytelling supported by world-class audio-video systems and augmented virtual reality, according to Dr Amitabh Sharma. India’s eventful journey from pre-historic times to Mangalyaan would have subdivisions, like scientific progress, technological milestones, spiritual heritage, cultural developments, global contributions, colonial history, periods of adversity, and modern democracy.

The first dedicated Indian museum in the US capital would sensitize Americans and other first-world citizens about India’s Indus Valley civilization, Vedic traditions, spiritual practices, Ayurveda, cultural evolution, independence movements, and socio-economic achievements in different walks of life. The museum will also serve other ethnic immigrants in the US, who may have limited knowledge of India’s greatness, inclusiveness, contribution, and unity in diversity.

India Heritage Center’s first museum costs in D.C.

The nonprofit India Heritage Center’s CEO Amitabh Sharma has estimated the Washington DC museum project cost between $12 million and $14 million. He urges Indian American CEOs, billionaires, community leaders and conglomerates to make generous contributions to the project and help build a landmark museum in the US capital for generations.

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If there is a never-never land in India, it is Lakshadweep on the west coast of Kerala. Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea, which are flat peaks of the undersea mountains. Among them, 10 islands are unsuitable for leisurely stay and adventure tourism. Often described as a pearl in oyster among India’s union territories, Lakshadweep has sun-kissed pristine beaches, crystal-clear greenish blue waters, rolling green landscapes, and swarms of colorful fish under the sea surface. Undoubtedly, Lakshadweep is a must-visit getaway for NRIs.

Lakshadweep eases tourist entry permit rules in 2026 

The administration has simplified its entry process for resident and non-resident Indians (NRIs) under the revised Lakshadweep tourist permit rules 2026, effective from 29 April. You no longer need a local sponsor or a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to visit Lakshadweep Islands known as Coral Paradise. Security verification is now being handled directly by Lakshadweep Police after the application is submitted. However, entry permits remain mandatory for all non-islanders, including NRIs visiting the Union Territory.

Lakshadweep entry permit guide 2026: Fees, documents, validity 

Indian passport holders including both residents and non-residents must apply for a tourist entry permit to Lakshadweep, at least, 14 days before their travel schedule and provide the below itinerary details during the application process.    

• Dates of travel
• Islands you plan to visit
• Transit locations
• Accommodation details 

Authorities have clarified that both resident Indians and NRIs can visit only the islands approved in their permit. Unscheduled island hopping or visiting locations not mentioned in the approved application is not allowed.

How to obtain entry permit for Lakshadweep online 

The process from entry permit application to approval is currently handled through the official ePermit portal (https://epermit.utl.gov.in). The application procedure is straightforward, but travelers are advised to complete the formalities well in advance due to mandatory security checks. 

Documents and details you must provide 

• Aadhaar Card or passport
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Travel itinerary
• Basic personal information
• Payment for permit fee and green tax

Usually, the approved ePermit for Lakshadweep is valid for up to 30 days from the day of issuance, while extensions may be granted by the authorities. It is recommended you book flight tickets to Agatti Island Airport (AGX) and local accommodation only after receiving the entry permit in order to avoid paying cancellation charges.

How to reach Lakshadweep Islands   

Agatti Island serves as the primary gateway to Lakshadweep and is well connected to Kerala through regular flight services. Daily flights operate from Kochi Airport to Agatti Airport (AGX), while select services are also available from Bengaluru. Air travel to Lakshadweep usually takes around two to three hours depending on the route.

Apart from flights, passenger ships operate to Lakshadweep from Kochi and Calicut in Kerala. A sea voyage from Kochi to Agatti Island takes around 14-18 hours, which is 8 to 10 times longer than a flight. However, it gives an unforgettable experience across the Arabian Sea.

Lakshadweep new transit rules 

The Lakshadweep administration has also tightened island transit movement regulations under the updated tourism policy. Transit movement for tourists is currently restricted through Agatti and Kavaratti, with the maximum transit stay limited to 12 hours. Currently, Agatti Airport remains the main gateway to the islands.

Connectivity to Lakshadweep is also expected to improve in the coming years. Recently, seaplane trial runs between Kochi and Lakshadweep were successfully completed as part of India’s commercial seaplane connectivity plans, which could eventually make island travel faster, more scenic and convenient.

Lakshadweep’s entry rules for OCI Cardholders and foreigners  

Like Indians and NRIs, OCI Cardholders and foreign tourists may not need local sponsorship and police clearance certificate to visit Lakshadweep, starting May 2026 until further revisions. But certain restrictions still exist for foreign tourists with or without OCI Cards. They may face additional verification and restrictions in terms of access. They are generally permitted to visit select islands, such as Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat.

Best time to visit Lakshadweep 

October to April is the best time to travel to Lakshadweep. It also coincides with NRIs’ winter holiday trips to India. From October to April, the tropical climate offers cloud-free skies, pleasant temperatures, and breezy weather – which is suitable for sightseeing, sunbathing, beach lounging, island hopping, and water adventures.

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The recent unveiling of Swami Vivekananda’s statue in Seattle, WA makes America home to not only the growing Indian immigrants community but also their revered ideals, like Dr. Ambedkar. The United States hosts North America’s largest Dr. Ambedkar statue which was unveiled in October 2023 in Maryland. Located in a 13-acre memorial center near the US capital, the 19-foot statue further democratizes the nation by sharing space with the Statue of Liberty and the Statue of Freedom in the East Coast.

The world’s largest Ambedkar statue outside India is the primary attraction in the ongoing Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Center project in Accokeek City of Maryland, about 20 miles from Washington DC. To be built for $1.5 million, that is a mere 1% of the total cost of the world’s largest BAPS Akshardham Temple, the Ambedkar Memorial, Maryland will memorialize the Indian visionary of the modern world and spread his ideals on the American soil, where many Indian immigrants including Kala Bagai have been subjected to racism.

A beacon of equality in the land of the American Dream, the statue of Ambedkar in Maryland depicts Babasaheb holding the Indian Constitution in his left hand. It is designed by India’s renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar who breathed life into the world’s tallest Statue of Unity in Gujarat and India’s tallest statue of Ambedkar (108 feet) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee also sculpted the 108-ft tall statue of Kempe Gowda at BLR International Airport, among 90+ sculptures in India, the US, France, Italy, Russia and other countries.

Other than the Statue of Equality to be unveiled in Maryland this October 14, the Dr. Ambedkar Memorial will feature Buddhist sculptures, a memorial hall, a residential center, a library, fountains, beautiful gardens, and a souvenir shop among the facilities and attractions celebrating the father of the Indian Constitution. If things fall in place as planned, the project will be completed in 2025.

Among the highlights of the Ambedkar Memorial near Washington DC is Buddha Garden featuring a 6ft Buddha statue as the Symbol of Peace and Humanity. The statue made of white marble will be seated against a replica of Sanchi Stupa. Buddha Garden, also known as the Garden of Enlightenment, will be adorned with sculptures, statues, and murals mirroring the Buddhist art and architecture. The garden will be landscaped with rocks whereon the spiritual lessons of Lord Buddha and Dr. Ambedkar’s inspirational quotes will be engraved.

Another attraction is a replica of the Ashoka Pillar harking back to the Mauryan era when propagation of the Buddhist ideology reached its zenith in India and abroad. A mile-long ‘wisdom trail’ meandering through the Garden of Enlightenment and featuring statues of spiritual reformers on both sides will take visitors on an enlightening walk. Nalanda Library, among the state-of-the-art facilities, will be designed as a treasure of Buddhist literary works and Babasaheb Ambedkar’s thought-provoking works for research enthusiasts from across the world.

In Maryland’s Dr Ambedkar Memorial, the main building spanning 3000 sq. ft will house innovative exhibits related to the life of Babasaheb, one of the founding fathers of India. Equipped with massive display screens and advanced sound systems for presentations, the building can accommodate 150 members during a conference or event. The memorial is envisaged as a ‘center for social change initiatives, learnings, cultural and economic developments, conferences, celebrations, and the propagation of Ambedkar’s philosophy throughout the United States’.

The post From Ambedkar Street to Ambedkar Statue in USA: A 13-Acre Memorial Center near Washington DC first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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President Draupadi Murmu officially declared Amaravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh 12 years after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Soil and water from 16,000 villages in the state, prominent pilgrimage sites from across the country, and some foreign countries were used for the foundation ceremony, attended by around 4 lakh people. Located between Vijayawada and Guntur, Amaravati is easily accessible because of its central location. The new Andhra capital has a great deal of economic, geographic, cultural and historic value. Travel Beats, your favorite Indian Diaspora portal, gives a sneak peek of Amaravati’s history and culture.

Andhra Capital Amaravati History: Facts

The history of Amaravati dates from the 2^nd century BC. If the 2000-year old history is believed, it was a thriving capital of the Satvahana Kingdom in ancient India just as Patliputra (modern-day Patna) was the capital of Magadh during the Maurya era. The rulers of the Satvahana dynasty were in power from 3^rd century BC to 2^nd CE between the Maurya and Gupta eras, which are considered golden times of India. Evidently, Amaravati has rich history for being the yesteryear capital city of the Satvahana Empire.

Amaravati traced its history till the fall of Nizams in the princely state of Hyderabad. After the fall of the Satvahana Kingdom, the Pallava Dynasty annexed the Krishna River valley where Amravati is located. Then the region was ruled by the Chalukyas and the Cholas subsequently till Amaravati was made part of the Telugu Empire by the Kakatiyas in the medieval times.

The rulers of several dynasties added to the history of Amaravati from the medieval times of India till the end of the Mughal era. The Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Sultanate, the Golconda Sultanate, the Vijayanagar Empire, and the Mughal Empire possessed Amaravati successively till the first Nizam of Hyderabad occupied it. Even Hyder Ali of Mysore possessed it for a brief period. Amravati was colonized by the French in 1750 and by the British in 1759, too.

Among the foreign pilgrims to ancient India, Chinese traveler and Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang visited Amaravati in 640 CE.

Andhra Pradesh Capital Amaravati’s Cultural Facts

Being part of several different dynasties over centuries, Amaravati has a miscellaneous culture, rich and diverse. It used to have great cultural impact on the people of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra during the post-Mauryan period. The Satvahana rulers preserved Hinduism and patronized Buddhism with equal care. It enriched the culture of Amaravati with enlightenment and rationality.

Many historical facts bear a testimony to the Buddhist influence on the culture of Amravati in the bygone years. The valley between the Krishna and the Godavari River had been a prominent site of Buddhism since before the Satvahana rose to power. A stupa and a monastery were built when Ashoka was the Mauryan emperor in the 2^nd century BCE. It is said that the stupa at Amravati, measuring 50 meters in diameter and 27 meters in height, was one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in Andhra Pradesh. The panels carved on it depict the story of Lord Buddha.

The Andhra capital, Amaravati is known for its own school of architecture influenced by the Buddhist art and culture. The Amravati school of architecture has unique features, which is evident from the sculptural work on the Buddhist monastery of Amaravati.

According to art historians and art critics, the Amaravati art is among the major three ancient schools of Indian art. Many works of the Amravati art are preserved at the Government Museum in Chennai and the British Museum in London. The Southeast Asian arts including the art of Sri Lanka are found to be influenced by it.

Amaravati, a sacred confluence of religions

According to some sources related to ‘Vajrayana Buddhism’, Lord Buddha himself visited Dharanikota, a place adjacent to Amaravati, and preached there. If this legend is believed, the history of Amaravati dates back to the 500 BCE. After the Emperor Ashoka, the Satvahana rulers contributed towards developing Buddhist culture by building imposing stupas in the Krishna River valley.

The famous Amaravati Stupa is said to have been built in presence of presence of the great saint, Acharya Nagarjuna.  Besides, Amaravati is home to some Buddhist relics dating 2000 years back. Evidently, the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Amaravati is a seat of pilgrimage for not only Buddhists but also Hindus. It is home to several Shiva temples, of which the most famous being Lord Amaralingeswara or Amareswara Swamy Temple. That is why the new capital of Andhra Pradesh is also known as Amararamam.

Of the legends of Amaravati, one says that when the demon Tarakasura was killed, a shivalingam in his throat broke into pieces which fell out of his mouth in five different spots. The most significant of the five spots is Amareswara at Amaravati, and this is the place where Indra and the other gods are said to have worshiped Lord Shiva.

Jainism used to coexist with Buddhism and Hinduism in Amaravati during the bygone eras following the decline of the Satvahana Dynasty. Therefore, Amaravati is also known as ‘City of Tolerance’ or Sridhanyakataka. Being a center of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhism, Amaravati is also known as ‘Punyakshetra’ (holy land).

The nearest airport to Amaravati, the official capital of Andhra Pradesh, is Vijayawada International Airport (VGA). The new capital city is a 310-km road drive from Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking and air ticketing partner, books cheap flights from Dallas to Hyderabad, Vizag, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and the rest of India. 

The post It’s Official; Andhra Pradesh Capital is Amaravati: Interesting Facts of Amaravati History & Culture first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post It’s Official; Andhra Pradesh Capital is Amaravati: Interesting Facts of Amaravati History & Culture appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Millions of Indians’ profound devotion to Lord Hanuman connects India with the US, other than airlines. America not only harbors Indian talent but also one of Indians’ favorite Hindu deities. Both the countries have hilltop temples and giant statues of Lord Hanuman in common, including the 90ft tall Hanuman Statue of Union in Texas. Indians in the US are now gearing up to install another massive statue of Hanuman that reached the Baltimore Port following a challenging voyage from India amid the ongoing Middle-East conflict.

Lord Hanuman, who is also revered as Visa God for granting visa boons to Indians aspiring ‘American Dream’, will soon get a new address in the DMV area. Carved from a monolithic granite rock, the 36ft statue from India will be consecrated to Hanuman as Vishwaroopa Anjaneya at Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Temple in Maryland. The existing idol will be replaced with the massive statue under a rajagopuram (monumental canopy with intricate carvings, a salient feature of South Indian temple architecture).

At SBA Temple Maryland, the upcoming Vishwaroopa Anjaneya is the second tallest Hanuman statue in the US followed by the statue at Delaware’s Hindu Temple of Hockessin. Unlike the Delaware Hanuman statue blessing devotees with the right hand, the Maryland Hanuman statue has both hands joined in supplication. The Sankat Mochan statue in Delaware stands under the open sky, while a rajagopuram will be sheltering the Vishwaroopa Anjaneya statue during adverse weather in the east coast.

Transporting the 36ft statue to Baltimore from the carving site in India had been a logistical challenge and a Herculean task. A specially designed heavy truck with 100 wheels transported it from the carving site in Karnataka to the port of departure. Since the Vigrah was classified as a “super load”, shipping from India to the US took a few months due to hefty expenses, delayed clearances, and a number of approvals. The Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya temple website has a note, “We are deeply grateful to the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, state police, safety inspectors, state bridge authorities, and state structural engineers.

In the last week of March 2026, Vishwaroopa Anjaneya was transported from the Baltimore Port to SBA Temple at Ijamsville, Maryland by deploying heavy machinery and specialized teams for nearly $400,000. A grand welcome ceremony is scheduled on the first weekend of April – which devotees can attend only after successful registration through the temple website. The ceremony comprises Maha Pushpanjali (from helicopters), Suddhi Abhishekam, Padha Pooja, and Maha Annadanam.

• Suddhi Abhishekam: 4 April, 9 AM
• Pushpanjali: 4 and 5 April, 11:30 AM
• Padha pooja: 4 April, 11 AM to 7 PM | 5 April, 12 PM to 7 PM
• Maha Annadanam: 4 and 5 April, 12 PM to 3 PM

The post Vishwaroopa Hanuman Statue Arrives in USA from India; Indian Americans to Welcome It in DMV This Week first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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Temples – sacred places where faith in the divine flourishes and artistic creativity finds expression. Many Hindu temples in India are known to have existed since time immemorial, yet the genius of ancient Indians as evidenced in the design and architecture of these temples leaves us baffled to this day. Perhaps the fact that their painstaking perfection was unaided by any sort of advanced equipment known today, makes their creation even more charismatic.

Thousands of miles away from India and its great architectural heritage; Hawaii is home to a mighty Lord Shiva temple on the serene islands of Kauai. Untouched by modern-age construction technology and machinery, the San Marga Iraivan Temple of Hawaii is akin to ancient stone temples of India. It is said to be North America’s first temple architecture of white granite stone chiseled and carved with traditional hand-held tools preserving the ancient stone carving techniques in the process.

Hawaii Iraivan Temple: Inspired by millennia-old Chola Architecture 

Iraivan Temple, whose foundation stone was laid in 1991, has taken the shape of a beautiful Chola-style temple with architectural grandeur and intricate carvings over more than two decades. The 4-foot-thick foundation bearing this 3.2 million pound temple is made of a crack-free formula involving coal ash. The temple is designed with great precision of art, science and engineering so that it lasts one thousand years in the seismically active region of Hawaii. Moreover, the spacing within the temple, as guided by Vaastu Shastra, elevates the vibration of the place and you cannot help but feel mystified here.

Musical Pillars & Other Architectural Highlights

Elaborate carvings, sacred motifs, and amazing structures meet your eye at this temple. Two massive elephant sculptures stand at the entrance. As you go further, you can see a large stone bell, long stone chains, finely carved pillars, eight stone lion pillars that come with a rotatable stone ball in their mouth.

Huge sandalwood doors lead the way to the main sanctum, where 108 bronze statues of Nataraja in various dance positions are placed in dimly lit shelves surrounding the main Shiva lingam. One of the many stunning features of Hawaii’s Iraivan Temple is its two “musical pillars” encompassing 16 carved rods that produce classical Indian musical tones when gently struck with a mallet.

Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and his vision of Iraivan Temple    

The seeds of Iraivan temple in Hawaii were sown in 1975 when American Hindu guru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami visioned Lord Shiva walking along the place where the temple sits today. This vision inspired his decision to transform the place into a pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees from across the world. He named the temple after an old Tamil word, Iraivan, meaning, “He who is worshiped.”

Soon, the directions were in place. The temple has been hand-built following the traditional temple architecture principles mentioned in Agama Shastra (an ancient Sanskrit text with guidelines for temple construction, worship, etc) and designed in such a way that it survives 1000 years or more. The design of San Marga Iraivan Temple, Hawaii, is credited to V. Ganapati Sthapati.

Also Read: This temple in USA to get 10 millions lingams from India

Construction began in the 1990s. Required amounts of stone were primarily quarried in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu regions and the handcrafting of white granite stones was done by 70 local sculptors in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. More than 4000+ carved stones were transported from Bengaluru to USA’s Kauai temple monastery, where craftsmen assembled them block by block.

Legend of Iraivan Temple’s 700-pound Shiva Lingam

Behind the intricately carved sandalwood doors of Hawaii’s Iraivan Temple is a rare 700-pound Shiva Lingam of quartz crystal (sphatik). Estimated to be 50 million years old, this sphatik lingam represents sky – one of the five elements called pancha bhuta. Legend has it that this sacred shiva lingam was found enclosed in mud, in its exact form and shape, by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami during his quest for it in Arkansas following his dream. This naturally formed lingam is anything unlike rock-cut structures created for worshiping purposes at temples.

This article is part of the series – Hidden Gems of America – by Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians and Americans. Travel Beats, a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, is a one-stop portal for US-India travel news, Indian Diaspora stories, and US visa and immigration updates. Subscribe to Travel Beats for more such stories.

Location of Iraivan Temple in Hawaii

The temple is a part of Kauai Aadheenam (Hindu Monastery), a 458-acre temple-monastery complex located on Hawaii’s Garden Island, i.e. Kauai. This vast property sprawls next to the serene Wailua River. As you approach the Wailua River, you can see the shimmering golden towers of Iraivan Temple rising against the backdrop of the lush green Mount Waialeale. The distance between this Hindu temple in Kauai and Mount Waialeale is around 8 km.

Hawaii’s Iraivan Temple is considered one of the most elaborate Hindu temples ever created in USA. Travelers are allowed to take a tour of Kauai Aadheenam and its temple. You can walk along the serene trails weaving through the monastery’s forests, unwind by a beautiful pond, and explore the architecture of this beautiful temple, which transports you back to ancient India’s Chola era when temple architecture flourished to great heights.

The post All about Hawaii’s Iraivan Shiva Temple with 320kg Crystal Lingam, Chola-style Architecture, Musical Pillars first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post All about Hawaii’s Iraivan Shiva Temple with 320kg Crystal Lingam, Chola-style Architecture, Musical Pillars appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Amid the improving US-India strategic relations, India Gate – a landmark memorial in the heart of New Delhi – has become an inspiration for President Donald Trump to build an arch of triumph in Washington D.C. Recently, Trump took fancy to India Gate, praised the monumental architecture, and announced his plans to build the world’s largest triumphal arch in the US capital. The proposed monument is expected to commemorate America’s 250^th year of independence in 2026.

On Truth Social, a social media platform in the US, President Trump described India Gate as “beautiful triumphal arch”. His admiration quickly turned comparative when he added, “Ours will be the greatest of all.” He hinted at the absence of an arch-like war memorial in the US capital and proposed a new national monument. Needless to say, Americans went gaga over his plans. India Gate, a 138-foot-tall arch, commemorates 74,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the First World War.

Among the few Indian monuments inspired by foreign landmarks is Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple near Kolkata with its design modelled on the US Capitol building.

Reportedly, the proposed arch in Washington, D.C. could rise as high as 250 feet, aligning with the 250^th anniversary of July 4, America’s Independence Day. Trump wants the 250-foot arch to be the biggest and tallest of all ceremonial arches in the world, surpassing the 220-foot Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City (the tallest arch, at present).

To be named the Memorial Circle Arch or Independence Arch, the monument could be a landmark on Columbia Island in Washington, D.C. The memorial traffic circle near the Arlington Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River could be the potential site for the world’s biggest arch in D.C. It would enrich the architectural landscape where the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument stand tall.

The article titled “Washington Needs an Arch” that a publication carried in April 2025 made Americans feel the absence of a monumental arch in the national capital. In October 2025, President Trump floated his idea of the arch and showed a model to reporters in the Oval Office before the beauty and majesty of India Gate catalyzed Trump’s urge to build a triumphal arch as a gateway to Washington D.C.

Triumphal arches have long been symbolic of a nation’s power, victory, identity, and imperial ambitions. Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, is often revered as the gold standard of ceremonial arches. Standing at about 164 feet, it remains an everlasting epitome of military glory and wartime history. It not only inspired the design of India Gate in New Delhi, but also Trump’s vision of Washington D.C. arch, “the biggest one of all” in the world.

The Washington D.C. Metro Area (DMV) is dotted with magnificent memorials honoring wars, presidents, and civil rights leaders. Yet, it does not have a traditional triumphal arch, unlike many global capitals. This is why Trump amplified the call to fill the long-standing gap in the nation’s capital with a 250-foot-tall arch that America, he said, waited 200 years for.

The post Inspired by India Gate, President Trump Calls for World’s Tallest Triumphal Arch in Washington DC first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Inspired by India Gate, President Trump Calls for World’s Tallest Triumphal Arch in Washington DC appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Other than the wealthiest temples, India is known for some of the tallest, largest and grandest structures in the world. Now, India is home to the world’s tallest Shiva lingam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Eclipsing the tallest Shiva Lingam temples across the country, the Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple of Chenkal near Thiruvananthapuram has entered the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness Book of Records for its astounding 111.2 feet height and and 50-feet diameter in breadth.

Unveiled in February 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shiva lingam of Kerala’s Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple is adjudged as the tallest Shiva lingam in India. It has already entered the India Book of Records for not only its height but also its unique cylindrical structure. Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle, shares some interesting facts about the Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple and the tallest lingam of Chenkal in Kerala.

Surprising facts about India’s tallest Shiva lingam

Since it was unveiled, the Shiva Lingam – which is equal to a 10-storey building in height – has been fetching attention from all quarters to the Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple of Kerala. The Shiva lingam is neither hollow nor stuffed a piece of sculpture like the erstwhile tallest shivlings in India. Rather, it is a piece of architecture in the form of cylindrical structure.

“The top of India’s tallest Shiva lingam in Kerala is accessible to pilgrims through eight floors inside the cave-like structure. Six of the 8 floors represent six energy centers in the human body. The top of the lingam features a larger-than-life replica of Mount Kailash (the Himalayan abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi) with snow-clad idols of the presiding deities. The inside of the lingam features several marvels,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats. 

The pathway from the base to the top of the tallest Shiva lingam in Kerala is decked with eye-catching murals and statutes of meditating monks in a cave-like environment. The passage is designed and constructed in such a way so as to symbolize seven hills of Himalayas. The first floor of the lingam is consecrated to 108 Shiva lingams, where devotees can offer ‘abhishekam.’

India’s tallest Shiva lingam is a seat of meditation 

India’s tallest Shiva Lingam at Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple has become popular as a haven of peace and meditation. The cave-like inside of the lingam houses six meditation halls for pilgrims, devotees and tourists to meditate on human body’s energy centers. The topmost floor features a grand lotus with 1000 petals symbolizing ‘sahasrara chakra’ or pure bliss in terms of yoga.

The construction of Kerala‘s Sivaparvathi temple lingam began in 2012. It went on for 6 years. Water, sand, and soil from various holy places like Kashi, Gangotri, Rishikesh, Rameswaram, Badrinath, Gomukh, and Kailash were mixed with the construction materials. The 108-feet-high Shiva lingam at Kotilingeshwara Temple in Karnataka was the tallest in the country until the Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple of Chenkal unveiled the 111.2-ft-tall lingam in February 2020.

Reportedly, the temple authorities have approached the central government to confer the status of a national pilgrim center upon the temple where India’s tallest Shiva lingam represents spiritual energy preservation.

Maheswaram Sivaparvathi Temple of Chenkal is just a 45-minute drive from Thiruvananthapuram and a 6-hour road trip from Kochi. IndianEagle.com, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora, books cheap flight tickets to Kochi from USA. Indian Eagle’s phone-only budget flight deals (available at +1800-615-3969 from USA) keep NRIs flying to and from India.     

The post India is Home to World’s Tallest Shiva Lingam with a Replica of Mount Kailash Inside; A Must Visit in Kerala first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post India is Home to World’s Tallest Shiva Lingam with a Replica of Mount Kailash Inside; A Must Visit in Kerala appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.