Siliguri, West Bengal, January 16, 2026, 10:28 p.m. (IST)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee lays foundation for Mahakal Mahatirtha in Siliguri, featuring the world’s tallest Mahakal idol to boost tourism and jobs.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Mahakal Mahatirtha temple complex in Siliguri, announcing the construction of the world’s tallest idol of Lord Shiva in his Mahakal form. The mega religious project is expected to significantly boost tourism, employment, and economic growth in north Bengal.
The temple complex will come up on a 17.41-acre site at Matigara, located on the outskirts of Siliguri. According to state officials, the project is designed to position Siliguri as a major spiritual destination for devotees from India and abroad.
The announcement has generated widespread excitement among local residents and devotees. The foundation ceremony marks the formal beginning of a project that Mamata Banerjee had earlier promised while addressing public meetings in the region, especially after north Bengal suffered repeated floods and cyclones in recent years.
World’s Tallest Mahakal Idol Takes Shape
The centerpiece of the Mahakal Mahatirtha will be a 216-foot-high structure, housing a 108-foot-tall bronze idol of Lord Shiva. Once completed, it will be the tallest Mahakal idol in the world, setting a new global record.
The massive temple complex is designed to accommodate up to one lakh pilgrims every day. It will include large prayer halls, meditation spaces, and modern facilities to ensure comfort and safety for visitors. Officials said the project is expected to be completed within two and a half years, with land development work already underway and construction tenders issued.
A dedicated temple trust will oversee the construction and management of the complex. The West Bengal government has sanctioned Rs 344.2 crore for the project, making it the largest government-funded temple initiative in the state’s history. The land for the project has been provided free of cost to ensure faster execution.
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Foundation Ceremony Draws Massive Gathering
Thousands of devotees and local residents gathered in Siliguri as Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone. Religious leaders from different traditions were also present at the ceremony.
Addressing the crowd, Banerjee said the project would serve as a bridge between the plains and hills of north Bengal, promoting unity, peace, and prosperity. She described Mahakal Mahatirtha as a symbol of spiritual strength and economic revival for the region.
While reports about the project first surfaced in October 2025, Friday’s ceremony officially marked the start of construction, turning a long-discussed vision into reality.
Major Boost for Tourism, Jobs, and Local Economy
Siliguri is already a key transit hub connecting West Bengal with the Northeast. With the Mahakal Mahatirtha project, the city aims to emerge as a major spiritual tourism destination, similar to Ujjain or Varanasi.
State officials estimate that the project will generate thousands of jobs across construction, hospitality, transport, and tourism services. An international convention center, planned on nearby state land, is also expected to host business summits, cultural programs, and religious events.
The government is drawing inspiration from the Jagannath Dham in Digha, which attracts nearly 1.25 crore visitors annually. Authorities believe the Mahakal project can bring similar long-term economic benefits to north Bengal.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative, stating that better infrastructure, parking facilities, and accommodation options will ease pressure on other crowded pilgrimage sites across India.
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Why the Mahakal Mahatirtha Matters for Bengal
The Mahakal Mahatirtha project stands out among Bengal’s recent temple initiatives due to its scale, funding, and strategic location. It aligns with the state government’s broader push to revive tourism after years of natural disasters in the region.
Supporters argue that increased pilgrim inflow will boost local businesses, including hotels, shops, guides, and transport services. With Siliguri’s proximity to Bhutan, Nepal, and the Northeast, the temple could attract international visitors as well.
As construction begins, images and videos from the foundation ceremony are widely circulating on social media. Devotees across the country have expressed excitement, calling the project a historic moment for Bengal.
Once completed, the Mahakal Mahatirtha is expected to redefine Siliguri’s identity, placing it firmly on the global spiritual tourism map.
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