Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contribution to Swarajya and national pride at the inauguration of a dedicated temple in Thane.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated a temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Thane’s Bhiwandi area, lauding the Maratha warrior for his relentless fight for Swarajya, dharma, and the nation.
The temple, constructed at Maradepada in Thane by the Shivkranti Pratishthan Trust under the leadership of Dr. Raju Chowdhary, is the first in the state dedicated solely to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Featuring architectural elements inspired by Maratha forts, the temple showcases murals depicting key moments from the warrior king’s reign and contributions.
His speech also touched upon the ongoing discourse regarding historical monuments in Maharashtra, particularly the controversy surrounding Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Fadnavis emphasized that while the government is obligated to preserve Aurangzeb’s tomb as a protected site, it is a matter of historical record, not reverence.
A Grand Tribute to the Maratha King
The Shivaji Maharaj temple, spanning 2,500 square feet, is surrounded by a 5,000 sq ft masonry fence featuring 36 divisions, each showcasing significant historical moments from the Maratha Empire.
The idol of Shivaji Maharaj in the temple was sculpted by renowned artist Arun Yogiraj, who also created the Ram Lalla idol for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The temple is expected to become a major tourist and historical attraction, drawing devotees, scholars, and admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Government’s Efforts to Preserve Maratha History
CM Fadnavis also announced that the Maharashtra government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to recognize 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as World Heritage Sites. Additionally, the government plans to:
- Take over and develop the palace in Sangameshwar, where Shivaji’s son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was deceitfully captured.
- Request the Uttar Pradesh government to hand over the cell in Agra Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj was imprisoned, to Maharashtra for establishing a historical memorial.
With these initiatives, the Maharashtra government aims to ensure that the rich heritage of the Maratha Empire continues to inspire future generations
Sources By Agencies