Maha CM Fadnavis inaugurates first temple dedicates to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Maha CM Fadnavis inaugurates first temple dedicates to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj amidst the inauguration ceremony of ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple (Shaktipith)‘ at Maradepada in Bhiwandi, Thane on Monday March 17, 2025. It was the King’s birth anniversary in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar system.
CM Fadnavis referred to the site as a “national temple”. “It won’t be wrong to refer to it as a national temple as it inspires us all. The temple honours Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and devotees can witness the glory of our Maratha king. He won the battles for God, country, and faith and gave us the opportunity to be Hindu and worship any of Ishta devas.
This is the first grand temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the State, spread over four acres in the Marade Pada region. The temple’s structure was designed by architect Vijaykumar Patil. The 6.5 feet idol of the Maratha king, was sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, who also carved the idol for the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
While describing the features of the temple, Mr. Fadnavis said, “We have also approached UNESCO to demarcate 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The State has also sought permission from the Uttar Pradesh government to build a memorial of Maharaj in Agra, to mark his escape from Aurangazeb’s clutches in 1666.”
The list of 12 forts include Lohagad, Salher, Raigad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Panhala Khanderi Fort, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu under Maratha Military Landscape of India.
News Edit KV Raman
