Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates Shivaji Maharaj's temple in Thane

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated a temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Thane district and lauded the Maratha king for fighting for Swarajya and the country reported news agency PTIThe Maratha kings birth anniversary was being celebrated across the state on Monday as per the tithi The state governments official Shiv Jayanti celebrations are held on February 19 each yearFadnavis said just as Lord Rams darshan is incomplete without paying obeisance to Hanuman no pilgrimage is complete without paying respect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reported PTIWe are able to worship our gods freely today because of Shivaji Maharajs efforts He fought for Swarajya for God for our country and our religion he said reported PTIOn the occasion Fadnavis also addressed the ongoing discourse about historical monuments in Maharashtra particularly the demand from some rightwing outfits for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzebs tomb at Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district reported PTIFadnavis said while the government is obligated to protect Aurangzebs tomb as a declared protected site its preservation is a matter of historical record rather than reverenceHe said only the temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj deserves mahima mandan glorification and not the tomb of AurangzebIt is unfortunate that the government has to take responsibility for the protection of Aurangzebs grave despite his history of persecution However I assure you if any attempt is made to glorify his legacy through mahima mandan it will not succeed the CM said reported PTIFadnavis further said even though Shivaji died at an early age his contribution to the society has helped the people follow his legacyMaharashtra has lived up to the expectations and it is evident from the approach of the people the state he saidThe states first temple dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj constructed at Maradepada in Bhiwandi area of Thane features architectural elements inspired by the Maratha forts and murals depicting the warrior kings reign and contributionsThe temple has been built by the Shivkranti Pratishthan Trust under the leadership of Dr Raju Chowdhary reported PTIThe temples idol of Shivaji Maharaj has been created by noted sculptor Arun Yogiraj who crafted Ram Lalla idol adoring the Ram Temple in AyodhyaThe temple of Shivaji Maharaj spans across 2500 square feet with a surrounding masonry fence covering 5000 sq ftThe project extends across four acres and features a unique design comprising 36 divisions in the masonry fence each showcasing significant moments from the history of the Maratha empireThe temple is expected to attract tourists historians and people who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji MaharajFadnavis said the state government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to recognise 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as World Heritage SitesAdditionally the government plans to take over and develop the palace in Sangameshwar where Shivaji Maharajs son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was deceitfully capturedFadnavis also said a request has been made to the Uttar Pradesh government to give possession of a cell in the Agra Fort where Shivaji Maharaj was once imprisoned to the Maharashtra government for the purpose of establishing a historical memorial reported PTIDr Chowdhary said the Shivaji Maharajs temple is not just a place of worship but also a historical and educational hub which will help preserve and spread awareness about the great Maratha rulers vision governance and military achievementsWith inputs from PTI