Statues of Shivaji,Sambhaji to come up at Talegaon Dabhade

The Shri Shiv Shambhu Tirtha will be spread in an area of 15,000 sq. feet. The bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj will be 18 feet tall while Sambhaji Maharaj’s statue will be 17 feet in height. The bronze sculptures will cost approximately Rs 1 crore. The miniature model of the statues has been prepared by sculptor Yogesh Karlekar while the name of the sculptor,who will make the real statues,will be finalised soon.

The Tirtha will be one-of-its-kind landmark in the country,said Santosh Bhegade-Patil,chairman of Shri Shiv Shambhu Smarak Samiti,at a press conference attended by President Talegaon Municipal Council Adv Ravindra Dabhade,Samiti Vice-Chairman Sunil Shelke,secretary Shrikant Medhi,treasurer Sanjay Baviskar and member Ravindra Bhegade.

Ex-President Talegaon Municipal council Shrimant Anjaliraje Dabhade will be the chairperson of the bhoomi-poojan ceremony. Historian Ninad Bedekar will be the chief speaker while Sarsenapati Jayawantrao Mohite will be the chief guest. Sanghchalak of West Maharashtra – Kacheshwarji alias Dada Sahane,Dr Sadashivrao Shivade,Shahir Yogesh,Pandurang Balkavade,MPs Gajanan Babar,Shivaji Adhalrao Patil will be the honourable guests.

Bhegade-Patil said the land of Maval has been a witness to the courage and adventures of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his illustrious son,Sambhaji. He said the Tirtha is a tribute to the two great Maratha rulers from the ‘Mavalas’. A book titled ‘Pratap Durga Mahatmya’,written by Dr Sadashivrao Shivade and translated by S M Ayachit will be released on the occasion.