Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates first-ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple in Bhiwandi
The temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi incorporates elements typical of forts, including a 42-foot hall and circular bastions.
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CM Devendra Fadnavis at the temple on Monday. (Express photo by Deepak Joshi)Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday inaugurated the first-ever temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bhiwandi in the state’s Thane district on the occasion of the Maratha king’s birth anniversary.
The temple, to honour the valour and legacy of the Maratha king, has been described as a place where devotees can witness the glory of Shivaji Maharaj’s heroism.
CM Fadnavis said the temple would soon be granted the status of a pilgrimage site. “Why is there a temple for Shivaji Maharaj? It is because he won the battles for God, country, and religion. He made us who we are today — Hindus. Just as one must seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman to complete the experience of worshipping Lord Ram, one must first pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before seeking the blessings of any other deity,” Fadnavis said.
Inspired by the architectural grandeur of forts, the temple spans an area of 2,500 square feet, with a fort-like boundary wall covering an additional 5,000 square feet. The temple houses a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, sculpted by renowned artist Arun Yogiraj, who is also credited with the creation of the idol of Lord Ram at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands at 6.5 feet, and is a central feature of the temple.
रयतेच्या राज्याच्या सेवेसाठी रयतेच्या राजाचे आशीर्वाद!🚩
‘छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज मंदिराचे (शक्तिपीठ)’ शिवक्षेत्र मराडे पाडा, भिवंडी येथे लोकार्पण केले. याप्रसंगी महाराजांचे आशीर्वाद घेण्याचे सौभाग्य प्राप्त झाले. देव, देश आणि धर्मरक्षणासाठी ज्यांनी सर्वसामान्यांमध्ये प्राण ओतले… pic.twitter.com/NkQAvq6fij
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 17, 2025
Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple’s structure, which includes a fort-like boundary, bastions, and a grand entrance gate. The entrance stands 42 feet tall, and the temple features five spires.
The temple’s design incorporates elements typical of forts, including a 42-foot hall (sabha mandap) and circular bastions. Surveillance pathways and other features typical of military structures are also present at the temple, which has been made using stone, adding to its robust and historical appeal.
Inside the boundary wall, there are 36 sections, each displaying large sculptures depicting key moments from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
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