Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates first-ever Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple in Bhiwandi

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.

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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