Converting a dream into reality

PUNE, June 4: As you travel through Pune Alandi road, a spectacular structure puts you in awe and lures you to the extent that you simply ca...

PUNE, June 4: As you travel through Pune Alandi road, a spectacular structure puts you in awe and lures you to the extent that you simply cannot avoid having a look at it. This majestic structure is the New Sai Temple which has added and enhanced the pride of Sai bhakts. With its fantastic architecture and outstanding location, it is hard to miss this place.

A holy place has always been the sight of great following in India and this place has already gained recognition and the admiration of Puneites even before its inauguration. As the temple got inaugurated in the early hours of June 4 in the divine presence of Shri Kashi Jagadguru and Shri Dhondibha Chavan Maharaj, the image installation and Kalash puja was performed by Dr Chandrashekhar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji on the occasion. Unquestionably after the inaugural ceremony all the people involved in this temple would have definitely undergone the ecstatic feeling of pride and successful commitment to Shri Sai Baba.

The driving force behind this temple has been Subhash Nelge. The initial concept was laid down by him as this idea struck and he generously donated the five-acre land to the Shri Sai Seva Pratishthan. This was about three years ago when a working committee was formed presided by Nelge himself and his brother Shivkumar Nelge. Construction began about two and a half years back. With very little development around and lack of facilities like water and electricity, it required tremendous cooperation and commitment from the architect to the contractor and everybody else to make this dream successful which they rightfully possessed thereby transforming a dream into a living and amazing reality. Outstanding support from people greatly boosted the confidence of the working committee.

As Sai devotees came to know about this project they contributed in every little way as possible. The response to this project was received in large scale as concessions were offered from architectural rates to labour costs.The idol was brought from Jaipur, Rajasthan and the design was laid down by Rajan Madkan. The cost of this temple is now put at Rs 1.5 to 1.75 crores by the contractor, who is also a very prominent contributor to this project.

As Shah puts it, the presence of Shirdi nearby would also enhance the following of this temple. On asking upon future prospects of this temple, he says that the trust plans to support a vrudhasharam or an old age home. All the funds raised by this temple would be going into this home. Efforts would certainly be made for the uplifting and helping the downtrodden and the poor.

Generally it8217;s not human tendency to boast about one8217;s own work but the people behind this project certainly have a right to do so. With a thought of making this temple a place the people behind this temple now look forward to convert this reality into a legend.