Bhiwandi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple at Maradepada in Thane's Bhiwandi on Monday. The inauguration was held today on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, according to the Hindu calendar.
Grand Inauguration Event Organised
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including former Union Minister of State Kapil Patil and MLA Kisan Kathore. The event featured religious rituals, historical exhibitions, and cultural programs celebrating Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
रयतेच्या राज्याच्या सेवेसाठी रयतेच्या राजाचे आशीर्वाद!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) March 17, 2025
'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
मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी आज शिवक्षेत्र मराडे पाडा, भिवंडी येथे 'श्री छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज मंदिर (शक्तिपीठ) परिसरा'चे लोकार्पण केले. यावेळी माजी केंद्रीय राज्यमंत्री कपिल पाटील, आ. किसान कथोरे तसेच इतर मान्यवर उपस्थित होते.@Dev_Fadnavis @KapilPatil_ @mikisankathore… pic.twitter.com/DAwwe280nh
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 17, 2025
Several Dignitaries Present During Inauguration
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Maharashtra shared photographs of the event on social media, captioning them: “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today inaugurated the 'Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple (Shaktipith) premises' at Shivkshetra Maradepada, Bhiwandi. Former Union Minister Kapil Patil, MLA Kisan Kathore and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.”
CM Fadnavis Speaks On Importance Of Shivaji Maharaj’s Darshan
Addressing the gathered crowd, he spoke about Shivaji Maharaj’s role in preserving religious freedom and cultural heritage. Fadnavis compared the significance of Shivaji Maharaj’s darshan to that of Lord Hanuman in relation to Lord Ram. “Just as seeking Lord Hanuman’s blessings is essential before Lord Ram’s, in the same way, without Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s darshan, one cannot attain the full benefits of worship,” he said.
छत्रपती शिवरायांचे दर्शन घेतल्याशिवाय इतर कुठल्याच देवाचे दर्शन घेतले तरी त्याचे फळ मिळणार नाही : मुख्यमंत्री मा. देवेंद्र फडणवीस@Dev_Fadnavis #Team_Devendra pic.twitter.com/tnwGM7lx5y
— vishakha patil (@Vishakhaa_p) March 17, 2025
Shivaji Maharaj’s Contribution To Religious Freedom
Highlighting the reason behind constructing the temple, Fadnavis stated, “It is because of Shivaji Maharaj that we can freely worship our gods today. He fought numerous battles to protect our faith, ensuring that our deities and temples remained intact.” His remarks explained Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy as a protector of Hindu culture and traditions.
छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांमुळेच आज आपण आपल्या इष्ट देवतांचे दर्शन घेऊ शकतो.
— BJP Mumbai (@BJP4Mumbai) March 17, 2025
- माननीय मुख्यमंत्री @Dev_Fadnavis जी pic.twitter.com/d5AlFjgQY7
The new temple in Bhiwandi, dedicated to one of Maharashtra’s greatest warriors, is expected to become a major spiritual and historical landmark, attracting devotees and history enthusiasts alike.