Thane: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first-ever temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Marade Pada, located in Bhiwandi Taluka, on the occasion of the Maratha king’s birth anniversary on Monday. 

The temple is about 2,500 square feet in area, with a fort-like boundary wall covering an additional 5,000 square feet. The statue  is about 6.5 feet tall and was sculpted by artist Arun Yogiraj and the architect was Vijaykumar Patil. 

The temple’s structural design includes a fort-like boundary, bastions, and a grand entrance gate that is about 42 feet tall, and it features five spires. Dr. Raju Bhau Choudhary, president of Shivkranti Pratishthan, said, "Along with my friends, this Pratishthan was started in 2018 with a view to promote the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The boomipujan was performed by deputy CM Eknath Shinde." Choudhary further added that Shivaji Maharaj's temple is not just a place of worship, but also a historical and educational hub which will help preserve and spread awareness about the great Maratha ruler's vision, governance and military achievements.

Fadnavis addressed the people at the event and stated that this is not just a temple, but a place where all the important incidents in his life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj  from his birth to rajyaabhishek (coronation), have been  depicted. He said the government has submitted a proposal to UNESCO to recognise 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as World Heritage Sites.

Eknath Shinde also attended the temple and addressed the people about the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shinde stated `` this is not just a temple, but a Shaktipeeth." 

Shinde emphasized that Aurangzeb was more cruel than the British. He observed that the Mughal ruler destroyed temples, was inhumane towards women, and suppressed religious discussions. Shinde further said that this temple has to be nominated for the holy pilgrimage.