Demand to immediately halt the improper renovation work at Shri Tuljabhavani Temple

Shri Tuljabhavani Bhope Pujari Mandal submits a memorandum to the District Collector

Dharashiv (Maharashtra) – Shri Bhavani Devi’s temple is one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas (sacred shrines). The current renovation work being carried out by the temple trust and the Archaeology Department appears to be leading to the destruction of the temple’s ancient heritage. The use of paving blocks, sandblasting, and cement constructions endangering the original stone structure of the temple. The work being carried out in the temple is not as per conservation guidelines. Therefore, on behalf of the Shri Tuljabhavani Bhope Pujari Mandal, a memorandum was submitted to the District Collector of Dharashiv, demanding an immediate halt to the improper conservation and renovation work at the temple. (Why must such memoranda even be submitted ? Doesn’t the administration realise by itself ? Are these the consequences of Governmental control over the temples ? – Editor)

On this occasion, Mr Amarraje Ambadasrao Kadam-Parmeshwar, President of the Shri Tuljabhavani Bhope Pujari Mandal, and Mr Sachin Patil, Vice President, along with others, were present.

1. Instead of conducting a structural audit through the State’s Archaeology Department, it was done by a private company, Injotech India, Pune. Following this, improper construction began. In the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), marble tiles previously fixed on the stone walls were removed, exposing the original surface. This work should have been carried out with utmost care by the Archaeology Department, the Temple Trust, and museum officials—but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

2. If the temple’s spire is wholly dismantled, future generations will be deprived of witnessing its historical and archaeological value.

3. Shri Tuljabhavani Temple is a protected monument under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments Act of 1977 and 1999. According to these laws, altering or damaging the original features of protected monuments is strictly prohibited. Yet, significant changes have been made—such as enlarging the silver entrance door in the pavilion in front of Bhavani Shankar—without proper permission. The silver doorstep was removed and must now be reinstalled as it was to preserve the sanctity as per Hindu scriptures.

4. Previously, ancient temple walls were demolished and rebuilt without obtaining approval from the Archaeology Department, which led to criminal charges being filed against the temple trust’s tehsildar.

5. While the Mandal supports the development of Shri Tuljabhavani Temple and the town, they strongly advocate preserving the temple’s spiritual, scriptural, and architectural heritage.

6. Before commencing any such work, it was essential to form a committee comprising archaeologists, the chief Bhope-Pujari of the temple, local Mant, Palkar, Upadhye families, and conservation experts. Since this wasn’t done and the ongoing work is being executed improperly, the Mandal demands its immediate halt—failing which, they will be compelled to approach the Court for legal intervention.