Funds allocated for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple less than those allocated for Aurangzeb’s tomb

Press Conference organised by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti in Ratnagiri

From left: Mr Soham Khanvilkar, Advocate Amit Kate speaking, Sanjay Joshi, Govind Bhardwaj, Dipesh Warang, and Mayur Bhitale

Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) – After nearly 55 years, the Government increased the annual grant for the ‘Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple’ located at Sindhudurg Fort, dedicated to the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, from ₹3,000 to ₹1,00,000. However, even this amount is less than the expenditure allocated for the maintenance of the tomb of the tyrant Aurangzeb. While ₹2,55,160 (for the year 2022–23) is being spent annually on the upkeep of Aurangzeb’s tomb, only ₹1,00,000 has been allocated for Maharashtra’s revered figure. This is extremely painful and unfortunate. It amounts to an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had instructed the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department to allocate ₹50,000 per month for Maharaj’s temple. Then how was such a small amount sanctioned? Do administrative officers value Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj less than Aurangzeb? This angry question was raised by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti district coordinator Mr Govind Bhardwaj during the press conference.

The conference held in Ratnagiri was attended by Shivcharitra narrator Mr Arvind Baraskar, Ratnagiri division head of Gad Kille Sanvardhan Pratishthan, Maharashtra State, Mr Mayur Bhitale, district president Mr Dipesh Warang, Advocate Amit Kate, Mr Soham Khanvilkar of Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh state coordinator Mr Sanjay Joshi, and other dignitaries. For many years, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad, and devout Shivaji Maharaj followers have been struggling for an increase in this funding.

🚩 Funds allocated for the only temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg are even less than those given to Aurangzeb’s tomb@HinduJagrutiOrg held a press conference in Ratnagiri demanding:
❌ Stop funding Aurangzeb’s tomb immediately

👉 When will the neglect of the… pic.twitter.com/QCNAJEfTd9

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) May 23, 2026

Immediately stop the funds given for the tomb of the tyrant Aurangzeb: Sanjay Joshi, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh

Many Governments in the past merely invoked the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while beating the drum of secularism, but none did anything. The current pro-Hindutva Government claims to follow Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals, and therefore, the decision to increase the funding was taken. This is commendable; however, the increased amount is still inadequate, and we want to bring this to the Government’s attention. Strict action should immediately be taken against the officials responsible for neglecting Maharaj’s temple. We also demand that the funds allocated to the tomb of the tyrant Aurangzeb, who attacked Maharashtra, be stopped immediately and redirected toward works related to Shivaji Maharaj.

Administrative apathy toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple is painful: Dipesh Warang, District President, Gad Kille Sanvardhan Pratishthan, Maharashtra State

If the Government cannot provide adequate funding to the temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sindhudurg Fort, which was built by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, what greater misfortune can there be for Maharashtra? Across the world, Shivaji Maharaj’s combat strategies are taught and studied, yet the administration’s indifference toward his temple is distressing. The forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are monuments of Hindavi Swarajya. Organisations devoted to Shivaji Maharaj are trying to preserve them, but the Government must also take initiative and provide support and necessary funding.

Receiving meagre funding for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple is condemnable: Advocate Amit Kate, Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan

Unfortunately, we have to stretch out our hands before the Government for funds for the temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, because of whom our identity as Hindus survived and Hindu temples remained protected. On one hand, the Government is spending crores of rupees on a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the sea; yet on the other hand, it is allocating only meagre funds for his temple. This is condemnable. At many places in Maharashtra, daily worship is performed at memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The annual expense for just one garland per day amounts to nearly ₹3,600. Expenses for repairs, maintenance, and cleaning are separate. Therefore, we demand that the Government increase the grant for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple.

Editorial Perspective

When will the neglect of the only temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj end?