Union Home Minister launches ‘Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Mandir Development Plan’ worth Rs 1445 crores

The massive redevelopment project designed to enhance devotee facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and preserve the historical integrity of the ancient shrine     

Kolhapur, Maharashtra – On 20.06.2026, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched ‘Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Mandir Development Plan’ in the presence of Chief  Minister Devendra Fadanvis. The launching of various works to be undertaken and laying foundation stone was held here. The project will cost Rs 1445 crores for preservation and conservation of the temple and its premises. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Kolhapur District Guardian Minister, Prakash Ambitkar, Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, Kolhapur’s Mayor Ruparani Nikam, BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik and several other elected representatives attended the meeting.

Home Minister Amit Shah, along with his wife, first had ‘Darshan’ and performed ‘puja’ of Shri Ambabai (Mahalakshmi) Devi. Then, Shree’s festival-idol was worshipped at ‘Rama-par’ in the temple premises. The plan approved by the  State Government for redevelopment of Shri Mahalaksmi Mandir is an ambitious project that will strengthen the cultural and spiritual identity of Kolhapur. This multi-development plan will be executed in three phases and covers renovation and construction of ‘Darshan Mandap’, food court, temple and Devasthan Samiti offices, separate washrooms, shops, information centre, security booth, grand hall, Police Station, first-aid centre, ‘Vedapathashala’, dining hall and a huge parking lot for vehicles.

Presently, the work related to conservation of the original temple, involving expenditure of Rs 32.96 crores; electrification of the temple and fixing CCTV network and related work costing Rs 23.05 crores is going on. To preserve the ancient glory and grandeur of the temple, work related to conservation of 41 big and small temples surrounding the main temple, beautification of the path of ‘Parikrama’ and development of temple premises will soon be undertaken for which 28,058 sq. metre land has been earmarked. The process of claiming 19,489 sq, metres of land from private owners has been going on speedily under the guidance of additional chief secretary (town development).