Take strict action against the officials who failed to allocate funds for the ancient temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• Demand of Gad-Durg Rakshan Samiti and other pro-Hindu organisations

• Government should provide additional funds before the end of the winter session

Officials of Hindu organisations outside Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan demanding an increase in the funds of the ancient temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sindhudurg fort

Nagpur – “The State Government is giving a paltry allowance of only Rs 500 per month for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ‘Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple’ at Malvan in Sindhudurg District. Despite Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issuing an order to increase this funding over a year and a half ago, stern action must be taken against Government officials who have yet to implement this directive. An immediate order should also be issued to raise the monthly allocation from Rs 500 to a minimum of Rs 25,000 before the conclusion of the ongoing winter session in Nagpur”, demanded Mr Sunil Ghanwat, the Maharashtra State Convener of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Coordinator of Gad-Durg Rakshan Samiti, along with other pro-Hindu organisations outside Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan. Mr Ghanwat addressed this pressing issue during a meeting with Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. Present at the time were Mr Umakant Ranade, Secretary of Chitpavan Brahman Mahasangh; Mr Rahul Pandey of National Youth Alliance; Mr Abhijit Polke, Nagpur District Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti; and other officials who displayed flex banners outside Vidhan Bhavan.

Mr Ghanwat further said,

1. This is the 350th year since the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Despite his legacy of constructing and conquering forts, as well as restoring and safeguarding numerous temples, the ancient temple dedicated to the same Shivaji Maharaj is presently neglected.

Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple of Shivaji Maharaj at Sindhudurg Fort

Idol at Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple

2. The Maharashtra Government initiated a monthly allowance of Rs 250 for this temple, constructed by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj in 1695, starting in 1970. Now, as the year 2023 comes to a close, this allowance has seen a mere increment from Rs 250 to Rs 500. The critical issue lies in how to manage the expenses associated with daily ritualistic worship, garlands, flowers, electricity, water supply, temple repairs, other facilities, and the annual festival. Consequently, the temple trustees are now compelled to display public signboards, soliciting donations from the public. This is not correct.

Public signboard requesting donations due to lack of funds

3. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti had brought this matter to the attention of former Guardian Minister Uday Samant and, subsequently, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a year and a half ago. While they responded affirmatively by ordering an immediate increase in funds, regrettably, no action has been taken to implement this decision.

The Government officials accountable for this situation should be assigned a one-month stint at Sindhudurg fort as a form of disciplinary action. They should be tasked with managing the temple’s affairs within the allocated Rs 500, providing them with firsthand experience of the gravity of the situation.