Kolhapur, 20 June (HS): In the presence of Union Home and

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and under the chief patronage of Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis, the foundation stone was laid today in Kolhapur for the new

Parikrama Path and the conservation work of the Parivar Devata Temple under the

Shri Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) Temple Development Plan, along with the unveiling of

the cornerstone.

The Karveer Nivasini Shri Mahalaxmi Temple is regarded as

one of India's ancient, awakened, and prominent Shakti Peeths. With a history

spanning over 1000 years, this temple is mentioned in various Puranas and

historical texts. It is a unique confluence of Hemadpanti architecture, rich

sculpture, and religious traditions, serving as a center of faith for millions

of devotees from across the country and abroad. Against this backdrop, the

state government-approved Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan is emerging as an

ambitious initiative that will further strengthen Kolhapur's cultural and

spiritual identity. This plan is being implemented by integrating the

upgradation of infrastructure in the temple premises, heritage conservation,

modern amenities for devotees, and tourism development. By maintaining a

balance between development and heritage conservation, this project will

enhance the grandeur of the temple premises even further, providing devotees

with more convenient, safe, and modern facilities.

The Karveer Nivasini Shri Mahalaxmi Ambabai Devastan

Premises Development Plan was approved with a total funding of Rs. 1445.97

crore in the Cabinet meeting held on May 6, 2025. As per the government

resolution of the Planning Department dated August 28, 2025, works worth Rs. 143.90

crore in the first phase of this plan have been approved, which include conservation,

preservation, and repair works of the original temple in accordance with the

guidelines of the Archaeology Department. Currently, works worth Rs. 32.96

crore for the conservation of the original temple, as well as Rs. 23.05 crore

for electrification, CCTV, and lighting works inside the temple, are underway.

To preserve the ancient splendor and majesty of the temple, conservation of 41

small and large temples surrounding it, beautification of the Nagar Parikrama

Path, and development works in the temple premises will also be undertaken.

This will not only boost religious tourism but also strengthen the local

economy.

A total of 28,058 square meters of land has been assessed

for this project, of which the process of acquiring 19,489 square meters of

private land is progressing rapidly under the guidance of the committee chaired

by the Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development). Under this grand

development plan, to be implemented in three phases, facilities such as a

darshan mandap, annular, temple and trust office, independent toilet blocks,

chappal stand, shops, amphitheater, information center, security post,

multipurpose hall, police station, first-aid center, Vedic pathshala, dining

hall, and a large-capacity parking lot will be constructed. The central and

state governments are committed to preserving religious, cultural, and

historical heritage, and this development plan will not only provide

world-class facilities to devotees but also give a new direction to the

development of Kolhapur's religious, cultural, and tourism sectors.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,

Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister Prakash Abitkar, Minister Adv. Ashish

Shelar, Minister Sanjay Sawkar, Minister Makrand Jadhav-Patil, Minister of

State Madhuri Misal, MP Dhananjay Mahadik, MLA Ravindra Chavhan, Kolhapur Mayor

Ruparani Nikam, and other dignitaries were present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi