Bhimashankar Pilgrimage Centre to Undergo Major Transformation; 90% Work to be Completed Before Next Year’s Kumbh Mela: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Performs Ritual Worship of the Keystone and Hoists the Brahma Flag

Pune, June 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday performed the ceremonial worship of the keystone of the newly constructed assembly hall in front of the main temple at Bhimashankar and also carried out the traditional Brahma flag hoisting ceremony.

Following the rituals, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing temple precinct development works and the Heritage Wadi Project at the sacred Bhimashankar shrine. Expressing satisfaction over the pace and quality of the work, he said that nearly 90 per cent of the project is expected to be completed before the commencement of next year’s Kumbh Mela.

MLA Dilip Walse-Patil, Babaji Kale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, temple trustees and officials from various departments were present on the occasion.

Praising the district administration for completing high-quality work within a short period, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga enjoys immense religious significance across the country. He noted that the comprehensive development project for the pilgrimage centre includes restoration of the temple’s original assembly hall, renovation work and extensive development of the surrounding area.

“The entire appearance of Bhimashankar will change through the temple precinct development project,” he said, adding that the approved master plan is being implemented effectively. He also made special mention of the cooperation extended by local villagers in executing the project.

Referring to the Heritage Wadi Project, the Chief Minister said that around 150 houses are being relocated to a new site. A modern village equipped with all essential amenities is being developed nearby for the affected residents.

He stressed that the new settlement would not be limited to rehabilitation alone but would also create new economic opportunities for local people and improve their livelihoods.

The Chief Minister also highlighted major plans for improving traffic management in the area. Separate roads are being constructed for incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent congestion. Electric vehicles will be introduced for the convenience of senior citizens and pilgrims.

Additionally, shops, bus stations and other public facilities are being developed in an organised manner, keeping in mind the interests of both devotees and local businesses.

Expressing confidence in the project’s long-term impact, Fadnavis said that the number of pilgrims visiting Bhimashankar is expected to increase five to ten times in the future due to these development initiatives.

He reiterated that the government remains committed to preserving the religious heritage of Bhimashankar while creating modern infrastructure that enhances the experience of pilgrims and benefits the local community.