Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to Provide Necessary Funds for Shiv Srishti Project

It is the collective responsibility to pass on the glorious history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the next generation and to carry forward his ideal of a welfare state through people’s participation. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized that ₹10 crore or more will be allocated for the remaining work of this project.

The first phase of the Yevla Shiv Srishti Project was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawar, under the chairmanship of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. During the event, dignitaries like Collector Jalaj Sharma, Sub Divisional Officer Babasaheb Gadve, Tehsildar Aba Mahajan, former MP Sameer Bhujbal, former MLA Pankaj Bhujbal, and a large number of citizens were present.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawar mentioned that a 12-foot bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj has been installed, the largest enthroned statue in Maharashtra, located in Yevla, which is a matter of pride for its residents. Additionally, in Nashik city, a magnificent half-sculpture of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule has also been installed. The design of Shiv Srishti replicates the court of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with the entrance made of teak wood, Jambha stone, black stone, and high-quality stones from Rajasthan. Visitors can learn about important events in Shivaji Maharaj’s life through audio-visual presentations.

This year marks the 350th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. From now on, the government has decided to celebrate the Shiv Rajabhishek ceremony annually at Raigad. Pawar called on people to embrace the ideals of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, while also highlighting the historical contributions of the Sardars of Shivaji Maharaj, and the importance of the constitutional rights granted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The excavation of Shivaji Maharaj’s forts will be carried out through the Department of Archaeology.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Created Swaraj with All Communities – Minister Chhagan Bhujbal

Minister Bhujbal emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj built Swaraj by bringing together people from all communities. Mahatma Phule discovered his tomb and wrote the first Powada (traditional Marathi ballad) on Shivaji Maharaj, which was later popularized by Annabhau Sathe and Shaheer Amar Shaikh. Shivaji Maharaj also made significant contributions for the welfare of farmers.

Several development projects have been completed in Yevla city, including Muktibhumi, the Mahatma Phule Theatre, the Administrative Building, and the Paithni Tourism Centre. The Shiv Shrishti Project, spread over four acres, is expected to attract tourists and Shivaji enthusiasts from across Maharashtra.

Though some work remains, the first phase of the project includes the installation of Shivaji’s statue, and carvings depicting key historical events from Shivaji’s life are currently being completed in Rajasthan. The exhibition of Shivaji-era weapons, forts, an audio-visual room, fountains, and gardens will be completed soon.