Government to Provide Full Support for Temple Construction on Bhandara Hill – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Extends Greetings at Gatha Parayan Ceremony at Bhandara Hill Base

Pune : On the occasion of the 375th Jagadguru Shri Tukobaraya Trishkottar Amrit Mahotsav (Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s bodily ascension to Vaikuntha), Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the Gatha Parayan ceremony held at the base of Bhandara Hill and interacted with Warkaris. He assured that the government will provide all possible support for the construction of the temple on Bhandara Hill with the participation of all devotees.

The event was attended by MP Shrirang Barne, MLAs Vijay Shivtare, Sharad Sonawane, Sunil Shelke, Maroti Maharaj Kurhekar, Dehu Sansthan President Purushottam Maharaj More, and Akshay Maharaj Bhosale.

Government Initiatives for Warkaris and River Rejuvenation

Deputy CM Shinde emphasized that Maharashtra is the land of saints and warriors, and Bhandara Hill holds deep spiritual significance for every Warkari. To preserve its sanctity, the government has modified the tunnel route passing through Bhandara Hill. He also highlighted the submission of a ₹2,200 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the central government for river rejuvenation and stressed that public participation is essential for the success of this initiative.

Infrastructure Development for Warkaris

He announced several initiatives for the Warkari community, including:

• Cleaning and conservation of the Indrayani River
• Construction of Warkari Bhavans in every taluka
• Setting up a permanent mandap (covered space) over 65 acres in Pandharpur
• Discussions with the Revenue Department regarding an additional 125 acres of land
• Enhanced support for constructing darshan queues for devotees

Additionally, Deputy CM Shinde assured that the state government will approve the first-ever Padma Shri Award for the Warkari sect, recommending Maroti Maharaj Kurhekar for the honor and forwarding the proposal to the central government.

The event witnessed a large gathering of Warkaris from across the state.