Efforts Will Be Made to Restore and Conserve Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Birthplace at Purandar Fort – Minister Ashish Shelar

Tribute Paid at Fort Purandar on the Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Pune : Maharashtra’s Minister of Cultural Affairs, Adv. Ashish Shelar, has assured that efforts will be made to restore and conserve the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Purandar Fort. He said that positive discussions will be held with the military regarding the restoration of the fort’s Machi area and the historic walls of the royal residence where Sambhaji Maharaj was born.

On the occasion of Sambhaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, Minister Shelar and Minister for Marathi Language and Industries Uday Samant paid floral tributes at his statue at Fort Purandar. Also present were MLA Vijay Shivtare, District Sainik Welfare Officer Lt. Col. (Retd.) S. D. Hange, Assistant Director of the Archaeology Department Dr. Vilas Vahane, Tehsildar Vikram Rajput, BDO Pankaj Shelke, and Prashant Patne of the Purandar Foundation.

Minister Shelar said that Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is known across India for his bravery and intelligence. As a child, he accompanied Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on campaigns, gaining early exposure to warfare. His immense courage enabled him to resist the mighty and brutal Aurangzeb for nine years.

Sambhaji Maharaj was also a scholar of Sanskrit, wrote in multiple languages including English and Hindi, and is revered as a protector of religion. He was known for his compassion toward his subjects. Minister Shelar said the state government is following his ideals.

World-Class Memorial at Kasba, Ratnagiri – Uday Samant
Industries Minister Uday Samant announced that a world-class memorial will be built at Kasba in Ratnagiri, where Sambhaji Maharaj once stayed. He highlighted that the tallest statue of Sambhaji Maharaj is already located in Ratnagiri and that a grand new monument will be a matter of pride for all.

Earlier, women in traditional attire sang a cradle song honoring the Maharaj. Minister Shelar also presented awards on behalf of the Purandar Foundation.