Devotees should be provided with facilities at Ashtavinayak Devasthan – Deputy Chairman Dr. Neelam Gorhe.

Mumbai : The essential facilities required by devotees at the Ashtavinayaka shrines of Moreshwar (Morgaon), Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek), Ballaleshwar (Pali), Varadvinayak (Mahad), Chintamani (Theur), Girijatmak (Lenyadri), Vigneshwar (Ozar), and Mahaganapati (Ranjangaon) in the state were suggested by Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Today, a review meeting was held in Dr. Gorhe’s chamber regarding the security of Ashtavinayak Devasthan, Ekvira Devi, and Tarakeshwar Mandir in Pune. Present at the meeting were Secretary of Tourism Department Jayashree Bhoj, Special Inspector General of Police Suhas Warke, Joint Secretary of Home Department Sugriv Dhapate, District Administration and Police Officers from Pune, Raigad, and Ahmednagar districts, as well as the President and office bearers of Ashtavinayak Devasthan Trust.

Dr. Gorhe emphasized the need for local administration and the Devasthan Trust to collaborate to enhance facilities for devotees, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere and security at the temples. She stressed adherence to temple customs and traditions while implementing these facilities, including disaster management systems at each shrine. Basic amenities such as solid waste management, parking systems, and clean drinking water should be adequately provided.

Surplus lands owned by the Devasthan Trust should be utilized for public welfare activities, with well-maintained internal roads and turning systems. Development of the Ashtavinayak temple and its surroundings into a prominent tourist destination was also highlighted. Dr. Gorhe advocated for improved health facilities for devotees and suggested the implementation of notice boards and signaling systems on roads leading to the temple. Proposals for temple development projects should be promptly submitted, potentially securing funds from the District Annual Plan through the respective Guardian Ministers.

Dr. Gorhe also directed the police department to enhance security measures for the shrine’s jewels and other properties, particularly in light of recent thefts at Ekvira Devi and Tarakeshwar Temples in Pune. She was felicitated by Ashtavinayak Devasthan’s Sishta Mandal for her proactive efforts in resolving various issues concerning the Devasthan.