Sant Namdev Maharaj’s Birthplace is a Living University – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Honoured with the ‘Shri Bhakta Shiromani Namdev Maharaj Award’

Pandharpur/Solapur : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the birthplace of Sant Namdev Maharaj as a “living, breathing university.” He praised the saint’s role in spreading Bhagwat Dharma beyond Maharashtra and strengthening the cultural identity of Warkari tradition across India. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that lakhs of devotees from across the country gather in Pandharpur during the Wari, and the state government is committed to their well-being and service.

Eknath Shinde was honoured with the Shri Bhakta Shiromani Sant Namdev Maharaj Award during the 675th Sanjeevan Samadhi ceremony of Sant Namdev Maharaj and Sant Janabai. The award was presented by the descendants of Sant Namdev Maharaj at his temple. The award included a certificate and an emblem of honour.

Present on the occasion were MLAs Samadhan Awatade, Abhijeet Patil, Uttam Jankar, former MLAs Shahaji Bapu Patil and Jaywant Jagtap, senior kirtankars, trustees, and dignitaries from the Sant Samadhi Trust and Sant lineage community.

In his speech, Shinde expressed gratitude, calling it his fortune to receive an award on the sacred land of Sant Namdev’s birthplace. He humbly said he accepted the honour not as personal recognition but as a tribute to the collective efforts of his colleagues, adding that the award held greater value than any political office.

He emphasized that the upliftment of farmers and Warkaris is the government’s priority and that, in the spirit of Sant Namdev’s teachings, development should reach the last person in society. He added that the government prioritizes religious institutions over political ones, and is committed to serving the saints and sages of Maharashtra.

For the first time in history, the government has announced grants for Warkari processions and initiated facilities like insurance coverage, health check-up camps, clean drinking water, accommodation, and sanitation. All these are being carried out with public participation and the blessings of Lord Pandurang, he said.

Significance of Pilgrimage Development and Value Centres

The Deputy CM shared that the state’s grant for pilgrimage centres has been increased from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore. Temples are now regarded as centres of cultural and spiritual learning, and the government has conferred the status of ‘State Mother’ to the cow. A dedicated Warkari Development Board has been established in Maharashtra to address the needs of the Warkari community more effectively.

Shinde emphasized that Lord Pandurang resides in every Warkari, and it is the collective duty of all to safeguard dharma. He added that Sant Namdev was not just a symbol of devotion but also a disseminator of knowledge, which is why his teachings have spread far and wide across the nation.

He concluded by saying that the thoughts of saints and the Warkari tradition define the true identity of Maharashtra – a land of saints, warriors, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is our responsibility, he said, to pass these teachings on to the younger generation.

Earlier in the day, Deputy CM Shinde offered prayers at Keshavraj Temple and was formally presented with the first-ever Shri Bhakta Shiromani Namdev Maharaj Award by the saint’s descendants. He was honoured with a ceremonial turban, shawl, and a citation.

In his welcome speech, Akshay Maharaj Bhosale shared insights into the legacy of Sant Namdev Maharaj and his lineage, and explained the purpose behind instituting the award. Spiritual leaders H.B.P. Chaitanya Maharaj Deglurkar and Rana Maharaj Vaskar also shared their thoughts on the occasion.