DCM Fadnavis Announces ‘A’ Class Pilgrimage Status for Sri Kshetra Aran

Solapur : Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Sri Kshetra Aran will be granted ‘A’ Class Pilgrimage status. He also approved the first installment of ₹100 crores for the comprehensive development plan of the pilgrimage site.

The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sant Shiromani Savta Maharaj Bhakti Nivas architectural work, which was attended by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Housing Minister Atul Save, and other notable figures including MLAs Sarveshree Ram Shinde, Jayakumar Gore, Ram Satpute, Yogesh Tilekar, Sachin Kalyanshetty, and former MLAs Ram Kandge and Baliram Shiraskar. Chairman of Sant Shiromani Savata Maharaj Charitable Trust, Ravikant Maharaj Wasekar, and other prominent devotees were also present.

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the significance of Sant Savata Maharaj’s contributions to Maharashtra, noting his efforts to unite society through devotion. He recalled that in 1295, Sant Shiromani Savta Maharaj took Sanjeevan Samadhi at Aran, and emphasized that his teachings continue to guide society today.

Fadnavis noted the urgency of adopting the saint’s ideology to counteract the fragmentation of society and emphasized the importance of the Marathi language and its literature. He also announced that the state government has won the Bhide Wada case in Pune, and plans for its development are underway.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that funds will be allocated for the architectural development of the Sant Shiromani Savata Maharaj Bhakti Nivas. He stated that the comprehensive development plan for the Aran pilgrimage is being prepared by the Public Works Department and assured that the area will soon be developed to enhance facilities for devotees.

Bhujbal also announced plans to lay the foundation stone for a ₹200 crore development plan after August 15, 2024, with Prime Minister involvement. He highlighted various government schemes aimed at providing free education to girls and supporting backward classes, including the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Youth Training Programme, Free Electricity for Agriculture, Magel Aye Solar Pump, and Three Cylinder Free Yojana.

Atul Save, Minister of Housing and Other Backward Classes, emphasized that Maharashtra, known as the land of saints, is dedicated to the development of Aran, the birthplace and significant site of Saint Shiromani Savata Maharaj. He urged Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis to grant Aran ‘A’ category pilgrimage status to accelerate its development, similar to other pilgrimage sites in the state. Save also noted that ₹7,800 crores have been approved for various welfare schemes benefiting backward sections.

State Women’s Commission President Rupalitai Chakankar, MLA Yogesh Tilekar, and MLA Ram Shinde echoed these sentiments.

Book Release:

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and Housing Minister Atul Save, along with other dignitaries, released the book “Sant Savata Mali Abhang Va Vichar,” authored by Prof. Suvarna Chavan Gund.

Foundation Stone Ceremony:

The inauguration of the Sant Savata Maharaj Bhakta Parivar Melawa program and the Bhoomi Puja for various development works took place, with Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, Minister Bhujbal, and Minister Save presiding over the ceremony. They also participated in the worship of Saint Savata Maharaj’s image.

Prabhu Maharaj Mali, Secretary of the Sant Shiromani Savata Maharaj Charitable Trust, provided information on the facilities available for devotees and Varkaris at Sri Kshetra Aran. He requested the government to allocate funds for the development of the pilgrimage site, citing its neglect compared to other state pilgrimage sites. A large number of Savata Maharaj’s devotees attended the event, and thanks were extended to all dignitaries on behalf of the Trust.