Mumbai: The Shree Tuljapur temple development project in Tuljapur is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar in attendance. The project is expected to be completed within the next three to three and a half years, according to Transport Minister and Guardian Minister of Dharashiv district, Pratap Sarnaik.
The development project, worth Rs 1,865 crore, aims to provide better facilities to the estimated 1 to 1.5 crore devotees who visit the temple every year and to promote overall development in Tuljapur city. Minister Sarnaik emphasized the importance of completing the project swiftly and directed officials to conduct land acquisition, technical approvals, and tender processes simultaneously.
Minister Pratap Sarnaik pushes ₹1865 Cr Tuljapur temple project; goddess statue design draws criticism | File Photo
The project includes the development of the temple premises and the entire city. Minister Sarnaik also instructed officials to consider the sentiments of devotees and priests while implementing the project and to incorporate their suggestions.
Controversy over Aarti Image
The development project includes a 108-foot statue of Goddess Tuljabhawani, depicting her giving the Bhawani sword to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, some devotees and priests have objected to the goddess being depicted with eight arms.
Minister Sarnaik has directed officials to remove the image from the project's concept art on the website and to consult with archaeology experts and other stakeholders to determine the appropriate depiction of the goddess.
