Daijiworld Media Network – Tuljapur

Tuljapur, Jun 17: The ambitious Shree Tuljapur Temple Development Project, worth Rs 1,865 cr, is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar in attendance.

Transport Minister and Dharashiv Guardian Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that the project aims to improve facilities for the 1 to 1.5 cr annual devotees and boost overall development in Tuljapur city. The project is expected to be completed in three to three and a half years.

Sarnaik directed officials to fast-track land acquisition, approvals, and tendering. He also urged sensitivity to the sentiments of devotees and priests, incorporating their suggestions into the project plan.

A key feature includes a 108-foot statue of Goddess Tuljabhawani, shown presenting the Bhawani sword to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, some devotees and priests objected to the goddess being shown with eight arms.

Responding to concerns, Sarnaik ordered the image's removal from the website and sought input from archaeology experts and stakeholders on the appropriate depiction of the deity.