Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched the ₹1,500-crore Shri Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) Temple Development Plan in Kolhapur, aimed at preserving the historic shrine, enhancing facilities for devotees and promoting regional tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Shah said the Maharashtra government is undertaking the renovation and corridor development of the Ambabai Temple at an estimated cost of ₹1,500 crore.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Earlier, Shah and his wife offered prayers and performed rituals at the Shri Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi Temple. The dignitaries also performed the traditional coconut-breaking ceremony and unveiled a plaque at ‘Ramacha Paar’ within the temple complex, formally marking the commencement of the project.
The development plan includes the construction of a new pradakshina path, conservation of peripheral shrines and preservation of the main temple structure.
Recognised as one of India’s oldest and most revered Shakti Peethas, the Shri Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi Temple has a history spanning more than a millennium. Built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, the temple attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year.
According to a government release, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved ₹1,445.97 crore for the project on May 6, 2025. The initiative will be implemented in three phases.
The Planning Department sanctioned ₹143.90 crore for the first phase on August 28, 2025, focusing on structural conservation in accordance with archaeological guidelines. Restoration work worth ₹32.96 crore is currently underway, while a ₹23.05-crore project covering electrification, CCTV surveillance and architectural lighting is also in progress.
The project also envisages the restoration of 41 smaller temples surrounding the main shrine and the beautification of the traditional Nagar Pradakshina Marg. A total of 28,058 square metres of land has been earmarked for the project, while acquisition of 19,489 square metres of private land is being expedited by a high-level committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development).
Upon completion, the temple complex will feature a mega queue complex (Darshan Mandap), an Annachhatra, a multipurpose hall, an amphitheatre, an information centre and a Vedic school. The plan also includes modern amenities, shoe storage facilities, organised marketplaces, expanded parking areas, administrative offices, a police station, security checkpoints and a first-aid centre.
-IANS
