First Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

• 18 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's first temple in Bhiwandi, Thane district, to mark the Maratha warrior king’s birth anniversary according to the Hindu lunar calendar. 

 

Key Points 

• National Temple: 
  • The CM referred to the temple as a “national temple”, emphasizing its inspirational value. 
  • He highlighted that the temple honours Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, allowing devotees to witness the glory of the Maratha king. 
  • Shivaji Maharaj fought battles for God, country, and faith, ensuring the right to worship Ishta Devas (personal Gods). 
• Structure & Design: 
  • The first grand temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra spans four acres in the Marade Pada region, Thane district. 
  • Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple’s structure. 
  • Sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who also created the Ram temple idol in Ayodhya, carved the 6.5-feet idol of Shivaji Maharaj for this temple. 
• Efforts for UNESCO Recognition & Memorial in Agra: 
  • The Maharashtra government has approached UNESCO to recognize 12 forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj under the Maratha Military Landscape of India. 
  • These 12 forts are: 
    • Maharashtra: Lohagad, Salher, Raigad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Panhala, Khanderi Fort. 
    • Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort. 
  • The State has also sought permission from Uttar Pradesh to build a memorial in Agra, marking Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Aurangzeb’s captivity in 1666. 

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• Birth: 
  • He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. 
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him. 
• Early Life: 
  • He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur. 
  • He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur. 
• Granted Title: 
  • He was crowned as the king of the Marathas on 6th June , 1674, at Raigad. 
  • He took on the titles of Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak. 
  • The Maratha Kingdom founded by Shivaji grew larger over time and became the dominant Indian power in the early 18th century. 
• Death: 
  • He died on 3rd April 1680.