CM Devendra Fadnavis approves Rs 4,150 crore development plan for Maharashtra's Pandharpur

Mumbai: In a major initiative to transform the iconic pilgrimage town of Pandharpur in Solapur district, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cleared a whopping Rs 4,150.46 crore comprehensive development plan.

Pandharpur houses the Vithoba Temple, known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, dedicated to God Vithoba - a form/incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna—and his consort Goddess Rakhumai.

The idol is called by different names: Vithoba, Pandurang, Pandhari, Vithal, Vithalnath.

The temple is located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River.

Lakhs of devotees, known as warkaris, march long distances to perform pooja and rituals at the temple of Lord Vitthal on the auspicious occasion of Ashanti Ekadasi.

The two important ‘palkis’ (palanquins) carry the ‘paduka’ (revered symbolic footwear) of Sant Tukaram Maharaj (Dehu) and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Alandi) in Pune district.

The Jagatguru Shree Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan Shri Kshetra of Dehu and Shree Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Committee of Alandi - take lead during the ‘wari’ (pilgrimage).

Besides Maharashtra, Pandharpur also attracts a large number of people from other states like Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat.

During a meeting on Monday at Mantralaya, Fadnavis, who chaired the Pandharpur Tirthkshetra Development Apex Committee, directed officials to complete the works within the next 30 months with a long-term vision for the next 50 years.

Fadnavis noted that Pandharpur is a major spiritual centre attracting devotees from all religions.

“Every year, lakhs of warkaris visit the town during the Ashadhi, Kartiki, Chaitri and Maghi wari to seek blessings of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. Considering the steadily increasing number of pilgrims and the growing pressure on infrastructure such as roads and transport, the development plan is being undertaken,” he said.

According to the proposal presented by Solapur District Collector S. Karthikeyan in the meeting, a plan worth Rs 735.80 crore was presented for corridor construction for crowd management, conservation and preservation of ancient temples and monasteries, providing business opportunities to the affected, and overall facility development for warkaris.

Additionally, a proposal worth Rs 1,387.91 crore was presented for the development of the city circumambulation path, river ghats beautification, vehicle parking and commercial complex, city beautification, roads and bridges, and Palkhi stands.

Besides this, a proposal worth Rs 2,026.75 crore was presented for land acquisition and rehabilitation costs, compensation for affected buildings, and so on.