Pune: 18 Saints’ Padukas on Display at Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple

Pune, 10th September 2024: The Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple’s public Ganesh festival is featuring a special display of the ‘padukas’ (sacred footwear) of 18 saints. Additionally, a replica of the Shri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math has been created.

This replica was enthusiastically inaugurated by well-known entrepreneur Punit Balan on Monday, September 9, at 6 p.m. Key figures at the event included Ravindra Malvadkar (President, Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple), Bhai Katre (Vice President, Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple), Shivani Malvadkar, Vijay Gore, Nitin Kale, Yogesh Nimbalakar, Anand Salunkhe, and Dhananjay Kale.

The display includes the padukas of saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai, Namdev, Janabai, Narhari Sonar, Sena Maharaj, Nilobaraya, Ramdas, Venabai, Mahavatar, Swami Samarth, Tembe Swami, Shankar Maharaj, and Gulvani Maharaj. From September 9 to September 15, the padukas of one saint will be featured each day, including the original padukas of Shri Sai Baba, Jangli Maharaj, Akkalkot Swami Samarth, Mali Maharaj, Gajanan Maharaj, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Established in 1919, the Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple boasts a legacy of 105 years and works towards promoting national unity.

At the event, Punit Balan remarked, “The Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple Ganesh Festival Committee demonstrates how social initiatives can be effectively carried out through Ganesh mandals. The mandal’s volunteers are consistently stepping up during times of need in society. Today’s visit provided me with insight into their social initiatives, and we are always ready to support such efforts. Ravindra Malvadkar has been a guiding force during the festival, offering invaluable advice to volunteers, committees, and the administration. His experience will be crucial in advancing the festival.”

Ravindra Malvadkar shared details about the Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple and its Ganesh festival, as well as various social initiatives such as ‘Vanchitanchi Diwali’ (Diwali for the underprivileged) and the ‘Sarvadharmiya Ashadhi Wari’ (All-Faith Pilgrimage). “We design and strive for initiatives aimed at benefiting the most marginalized sections of society,” he stated.

The volunteers of the mandal and the artists responsible for the display were felicitated by Punit Balan. Shivani Malvadkar delivered the introductory speech, and Bhai Katre offered the vote of thanks.