Pune: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Visits Bhimashankar, Announces Plans for Enhanced Temple Facilities

Bhimashankar, 2nd September 2024: Shravan Somwar (Shravan Monday) is considered very auspicious by the people of Maharashtra, and Shiva temples are visited on a large scale during these days. Today was the last Shravan Somwar and the final day of the Shravan month for this year. In observance, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde visited Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga with his family, including Thane MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, his son. He was also accompanied by former MP Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil.

Eknath Shinde has been visiting Bhimashankar for darshan every year for the past twenty years. Due to the adverse weather conditions this year, he had to make an emergency landing in Landewadi, Bhosari, approximately 100 km away from Bhimashankar, by helicopter. He then travelled to Bhimashankar for darshan from there. Due to the thick fog and rainy weather in Bhimashankar, the conditions were challenging.

At the temple, Deputy Executive Trustee Madhukar Gawande offered prayers on behalf of the Chief Minister. Following this, prayers were conducted in the presence of all the Brahmins of Bhimashankar. During the visit, the temple president, Suresh Kaudare, made several suggestions regarding future plans. He mainly proposed that an arrangement for bathing be made near Gyanvapi Kund for the devotees visiting Bhimashankar.

CM Eknath Shinde said, “Maharashtra is the most progressive state in the country. In this state, the government is implementing welfare schemes such as Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 2024, Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme 2024, and Free Higher Education for Girls Scheme. If the people and Bhimashankar bless us, I will have the opportunity to visit as Chief Minister again next Shravan.”

CM Shinde continued, “All the facilities that can be provided for the devotees will be made available in Bhimashankar, and the government will not fall short. All the demands raised by Bhimashankar trustees and villagers will be fulfilled.” When asked if Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil would accompany him again, CM Shinde replied, “Wherever Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil is, he is with me.”