Description

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Context

The newly inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra serves as a historical & cultural landmark drawing inspiration from Shivaji forts & commemorating his legacy.

Key Highlights

This temple is Maharashtra first ever temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

It is only second such temple in India with first one located in Srisailam, Telangana.

The temple aims to honor Maratha warrior legacy celebrate his contributions & promote cultural tourism in Maharashtra.

The temple foundation was laid in 2017 by Shivkranti Pratishthan Trust.

The temple was formally inaugurated on March 17, 2024 on occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj birth anniversary (as per Hindu calendar).

The entire construction process spanned over six years incorporating historical & architectural elements inspired by Shivaji Maharaj forts.

The temple covers an area of 2,500 square feet & its fort like boundary wall spans an additional 5,000 square feet.

The architecture is inspired by forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj featuring:

Bastions (stronghold towers) & fortifications.

Mahadwara (grand entrance) with traditional wooden & stonework carvings.

Massive teakwood gates measuring 27 feet high & 17 feet wide.

A 42 foot high main entrance reminiscent of historical Maratha forts.

Pillars with intricate carvings & mahirap (ornamental) arches blending Maratha & traditional temple architecture.

The structure is made of reinforced concrete, brickwork & real stone ensuring both durability & historical authenticity.

The central deity of temple is a 6.5-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sculpted from Krishnashila (blackstone).

This intricately detailed statue was created by renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj famous for: 22-foot statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, New Delhi; 12-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath; idol of Ram Lalla at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya.

The idol captures Shivaji Maharaj regal posture symbolizing courage, leadership & warrior spirit.

The lower part of temple features 36 sections each showcasing murals measuring 9x6 feet.

These murals illustrate important events from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj life such as:

His coronation as Chhatrapati.

His military campaigns against Mughals & Adilshahi forces.

His naval strategies & establishment of India first modern navy.

His administrative reforms & welfare policies.

The construction & defense of Maratha forts like Raigad, Pratapgad & Sindhudurg.

The temple also houses a historical weapons & armor museum displaying replicas of swords, shields & Maratha era battle equipment.

The temple pays homage to Shivaji Maharaj legacy as a ruler, warrior & protector of dharma.

It serves as a symbol of Maratha pride & heritage attracting devotees, historians & tourists.

It acts as a center for cultural events, educational programs & historical awareness initiatives.

Raju Chaudhary construction magnate & devotee of Shivaji Maharaj donated land & funds for temple construction.

The temple is expected to boost tourism & local employment opportunities in Bhiwandi & Thane district.

Shivkranti Pratishthan Trust has requested government assistance to: Develop area as a tourist & pilgrimage hub; Establish hostel facilities for visiting devotees & tourists; Set up a police chowki (outpost) for security & visitor assistance.

Maharashtra CM has announced plans to grant temple official status of a pilgrimage site further strengthening its cultural & economic impact.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Category	Details
Full Name	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Birth	February 19, 1630 (as per popular belief), Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra
Parents	Shahaji Bhosale (Father) & Jijabai (Mother)
Dynasty	Bhosale Clan
Coronation	June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort; took title Chhatrapati (Sovereign King)
Death	April 3, 1680, Raigad Fort
Successor	Sambhaji Maharaj
Kingdom	Founder of Maratha Empire
Major Battles	Battle of Pratapgad (1659) against Afzal Khan Battle of Kolhapur (1659) against Adilshahi forces Battle of Purandar (1665) against Mughals
Forts Built or Captured	Raigad Fort (Capital) Pratapgad Fort Sindhudurg Fort Torna Fort (First Fort Captured)
Naval Achievements	Established India first modern navy Built naval forts like Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg
Administration	Introduced Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) for efficient governance Promoted welfare policies & religious tolerance
Religious Policy	Respected all religions Protected Hindu temples & patronized saints like Samarth Ramdas
Economic Reforms	Promoted trade & commerce Encouraged local industries & agriculture
Mughal Relations	Initially made treaties with Aurangzeb, later fought several wars against Mughal Empire
Escape from Agra	Arrested by Aurangzeb in 1666, but escaped from Agra using clever disguise
Historical Significance	Known as Father of Indian Navy Laid foundation of Swarajya (Self-rule) in India
Legacy & Memorials	Shiv Jayanti celebrated every year on February 19 Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) named in his honor Several statues & memorials across India

Forts Associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Fort Name	Location	Significance	Current Status
Raigad Fort	Maharashtra	Capital of Maratha Empire; Shivaji's coronation took place here	Popular tourist site & heritage fort
Pratapgad Fort	Maharashtra	Site of famous battle against Afzal Khan in 1659	Well-preserved historical site
Sindhudurg Fort	Maharashtra	Built to strengthen Maratha naval power; located on an island	Maintained as a historical fort
Rajgad Fort	Maharashtra	Early capital of Maratha Empire; Shivaji stayed here for years	Popular trekking destination
Torna Fort	Maharashtra	First fort captured by Shivaji at age 16 in 1645	Tourist attraction & trekking site
Purandar Fort	Maharashtra	Surrendered to Mughals in 1665 under Treaty of Purandar	Historic site, Army training camp
Lohagad Fort	Maharashtra	Used to store treasure & supplies	Maintained as a tourist attraction
Karnala Fort	Maharashtra	Strategic fort controlling trade routes near Mumbai	Located in Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Vijaydurg Fort	Maharashtra	Important naval fort; stronghold against Portuguese & British	Well-preserved fort with coastal views
Suvarnadurg Fort	Maharashtra	Naval fort; controlled trade routes along Konkan coast	Heritage site maintained by ASI
Panhala Fort	Maharashtra	Shivaji’s escape from Siddi Johar took place here in 1660	Historic monument, tourist site
Shivneri Fort	Maharashtra	Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj	Well-maintained, heritage site
Rajmachi Fort	Maharashtra	Strategic fort overseeing trade routes between Mumbai & Pune	Popular trekking destination
Malvan Fort (Padmadurg)	Maharashtra	Built as a countermeasure against Siddis of Janjira	Remains of fort still exist
Janjira Fort (Attempted Capture)	Maharashtra	Unconquered fort; Shivaji attempted to capture it multiple times	Still intact, popular tourist site

For more information, please visit IAS GYAN

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Match forts with their historical significance:

Fort	Historical Importance
A) Pratapgad	1) Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
B) Shivneri	2) Site of battle against Afzal Khan
C) Rajgad	3) Early capital of Maratha Empire
D) Sindhudurg	4) Naval fort built by Shivaji