28 May,2025 08:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The renovation plan is part of a broader initiative outlined in Ajit Pawar’s Budget 2025 speech, which focuses on the development of major pilgrimage sites. Pic/X
In a significant move aimed at bolstering Maharashtra's spiritual tourism, the Planning Department, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister (CM), has granted revised administrative approval for the Rs 147.81 crore âAshtavinayak Ganpati Temples Renovation and Development Plan'. A government resolution regarding this approval was issued on Wednesday.
The ambitious plan is designed to facilitate the renovation and development of the Ashtavinayak temples located across Maharashtra as well as improving their surrounding areas. The initiative will focus on enhancing infrastructure and civic amenities, benefitting both devotees and tourists. Government officials believe that the development of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit will significantly boost spiritual tourism in the state and strengthen Maharashtra's position as a hub for religious and cultural tourism.
Pawar, who is the Finance & Planning Minister of Maharashtra, has been a steadfast advocate for the Ashtavinayak renovation project, regularly convening meetings with relevant stakeholders at Mantralaya to ensure its timely execution. The revamp proposal received the approval of the Apex Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, during a cabinet meeting held on May 6 in Choundi, Ahilyanagar district. Following the cabinet's endorsement, the revised administrative approval was granted in less than two weeks.
Locals and devotees have welcomed the development and said the revamp will revitalise the Ashtavinayak temples and enhance the experience for pilgrims.
The renovation plan is part of a broader initiative outlined in Pawar's Budget 2025 speech, which focuses on the development of major pilgrimage sites. The original plan, sanctioned in 2021-22, was worth Rs 92.19 crore. In 2024, this amount was revised to Rs 147.81 crore, which has now received the final approval.
The revised approval includes substantial financial allocations for each of the eight temples in the Ashtavinayak circuit.
Details of the sanctioned amounts for each temple are given below
Shri Chintamani Temple in Theur (Pune) - Rs 7.21 crore
Shri Vighneshwar Temple in Ozar (Nashik) - Rs 7.84 crore
Shri Mayureshwar Temple in Morgaon (Pune) - Rs 8.21 crore
Shri Siddhatek Temple in Ahilyanagar - Rs 9.97 crore
Shri Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon (Pune)- Rs 12.14 crore
Shri Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali (Raigad) - Rs 26.90 crore
Shri Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad (Raigad) - Rs 28.24 crore
In all, Rs 100.53 crore has been earmarked for temple-specific projects, while Rs 47.39 crore will be allocated for other essential works, including electrification, lighting, architectural services, goods and services tax (GST), and additional expenses.
