16 June,2026 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is one of Maharashtra`s most revered pilgrimage centres and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during the annual Ashadhi and Kartiki pilgrimages. PIC/X
The Maharashtra government has approved the allotment of 3 hectares and 12 gunthas of government land to the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Committee in Pandharpur to develop facilities for devotees and establish a cow conservation centre.
The land, located in Survey No 161 near Yamai Lake in Pandharpur, has been sanctioned following a decision taken by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on the suggestion of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
According to the government, the executive officer of the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Committee had sought the allotment of the land to create infrastructure for the convenience of lakhs of devotees visiting the temple from across the state and to set up a 'Gomata Palan-Sanvardhan Kendra (cow care and conservation centre)'.
The government has stipulated that the land must be put to use for the approved purposes within three years of the allotment. The land can be utilised only for cow conservation and facilities for devotees, and prior permission from the government will be required for any other temporary or permanent use.
Further legal formalities related to the transfer of the land will be completed through the Solapur district administration.
The Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is one of Maharashtra's most revered pilgrimage centres and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during the annual Ashadhi and Kartiki pilgrimages.
Last month, the Maharashtra government approved a comprehensive development plan worth Rs 4,150.46 crore for Pandharpur, a key religious destination in the state.
The decision was taken at a high-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
He directed officials to complete the entire project within 30 months, keeping in mind future requirements for the next 50 years.
Fadnavis stressed the need to provide proper infrastructure for the growing number of devotees visiting the town every year.
The chief minister said that the development work should ensure a clean, safe and less crowded environment, while also improving the overall spiritual experience for visitors.
According to proposals presented at the meeting, major works will include:
- Construction of corridors for crowd management
- Conservation and restoration of ancient temples and monasteries
- Development of facilities for pilgrims and local residents
- Beautification of river ghats
- Development of roads, bridges and parking facilities
- Creation of commercial complexes and public amenities
