Kolhapur, 20 June 2026: The Chief Minister's Office of Maharashtra announced that Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the world-class redevelopment of the Karveernivासini Shri Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple in Kolhapur on Saturday, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presiding as the chief guest. The ceremony marked the formal launch of a new circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) and conservation work for the cluster of family deity shrines within the temple complex, along with the unveiling of a foundation stone.

Context

The Karveernivासini Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is regarded as one of India's foremost ancient and awakened Shakti Peeths, with a documented history of over 1,000 years. The shrine finds mention in several Puranas and historical texts, and is celebrated for its Hemadpanti architectural style, rich sculptural tradition, and unbroken religious customs. Millions of devotees from across India and abroad visit the temple each year, making it a vital centre of faith and cultural identity for the region.

The Maharashtra government's post described the launch as 'करवीर निवासिनी श्री महालक्ष्मी मंदिराच्या जागतिक दर्जाच्या विकासाची मुहूर्तमेढ' — 'the foundation of world-class development of the Karveernivासini Shri Mahalakshmi Temple.' The event signals the state's intent to position the Kolhapur shrine as a globally recognised pilgrimage and heritage destination.

Policy Backdrop

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Mahalakshmi Temple Development Framework with a total outlay of Rs 1,445.97 crore. A government resolution by the Planning Department cleared the first phase worth Rs 143.90 crore, covering conservation and repair of the original temple structure in accordance with archaeological guidelines. Of this, works worth Rs 32.96 crore for structural conservation and Rs 23.05 crore for electrification, CCTV installation, and lighting are already under way.

The broader three-phase master plan envisages conservation of 41 smaller shrines surrounding the main temple, beautification of the nagar pradakshina marg (town circumambulation route), and creation of modern pilgrim infrastructure. Planned facilities include a darshan mandap, community kitchen (annachhatra), independent toilet blocks, footwear stands, shops, an amphitheatre, an information centre, a security post, a multipurpose hall, a police station, a first-aid centre, a vedapathashala (Vedic school), a dining hall, and a large-capacity parking facility.

For the project, 28,058 square metres of land has been assessed, of which 19,489 square metres of private land is being acquired under a committee chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development).

Stakeholders and Impact

Pilgrims are the primary beneficiaries: the upgrades promise safer, more accessible, and modern amenities at one of Maharashtra's most visited religious sites. Local traders and the broader Kolhapur economy are expected to gain from the anticipated boost to religious tourism. Heritage bodies and the Archaeological Survey's guidelines have been built into the plan to ensure that modernisation does not compromise the temple's ancient fabric.

The project follows a pattern of integrated public investment at major Shakti Peeths and Jyotirlinga sites across India, where central and state governments have combined conservation mandates with large-scale pilgrim infrastructure. Kolhapur's cultural and spiritual identity — already well-established nationally — is set to receive significant institutional reinforcement through this initiative.

What's Next

With the first-phase works already in progress and the foundation stone now laid, attention will shift to the rollout of the remaining two phases of the master plan and the completion of the private land acquisition process covering 19,489 square metres. The state government has stated its commitment, alongside the Centre, to preserving religious, cultural, and historical heritage while delivering world-class facilities to devotees.

Senior leaders present at the event included Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Ministers Chandrakant Patil, Prakash Abitkar, Ashish Shelar, Sanjay Savkare, Makarand Jadhav-Patil, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, MP Dhananjay Mahadik, MLA Ravindra Chavan, and Kolhapur Mayor Ruparani Nikam, reflecting the political weight the state has assigned to this project.