Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, 20 June launched the ₹1,445.97 crore Shri Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) Temple Development Plan in Kolhapur, marking the formal commencement of one of Maharashtra's largest temple conservation and tourism infrastructure projects. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were present at the foundation stone-laying ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, Shah and his wife offered prayers and performed a ritualistic puja at the historic temple. The dignitaries then performed the traditional breaking of a coconut (shrifal) and unveiled the commemorative plaque at 'Ramacha Paar' within the temple premises, officially inaugurating the development works.

What the Project Covers

The development plan is structured around four core objectives: structural conservation of the main temple, heritage preservation of peripheral shrines, creation of modern devotee amenities, and enhancement of regional tourism infrastructure. Key works include a new circumambulation (pradakshina) path, restoration of 41 smaller surrounding temples, and beautification of the city's traditional Nagar Pradakshina Marg.

Once complete, the complex will feature a large Darshan Mandap (mega-queue complex), a community kitchen (Annachhatra), a multi-purpose hall, an amphitheatre, an information centre, a Vedic school, modern utility blocks, structured marketplaces, expansive parking facilities, a police station, security checkpoints, and a first-aid medical centre.

Phased Execution and Funding

The Maharashtra Cabinet officially approved the ₹1,445.97 crore outlay on 6 May 2025. The project is being executed in three distinct phases. The Planning Department sanctioned ₹143.90 crore for the first phase on 28 August 2025, focused exclusively on structural conservation under strict archaeological guidelines.

Currently, ₹32.96 crore worth of structural restoration work is underway, alongside a ₹23.05 crore project covering advanced electrification, CCTV installation, and aesthetic lighting across the complex.

Land Acquisition Under Way

To support the infrastructure upgrade, a total of 28,058 square metres of land has been assessed. The acquisition of 19,489 square metres of private land is being fast-tracked under a high-level committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development). The pace of acquisition will be a key determinant of the project's overall timeline.

Significance of the Temple

The Shri Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi Temple is recognised as one of India's most ancient and prominent Shakti Peethas — seats of cosmic power in Hindu tradition. Built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style and boasting a history of over a thousand years, the temple draws millions of devotees annually from across India and abroad. The development plan aims to preserve this heritage while significantly elevating the visitor experience.

With land acquisition ongoing and phased disbursements already in motion, the project's execution over the coming years will determine whether Kolhapur emerges as a major religious tourism destination on par with Tirupati and Vaishno Devi.