Chandrapur's 400-year-old Shivling gets grand temple, Amruta Fadnavis attends

A religious ceremony marking the restoration of Maharashtra's oldest and largest Mahashivling in Chandrapur was completed with much enthusiasm on Tuesday. Amruta Devendra Fadnavis was specially present on the occasion, and her presence added to the grandeur of the historic Shiva shrine. The temple, built on the initiative and at the personal expense of MLA Kishor Jorgewar, now provides shelter to the Mahadev idol that had been in the open for more than 400 years.

Set amid nature, this ancient Mahashivling is regarded as a living symbol of Chandrapur's religious and cultural identity, but for years it remained exposed to sun, wind and rain in the open. Recognising its importance, MLA Kishor Jorgewar had taken a pledge last Shravan to restore the temple. That pledge, taken last Shravan, was fulfilled this Shravan, and not just the temple but the entire premises were transformed.

The grand temple, influenced by the traditional architectural styles of Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, has been given a distinctive and striking form. The new temple built around the ancient Mahashivling has become a unique blend of devotion, architecture and tourism. For the first time since the restoration, religious rites were performed with such devotion, immersing the entire premises in a devotional atmosphere.

Amruta Fadnavis arrived at the temple premises carrying a kavad. In her presence, worship of the Shivling was held along with chanting, Mahaabhishek, Mahaaarti and Mahakal Shringar Darshan. A large number of Shiva devotees arrived for darshan of Mahadev. At MLA Kishor Jorgewar's request, Amruta Fadnavis recited the "Shivtandav Stotra", which energised the devotees present.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kishor Jorgewar said the land on which they stood had a history going back hundreds of years. The nearly 400-year-old Shivling had lain in the open for years, a state that did not match their reverence, he said. When Amruta Fadnavis had visited Chandrapur last year, she had seen the Shivling and said it was not right for Bholenath to remain in the open like this, and that a grand temple should be built here. Her words, he said, became a pledge for them.

Jorgewar said the temple has been built based on the architectural style of Himachal Pradesh and Nepal. It is not just a project of stone, brick and cement, he said, but a structure of their faith, respect for their history, and a legacy left for future generations. He said it was his resolve to put Chandrapur on the map of religious tourism.

He further said Chandrapur is located in the middle of the country, and it is not possible for everyone to visit all twelve Jyotirlingas. For this reason, the plan to develop the temple was advanced so that devotees from central India could come to Chandrapur for darshan of this ancient Shivling. He said the premises contain idols of the vahanas of deities, structures and several other signs of antiquity, indicating that construction of a temple had possibly begun in that era but was left incomplete for some reason.

Jorgewar also spoke of the difficulties faced during the temple's construction. He said there was no shortage of obstacles after the work began; several people tried to create hurdles, questions were raised, and attempts were made in various ways to stop the work. But the work did not stop, he said, because it was not just for the temple but for Chandrapur's faith and Chandrapur's future. He said thousands of devotees are now visiting the site and discussion of Chandrapur's religious tourism has begun.

Jorgewar also said he was confident that under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, they would be protected in Maharashtra. He said that in a state where both faith and people are secure, no injustice would be allowed against this ancient Shivling of Chandrapur.

Amruta Fadnavis also praised the construction of the temple. "I came here last year, and I got the chance to come here again this time. There were attempts to stop the temple's construction, but faith is greater than force, which is why this temple could stand here. Shivtandav means change and transformation. Today I felt especially happy to come here carrying a kavad. Every face present here shows a spirit of devotion. Such religious events bring society together. If any work is done with faith and dedication, even poison turns to nectar," she said.

Because of this grand event, the ancient Mahashivling located at Lalpeth-Bhivapur has gained new importance from both a religious and tourism perspective. This Shiva shrine, until now overlooked, is becoming a centre of attraction for devotees due to the grand temple, green surroundings and historic significance. It is expected that it will emerge as a major religious centre on the district's tourism map, giving new direction to Chandrapur's religious tourism. On the occasion, individuals who had done notable work in various fields were honoured, and the foundation stone was laid for a building worth two crore rupees being constructed at the site.