Latest news with #Shivsrushti
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Abhay Bhutada Foundation Extends Support to Shivsrushti with Additional INR 75 Lakh Donation
VMPL Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 13: The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to social upliftment, education, and cultural preservation, has once again stepped forward to support Shivsrushti -- the ambitious theme park dedicated to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Building upon its earlier contribution of INR 50 lakh, the Foundation has now pledged an additional INR 75 lakh to ensure wider public access to the historical experience. Earlier this year, the Foundation's initial donation helped reduce ticket prices to INR 50 from May 15 to August 15, resulting in over 1.5 lakh visitors experiencing the park during the discounted period. With the fresh infusion of funds, these special rates will now be extended until October 31, allowing even more people to engage with Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage. Established in 2023, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation focuses on long-term, sustainable initiatives in the areas of education, sports, and cultural preservation. Unlike many other charitable bodies, the Foundation operates entirely on internal funding, ensuring complete independence in its decision-making. Its work is guided by the belief that philanthropy should not just provide immediate relief but also empower communities for the future. Over the past year, the Foundation has impacted lakhs of lives across Maharashtra through strategic interventions designed for measurable and lasting results. Founder and Chairman CA Abhay Bhutada, an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation's vision. Known for his work in the banking, finance, and insurance sectors, he has consistently championed causes that combine community development with cultural preservation. His personal commitment to the Shivsrushti project stems from a desire to make the history and values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj accessible to the masses at an affordable cost. Jagdish Kadam, Trustee of Maharaja Shivchhatrapati Pratishthan and Chairman of the Shivsrushti project, expressed his appreciation: "Given the public demand to extend the discounted rates and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation's generous contribution, we are thrilled to continue offering this opportunity until October 31. This initiative will help us bring Shivaji Maharaj's life and legacy to an even larger audience." The Foundation's latest donation not only ensures greater footfall at Shivsrushti but also reinforces its broader mission -- to preserve cultural heritage while enabling inclusive access for future generations.
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- India Gazette
Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis flags off Bharat Gaurav Yatra train to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj's 351st coronation anniversary
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 9 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit from Mumbai, coinciding with the celebrations of Shiv Rajyabhishek Day. CM Fadnavis greeted the people on the occasion of Shiv Rajya Abhishek day, marking the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation. Fadnavis also launched the Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train, a special tourist train that will take passengers to prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj's life over the next six days. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis told reporters, 'My greetings to everyone for the Shiv Rajya Abhishek day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swaraj. The Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit, which started today, will take the passengers to all the prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj in the next five days.' Fadnavis highlighted the overwhelming response to the train, stating that it is 100% booked on its first journey, adding that 80% of the passengers are aged below 40 years, and the youth's interest in learning about India's history. Expressing gratitude to the Centre, Fadnavis added, 'I want to thank Railway Minister Ashwni Vaishnaw and PM Modi for this...' 'The train is 100% booked on its first journey. 710 passengers are travelling in it today, and 80% of the passengers are aged below 40 years. This means that the youth wants to know about our history...,' CM Fadnavis told media reporters. True to its name, the six-day itinerary will commence its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Day 1 for Mangaon Railway station on the Konkan Railway network, the closest railway link for Raigad fort. The first destination is Raigad, known for the eponymous hill fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation or Rajyabhishek had taken place and was later his capital from where he ruled. On completion of the sightseeing, the tourists would return to the train as it proceeds to the next destination, Pune, wherein the tourists will have dinner followed by an overnight stay at a hotel in Pune. On Day 2 of the tour, the prominent sites that the tourists would be covering at Pune are Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati and Shivsrushti. Lal Mahal, as the name suggests, is a red-coloured palace constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji's father, Shahaji Bhosale, for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 CE. The present-day structure was rebuilt in 1984 on a part of the land where Lal Mahal stood and houses a vast collection of oil paintings that depict significant life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple of Kasba Ganapati, the presiding deity of Pune, dates back to 1893 and is believed to have been earmarked by Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother. Since then, the city is known as the city of Ganesha. Later in the day, the tourists shall be visiting Shivsrushti- the largest historical theme park showcasing the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Tourists will watch the life story of the Maratha ruler in 3D and will enjoy other interactive sessions. After a night's rest at Pune, on Day 3, the guests will be travelling to Shivneri, situated at a distance of 95 km from Pune city. The Shivneri Fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Junnar. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a symbol of Maratha pride and resistance against Muslim rule. Post lunch, the tourists will be visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, before returning to Pune for a night halt. On Day 4 of the itinerary, the tourists will be boarding the train for an onward journey to Satara. The key site to be covered from this station is Pratapgarh Fort, which is of immense historical importance because of the Battle of Pratapgad that took place in 1659 between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan. This battle had set the stage for the establishment of the Maratha Empire. Post visit, the tourists will take lunch at a suitable place and start back for the train as it proceeds to the last destination of this tour, Kolhapur. The train will arrive at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur Railway Station early morning on Day 5. Post wash and change and breakfast at a hotel, the tourists will proceed to the Mahalakshmi Temple, popularly known as Ambabai, followed by the Panhala Fort. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, the hill fort bears a testament to many battles and is closely connected with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who spent over 500 days as where he was held captive and later escaped. The Panhala Fort - also called the 'Fort of Snakes' since it is zigzag in shape. The Fort is associated with the life history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shambhaji Maharaj. It is remembered for the heroic valour shown by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the fight to capture the Fort. In the late evening, the train starts back on its return journey for Mumbai and reaches early morning in Mumbai on Day 6. The package has been attractively priced at Rs. 13,155/- per person in Economy (Sleeper Class), Rs 19,840/- per person in Comfort (3AC) & Rs. 27,365/- per person for Superior (2AC). The all-inclusive price in all categories will cover train journey in respective classes, night stay at comfortable hotels, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfers and sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance, services of tour escort etc. All necessary efforts will be made by IRCTC to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests. (ANI)
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Indian Express
Pune: Man held for urinating at entrance of ‘Shivsrushti'
Pune city police Saturday arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly urinating at the signboard of 'Shivsrushti', the historical theme park, in Ambegaon Budruk area of Pune city. Police have identified the accused as Amol Arun Kulkarni, a resident of Dhayari. The FIR in the matter was lodged based on a complaint filed by a student from Ambegaon Budruk, Navnath Amrale, at the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station. Police said that Amrale saw the accused urinating on a board at the entrance of 'Shivsrushti' around 3 am on Saturday. He recorded the incident on his mobile phone and also informed the police. The accused and his wife Sneha (57), who was also present at the spot, were taken to the police station, where they were placed under arrest on charges of hurting religious sentiments. Senior police inspector Savalaram Salgaonkar of Bharati Vidyapeeth police station said that a court remanded the two accused to police custody for three days. 'Shivsrushti' is an innovative historical theme park aimed at preserving the legacy of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
