BJP state president thanks Mahayuti govt for returning Pimpeshwar Temple land to Trust

KALYAN: BJP Maharashtra president and MLA Ravindra Chavan on Monday thanked the Mahayuti government for approving the transfer of 4.25 acres of land surrounding the historic Pimpeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dombivli to the temple trust, bringing an end to a 14-year-long struggle by devotees and local residents.Speaking at a special "Sankalp Purti Puja" organised at the temple premises, Chavan credited the Mahayuti government, led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, for taking what he described as a historic decision in favour of devotees and preserving an important religious and cultural landmark."The decision reflects the government's commitment to protecting the faith, traditions and cultural heritage of the people. After years of struggle, justice has finally been delivered to the devotees of Pimpeshwar Mahadev," Chavan said.Hundreds of devotees gathered at the temple to participate in the thanksgiving ceremony following the state cabinet's decision to hand over the land to the temple trust. The transfer is expected to facilitate preservation of the temple precincts, infrastructure development and expansion of facilities for devotees.Located in Dombivli's MIDC area, the Pimpeshwar Mahadev Temple is regarded as one of the city's oldest and most revered shrines. Chavan said the temple has been a centre of faith for generations and is considered a spiritually significant place where saints and ascetics have traditionally halted for worship and meditation.The dispute dates back to the acquisition of more than 700 hectares of land by MIDC for industrial development, following which the temple land came under MIDC control. Since then, trustees, devotees and villagers had been pursuing legal and administrative efforts seeking restoration of the land.Chavan recalled that the movement gained momentum in 2012, when BJP actively supported the cause and participated in agitations demanding that the temple land be returned to the trust. He said the issue remained a matter of faith and cultural identity for local residents.The BJP leader thanked CM Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, as well as other members of the state cabinet, for supporting the proposal. He also acknowledged the efforts of temple trustees, devotees and local residents who continued their fight for more than a decade.To celebrate the achievement, the temple trust has planned a grand religious programme, kirtan festival and community feast on June 8, with several senior leaders of the Mahayuti alliance expected to attend.