Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to face neglect by successive governments
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – After a prolonged gap of 55 years, the Maharashtra government has increased the annual grant for the Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple located at Sindhudurg Fort from ₹3,000 to ₹1 lakh. However, this increased amount is still much lower than the funds allocated for the maintenance of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
📍 Aurangzeb’s tomb gets more funds than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Temple — A National Shame!
A press conference was held by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti today in Ratnagiri highlighting the continued neglect of the historic Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji… pic.twitter.com/L4ymOgcYPf
— HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) May 23, 2026
₹2,55,160 was allocated annually (for the year 2022-23) for the maintenance of Aurangzeb’s tomb, while a mere ₹1 Lakh is allocated to the revered deity of Maharashtra. This disparity has sparked strong discontent among Hindus. This is an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya and the pride of Maharashtra.
Addressing a press conference in Ratnagiri, Shri. Govind Bhardwaj, District Coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), raised a sharp question: “Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had instructed the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department to allocate ₹50,000 monthly. Then how did this amount shrink so drastically? Do administrative officials value Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj less than Aurangzeb?”
The press conference was attended by prominent personalities including Sanjay Joshi (State Coordinator, Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh), Mayur Bhitale (Ratnagiri Division Head, Gad Kille Sanvardhan Pratishthan Maharashtra State), Arvind Baraskar (Shiv Charitra Orator), Dipesh Warange (District President, Gad Kille Sanvardhan Pratishthan), Advocate Amit Kate, and Soham Khanvilkar (Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan, Ratnagiri).
Funds for Aurangzeb’s tomb more than double
According to information received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Archaeological Survey of India allocated ₹2,55,160 in 2022-23 and ₹2,00,626 in 2023 for the maintenance and repair of Aurangzeb’s tomb. This is more than double the ₹1 lakh annual grant now approved for Shri Shivajeshwar Temple.
The new annual grant of ₹1 lakh works out to just ₹8,333 per month or approximately ₹274 per day. This meagre sum is supposed to cover daily worship expenses including flowers, garlands, lamps, incense, coconuts, prasad, idol clothing and ornaments, temple cleaning, premises maintenance, daily boat travel to the fort, salaries of the priest and cleaning staff, as well as occasional repairs, painting, and major events like Shiv Jayanti celebrations.
Long neglect by successive governments
For the past several years, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hindu Vidhidhna Parishad, and devotees of Shivaji Maharaj have been consistently demanding an increase in the grant. It has taken 55 long years for the government to raise the monthly allocation from a mere ₹250 to ₹8,333.
While many previous governments invoked Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s name for political benefit and promoted secularism, none took concrete steps for the proper upkeep of this unique temple. The current Mahayuti government, which claims to follow Hindutva and the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj, has taken a positive step by increasing the grant on May 20, 2026. However, the amount is still far from sufficient.
Strong demands by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has demanded immediate strict action against officials responsible for the prolonged neglect of the temple. The organisation has also called for the funds allocated to Aurangzeb’s tomb to be stopped immediately and redirected towards the Shri Shivajeshwar Temple.
The Samiti has made it clear that their struggle will continue until a special provision is made for at least ₹1 lakh per month (₹12 lakh annually) for this historic temple built by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, along with complete beautification of the temple premises.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti strongly demands that the government deliver justice to Maharashtra’s pride and identity by taking prompt and appropriate action.
Stop funding Aurangzeb’s tomb – Provide due aid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mandir! – HJS’s demand
March 10, 2025
Lakhs of Rupees for Aurangzeb’s Tomb, but only ₹250 for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Temple?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) spends lakhs of rupees annually on the upkeep of Aurangzeb’s tomb, while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s temple at Sindhudurg Fort receives a mere ₹250 per month in government aid. This stark disparity is outrageous and unacceptable.
Shocking Expenditure Details:
1. ₹2,55,160 spent on Aurangzeb’s tomb in 2021-22
2. ₹2,00,626 spent till November 2022-23
3. Total expenditure so far: Approximately ₹6.50 lakh
In contrast, Maharashtra’s only mandir dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a symbol of Hindu pride, Maharashtrian culture, and Swarajya, receives minimal support from the Maharashtra Government.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Demand:
1. Immediate halt to financial aid for Aurangzeb’s tomb.
2. Substantial financial assistance for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Temple at Sindhudurg Fort.
Shri. Sunil Ghanwat, State Coordinator, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, has urged the government to act swiftly to uphold Maharashtra’s heritage and pride. Failure to do so will lead to strong protests from the Hindu community.