NASHIK: The Government of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Arts and Chief Architect gave a nod for building a record equestrian Shivaji Maharaj statue, 21 feet high, 17 feet long and weighing 7 tons, on Shiv Tirtha in Kalvan taluka of Nashik. Due to the approval, the dream of Kalvan villagers will come true as their village shall get a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Shiv Smarak. The Bhoomi Pujan will be performed today at the Shiv Smarak (Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Memorial) designated spot in presence of various dignitaries.
The Kalvan Taluka Chhatrapati Smarak Samiti was working hard for the last several years to construct a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in their village, the deity worshipped by the people of Maharashtra. Their efforts have bore fruit as the Government of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Arts and Chief Architect permitted the village to erect an equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The Nagar Panchayat has provided half an acre of land in the central part of the city, Ambika Chowk, for the Shiv Smarak (memorial), costing around Rs 3 crore. It has also allocated Rs 50 lakh for beautification. The work on the statue is expected to cost around Rs.1.25, and the work has kickstarted in the studio of world-renowned sculptor Padma Shri Ram Sutar in Delhi. The statue is expected to reach Kalvan in early April, and the Shiv Smarak will be ready by Diwali. Apart from this, the statue shall be beautified from all sides. The villagers shall implement this project, and it will be the largest equestrian of North Maharashtra.
