Maharashtra has many pilgrimage and heritage centers located in various parts of the state that hold immense significance in the social, religious, and cultural lives of the respective localities as well as the whole state. Some sites are very famous and generate lakhs of tourists round the year, while many others remain under oblivion due to infrastructure and accessibility issues. These less travelled or little known places can also create good tourism potentials and employment opportunities for the locals through proper optimization initiatives. With this vision in mind, the Mahayuti government 2.0 decided to develop such remote pilgrimage and cultural sites by implementing the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Development Scheme.’ Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, many such remote religious/cultural places are being developed through this scheme.
Rural Pilgrimage Development Fund Increased to ₹25 Crore
Developing pilgrimage sites is not merely about upholding religious traditions; it also means development of the villages where they are located. Under the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Development Scheme,’ the rural villages with religious and cultural significance will experience comprehensive development and beautification initiatives, in terms of improving roads, water supply, sanitation facilities, accommodation, electricity, parking arrangements, security walls, and tree plantation to enhance infrastructure, accessibilities, and aesthetics of these places. For this purpose, the government has decided to raise the funding limit for the pilgrimage development programs. Previously this limit was capped at ₹2 crore. Under the new policy decision, this limit will be increased to ₹5 crore for B-class rural pilgrimage centers and ₹25 crore for major A-class sites in the state. While the A category list comprises the well-known sites like Shirdi, Pandharpur, Trambhakeshwar, which are already big centers for religious tourism, the real beneficiaries under this scheme will be the 480 smaller pilgrimage sites in the B category list, situated across various districts.
Improved infrastructure and basic amenities for visitors
After forming the Mahayuti government 2.0, CM Devendra Fadnavis stressed on reinvigorating religious tourism in the state through the development of established and less known religious places. For this purpose, the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Teerth Development Fund Scheme’ was introduced on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Holkar. The scheme was approved in the state cabinet meeting on December 14, 2023. Now this scheme is being implemented rapidly. Along with developing infrastructure of the religious places in rural areas, emphasis is being laid on repairing the temples or dargahs as well. The works under this project includes roads, water supply, toilets, parking space, accommodation for devotees, security walls, arrangement of street lamps and planting of trees in the temple area.
Funds have been allocated through government resolutions to implement the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Development Scheme.’ Several projects have been approved by the government and many are under process. For instance, ₹5 crore has been sanctioned for Shri Kshetra Tribhuvan Garh (Bhandyacha Mal) in Karhedgaon (Beed district), and ₹4 crore for the Hazrat Sat Sayyad Peer Dargah in Nangole (Sangli district). Additionally, funds amounting to ₹4 crore for Shri Kshetra Avdhut Maharaj Sansthan (Karla, Amravati district), ₹3.77 crore for Shri Dhanamma Devi Temple (Jat, Sangli district), and ₹2.92 crore for Shri Renuka Mata Devasthan (Beed) have been approved. This scheme facilitates the development of rural pilgrimage sites and their surrounding areas to foster religious tourism, generate local employment, and boost the local economies.
By launching this scheme in the name of Ahilyadevi Holkar, the Mahayuti government has endeavored to maintain her legacy of constructing and protecting the temples, river ghats, and dharamshalas in Maharashtra to encourage people to visit these holy places and perform religious rituals. Following in her footsteps, the new scheme is driving a similar mission in the modern era. Under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, this is a commendable initiative to create awareness about the sacred and cultural sites in rural Maharashtra and encourage religious tourism to these places.
Approval of grants under the Scheme – Government Decision
Shri Siddheshwar Temple, Salgare, Miraj, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹2,25,53,140. Government Decision: 16 July 2025
Hazrat Sat Sayyad Peer Dargah, Nangole, Kavathe Mahankal Taluka, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹4,09,68,481. Government Decision: 16 July 2025
Shri Dhanammadevi Temple, Mauje Guddapur, Jat Taluka, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹3,77,98,826. Government Decision: 10 September 2025
Shri Biroba Temple, Arewadi, Kavathe Mahankal, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹1,99,77,314. Government Decision: 10 September 2025
Shri Jitsiddh Devasthan, Brahmnal, Palus, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹1,79,98,000. Government Decision: 11 September 2025
Shri Lingeshwar Maharaj Math, Alasand, Khanapur Taluka, Sangli District. Administrative Approval: ₹89,99,000. Government Decision: 11 September 2025
Shri Bhusiddhanath Devasthan, Bhud, Taluka Khanpur, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 3 crore 59 lakh 98 thousand. Government Decision – 11 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Sangameshwar Devasthan, Haripur, Taluka Miraj, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 49 lakh 19 thousand. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Someshwar Temple, Mauje Khatav, Taluka Miraj, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 79 lakh 91 thousand. Government Decision – 15 September 2025
Someshwar Temple, Mauje Khatav, Taluka Miraj, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 40 lakh. Government Decision – 15 September 2025
Kal Bhairavnath Devasthan, Mauje Bilur, Taluka Jat, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore. Government Decision – 13 October 2025
Shri Ekvireshwar Mahadev Temple, Kargani, Taluka Atpadi, District Sangli. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 82 lakh. Government Decision – 13 October 2025
Shri Chimkai Devi Temple, Chimgaon, Taluka Kagal, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 88 lakh. Government Decision – 12 August 2025; Administrative Approval – Rs. 72.08 lakh. Government Decision – 12 August 2025
Shri Beljai Temple, Mauje Undarwadi, Taluka Kagal, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹1.44 crore. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Jangalsaheb Gaibi Pir Dargah, Mauje Sangav, Taluka Kagal, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹2.4814 crore. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Kedarling Temple (Khambling), Mauje Pimpalgaon Bk., Taluka Kagal, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹2.5165 crore. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Bhutoba Temple, Akurde, Taluka Bhudargad, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹1.2780 crore. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Bhairavnath Temple, Mauje Khotwadi, Taluka Panhala, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹1.5986 crore. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Santubai Temple, Mauje Herwad, Taluka Shirol, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹1.5998 crore. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Santubai Temple, Mauje Herwad, Taluka Shirol, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – ₹1.6050 crore. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Kedarling (Jyotirlinga) Temple, Borwade village, Kagal Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 2 crore 2 lakh 48 thousand. Government decision – October 10, 2025.
Hivarkhan Birdev Temple, Kumbhoj village, Hatkanangale Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – September 18, 2025.
Jugai Devi Temple, Yelvan Jugai village, Shahuwadi Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 2 crore 25 lakh 60 thousand. Government decision – September 23, 2025.
Jugai Devi Temple, Yelvan Jugai village, Shahuwadi Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 1 crore 92 lakh. Government decision – September 23, 2025.
Shri Mahalakshmi Vitthalai Temple, Thikpurli village, Radhanagari Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 5 lakh 29 thousand. Government decision – October 13, 2025.
Shri Mahalakshmi Vitthalai Temple, Thikpurli, Radhanagari Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 1 crore 23 lakh 5 lakh 80 thousand. Government decision – October 13, 2025.
Extreme Area, Vrishabhachal, Nandni, Shirol Taluka, Kolhapur district. Administrative approval – Rs. 2 crore 19 lakh 19 thousand. Government decision – October 13, 2025.
Shri Kshetra Bahubali, Village Kumbhoj, Hatkanangale, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 80 lakh. Government Decision – October 13, 2025
Shri Birdev Temple, Village Mangaon, Hatkanangale, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 35 lakh 53 thousand. Government Decision – October 13, 2025
Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Village Khotwadi, Hatkanangale, District Kolhapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 39 lakh 99 thousand. Government Decision – October 10, 2025
Shri Kshetra Tribhuvan Gad (Bhandyacha Mal), Karhedagaon, Ashti, District Beed. Administrative Approval – Rs. 5 crore. Government Decision – August 12, 2025
Shri Kshetra Machhindranath Devasthan, Sawargaon Tal, Ashti, District Beed. Administrative Approval – Rs. 3 crore 20 lakh. Government Decision – September 10, 2025
Shri Kshetra Sant Mirabai Guru Bhagwan Sansthan, Mahansangvi, Tal, Patoda, District Beed. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 40 lakh. Government Decision – September 10, 2025
Shri Kshetra Gorakshanath Tekdi, Ghatsavali, Tal, District Beed. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 11 lakh 50 thousand. Government Decision – September 15, 2025
Shri Kshetra Renuka Mata Devasthan, Belgaon, Taluka Ashti, District Beed. Administrative approval – ₹2.92 crore. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Tuljabhavani Devasthan, Belura, Taluka & District Beed. Administrative approval – ₹1.481 crore. Government decision – 13 October 2025.
Shri Kshetra Nagnath Mahadev Sansthan, Nagtala, Taluka Ashti, District Beed. Administrative approval – ₹1.80 crore. Government decision – 10 October 2025.
Shri Kshetra Madan Maharaj Vidya Prasarak Mandal, Kada, Taluka Ashti, District Beed. Administrative approval – ₹1.80 crore. Government decision – 10 October 2025.
Shri Kshetra Avadhut Maharaj Sansthan, Karla, Taluka Chandur Railway, District Amravati. Administrative approval – ₹1.80 crore. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Sant Khapti Maharaj Sansthan, Bagapur, Taluka Chandur Railway, District Amravati. Administrative approval – ₹4 crore. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Chakradhar Charanik Pandeshwar Devasthan, Waki Raipur, Taluka Bhatkuli, District Amravati. Administrative approval – ₹24 lakh. Government decision – 1 September 2025.
Kapoor Vihir Sansthan, Vihirpur (Ashtamsiddhi), Taluka Achalpur, District Amravati. Administrative Approval – Rs. 40 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Jalaluddin Baba Dargah, Amner, Taluka Warud, District Amravati. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 8 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Hanuman Temple, Vedhapur, Taluka Warud, District Amravati. Administrative Approval – Rs. 51 lakh 86 thousand. Government Decision – 15 September 2025
Avadhut Maharaj Sansthan, Savanga Vithoba, Taluka Chandur Railway, District Amravati. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 21 lakh 50 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Kshetra Nagmandir Sansthan, Gawal Chandurwadi, Taluka Chandur Railway, District Amravati. Administrative Approval – Rs. 4 crore. Government Decision – 13 October 2025
Shri Kshetra Bhairavnath Temple Devasthan, Ankoli, Taluka Mohol, District Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 29 lakh 25 thousand 972. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Kamsiddha Devasthan, Khomnal, Taluka Mangalvedha, District Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 79 lakh 51 thousand 155. Government Decision – 11 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Kamsiddha Devasthan, Hivargaon, Tal. Mangalwedha, Dist. Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 73 lakh 48 thousand 89. Government decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Mahalingarai Devasthan, Huljanti, Tal. Mangalwedha, Dist. Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 55 lakh 22 thousand 597. Government decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Lakshmi Devi Devsthan Lakshmi Dahiwadi, Tal. Mangalwedha, Dist. Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 47 lakh 11 thousand 392. Government decision – 13 October 2025
Shri Bhairavnath Devasthan Sarkoli, Tal. Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 31 lakh 1 thousand 54. Government decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Khanderao Maharaj Devasthan Khedgaon, Tal. Dindori, District Nashik. Administrative approval. Government decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Mothebaba Temple, Dapur, Tal. Sinnar, District Nashik. Administrative approval – Rs 2 crore 40 lakh. Government decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Khanderao Maharaj Temple, Chandanpuri, Tal. Malegaon, District Nashik. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 million. Government decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Jagdamba Mata Temple, Kasbewani, Taluka Dindori, District Nashik. Administrative approval – ₹20 lakh. Government decision – 12 September 2025.
Shri Mahiji Devi Temple, Patondi, Taluka Amalner, District Jalgaon. Administrative approval – ₹10,95,300. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Ram Temple, Nandgaon, Taluka Amalner, District Jalgaon. Administrative approval – ₹38,71,800. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Kalbhairav Temple, Chandsani, Taluka Chopda, District Jalgaon. Administrative approval – ₹1,78,05,635. Government decision – 10 September 2025.
Shri Bhairavnath and Other Temples Trust, Nimbut, Taluka Baramati, District Pune. Administrative approval – ₹60 lakh. Government decision – 12 September 2025.
Shri Vighnahar Ganpati Temple Trust, Ozar, Taluka Junnar, District Pune. Administrative approval – ₹3,50,000. Government decision – 12 September 2025.
Shri Kshetra Morgaon, Taluka Baramati, District Pune. Administrative approval – ₹38 lakh. Government decision – 12 September 2025.
Shri Sant Jholebaba Sansthan, Village Chikhli, Taluka Mangrulpir, District Washim. Administrative Approval – ₹2 crore 39 lakh 52 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Shambhushesh Maharaj Sansthan, Tarhala, Taluka Mangrulpir, District Washim. Administrative Approval – ₹3 crore 99 lakh 22 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Kshetra Pitambar Maharaj Devasthan Kondoli, Taluka Manora, District Washim. Administrative Approval – ₹2 crore 38 lakh 92 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Jagdamba Devi Sansthan, Dongarkheda (Gimba), Taluka Mangrulpir, District Washim. Administrative Approval – ₹3 crore 98 lakh 73 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Sonaji Miraj Sansthan, Village Sonala, Taluka Sangrampur, District Buldhana. Administrative Approval – ₹30 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Nrusinha Hemadpanthi Temple Sansthan, Mauje Chandol, Taluka & District Buldhana. Administrative Approval – ₹72 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Sant Gulab Baba Sansthan, Mauje Katol, Taluka Sangrampur, District Buldhana. Administrative Approval – ₹1 crore. Government Decision – 13 October 2025
Sant Sakharam Maharaj, Mau, Taluka Jalgaon Jamod, District Buldhana. Administrative approval/Government decision – 12 September 2025
Pundalik Maharaj Sansthan, Sirso, Taluka Murtijapur, District Akola. Administrative approval – Rs 1.70 crore. Government decision – 10 September 2025
Nagaswami Maharaj Sansthan, Bordi, Taluka Akot, District Akola. Administrative approval – Rs 1.70 crore. Government decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Ranmata Temple, Suradevi, Taluka Kamptee, District Nagpur. Administrative approval – Rs 71.62 lakh. Government decision – 12 August 2025
Sati Anusaya Mata Temple, Paradsinga, Taluka Katol, District Nagpur. Administrative approval – Rs 1 crore. Government decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Nrusinha Sansthan, Pokharni, Taluka & District Parbhani. Administrative approval – Rs 2.58 crore. Government decision – 11 September 2025
Renuka Devi Sansthan, Ranisavargaon, Taluka Gangakhed, District Parbhani. Administrative approval – Rs 2.3993 crore. Government decision – 10 October 2025
Kotuleshwar Mahadev Devasthan, Kotul, Taluka Akole, District Ahilyanagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 79 lakh 99 thousand. Government Decision – 23 September 2025
Shri Bhairavnath Devasthan Trust, Jategaon, Taluka Parner, District Ahilyanagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 54 lakh 78 thousand 620. Government Decision – 13 October 2025
Shri Kshetra Rameshwar Trust, Dhandarphal, Taluka Akole, District Ahilyanagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 80 lakh. Government Decision – 14 October 2025
Shri Ratneshwari Temple, Vadepuri, Taluka Loha, District Nanded. Administrative Approval – Rs. 4 crore 50 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Bhaveshwar Ling Mallinath Devasthan, Gundegaon, Taluka & District Nanded. Administrative Approval – Rs. 4 crore 50 lakh. Government Decision – 12 September 2025
Shri Mahadev Temple, Hol, Taluka Shindkheda, District Dhule. Administrative Approval – Rs. 78 lakh 58 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Gorakshnath Maharaj Temple, Karvand, Taluka Shirpur, District Dhule. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 66 lakh 44 thousand. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Kshetra Tukai Devi Temple, Mauje Tandulwadi, Taluka & District Latur. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 13 lakh 25 thousand. Government Decision – 10 September 2025
Shri Kshetra Prakashan, Taluka Shahada, District Nandurbar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 2 crore 88 lakh. Government Decision – 11 September 2025
Shri Shivshankar Temple, Mauja Nagra, Taluka & District Gondia. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 8 lakh. Government Decision – 15 September 2025
Shri Devi Dakshayani Temple, Lasurgaon, Taluka Vaijapur, District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 3 crore 60 lakh. Government Decision – 10 October 2025
Shri Shankar Swami Sansthan, Shivur, Taluka Vaijapur, District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 24 lakh. Government Decision – 14 October 2025
Bhangsimata Garh, Mauje Sharanpur, Taluka & District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Administrative Approval – Rs. 1 crore 80 lakh. Government Decision – 14 October 2025
(Note – Government decisions from 16 July 2025 to 14 October 2025)
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