Shri Kshetra Aran Granted "A Class" Pilgrimage Status
In a major boost to the religious and cultural landscape of Maharashtra, Shri Kshetra Aran—the birthplace and karmabhoomi of Saint Shiromani Shri Savata Maharaj—has officially been granted "A Class" pilgrimage status. The long-awaited announcement was made by the Mahayuti government on May 16, 2025, paving the way for the comprehensive development of this revered site in Solapur district. The decision fulfills a promise made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a public event held in Aran on August 4, 2024. At the time, Fadnavis had assured the gathering that Shri Kshetra Aran would be granted Class 'A' pilgrimage status. His commitment has now been realized with the issuance of the official government order.
On August 4, 2024, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking at a program in Aran, had promised to give Aran the status of a 'A' class pilgrimage site and he has fulfilled it through yesterday's decision. Lakhs of devotees including Chhagan Bhujbal, Atul Save, Jayakumar Gore, Yogesh Tilekar, Rupalitai Chakankar were present at the program at that time. The consistent follow-up of former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal plays an important role behind this decision. Bhujbal had demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis follow up continuously and resolve this issue. After the government decision was announced, Chhagan Bhujbal has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
Present at the 2024 event were several dignitaries and lakhs of devotees, including senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Atul Save, Jaykumar Gore, Yogesh Tilekar, and Rupalitai Chakankar. The consistent and determined efforts of former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal were instrumental in pushing the proposal forward. Bhujbal persistently followed up with the state leadership, urging Chief Minister Fadnavis to act on the promise. Following the announcement, Bhujbal expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The groundwork for this decision was laid on September 6, 2024, when the Mahayuti government initially announced its intent to grant “A Class” status to Shri Kshetra Aran. The matter gained renewed momentum on January 3, 2025, when Bhujbal strongly reiterated his demand at a felicitation ceremony in Naigaon (Satara) held on the 194th birth anniversary of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule. Shri Kshetra Aran, particularly the village of Aranbhendi in Solapur district, is home to the Sanjeevan Samadhi of Sant Savata Maharaj. It serves as a significant spiritual center for Warkari pilgrims en route to Pandharpur, attracting lakhs of devotees and tourists throughout the year.
A development plan worth approximately ₹140 crore has already been prepared for the site. With the newly granted “A Class” status, the implementation of this plan is expected to gather pace. Notably, the spiritual development of the site began as early as 1985, when religious groups from Nashik contributed to building a public meeting hall through community participation. With official recognition now in place, devotees believe that their decades-long efforts have been rewarded and that Shri Kshetra Aran is poised for transformative growth.