Bharat Gogavale Urges Devotees to Dedicate a Day to Shivrajyabhishek Celebration

The 352nd Shivrajyabhishek ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with great devotion and fervor at the historic Raigad Fort. Thousands of Shiva devotees gathered to witness the grand event, expressing their reverence and love for the Maratha king. Amidst this atmosphere of pride and spirituality, MLA and Shiva devotee leader Bharat Gogavale delivered an emotional and powerful speech, urging people to dedicate at least one day in their lives to this historic occasion.

Beginning his speech with tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj, and Narveer Tanaji Malusare, Gogavale also remembered Balasaheb Thackeray, Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, and the Indian Army. “The coronation ceremony is not just a program, it is a living embodiment of Shiva love,” he said, setting the tone for his address.

Gogavale expressed heartfelt gratitude to the devotees who came from across Maharashtra, braving the elements without any organizational aid. “This is not about money or management – it’s about the infinite love Marathas hold for Shiva,” he stated. Emphasizing the importance of Raigad as a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage site, he added, “Visit Pandharpur, Tuljapur, Shirdi, Tirupati – but come to Raigad at least once. That is my humble insistence.”

He recited a touching poem, saying, “The king lived only 50 years, but gave 36 years for the nation, religion, and people. Without his name, everything feels incomplete.”

Turning to political and developmental issues, Gogavale appealed to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to “reserve at least one day in his life for Shivrajyabhishek,” a request the CM accepted immediately. He also informed the gathering about the ₹50 crore sanctioned for the ambitious Shivsrushti project, noting that additional funds would be needed to complete the grand vision.

“Chief Minister Shinde did what no one else could – after taking charge, he demolished the unnecessary construction at Afzal Khan’s burial site, and today only Shivaji Maharaj stands tall there,” he praised.

Addressing the concerns of the Dhangar community residing in Raigad for generations, Gogavale assured, “As long as this government is in power, this community will not be displaced. On the contrary, we will build permanent homes for them. They protected the fort for us — we must protect them now.”

He lauded the discipline and cultural richness of the event, especially crediting the youth for selflessly organizing the entire program without engaging in any untoward activity. “This is the true Shiv culture. They are preserving and passing on this legacy,” he remarked.

Concluding his speech with deep emotion, Gogavale said, “Let us all ask ourselves – where would we be if Shivaji Maharaj had not been born? No matter how high we rise, we must never move forward without remembering his name.”