Special Correspondent
Pune: In a significant development, 35 Ganeshotsav mandals from Pune have expressed their concerns about the underground metro route that passes beneath the Samadhi of Sadguru Shankar Maharaj in Dhankawadi. The metro line, which runs from Swargate to Katraj, poses a potential threat to the sanctity of the revered Samadhi, prompting the mandals to request a rerouting of the metro path to protect the holy site.
The petition, which was submitted to Pune Metro authorities and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, underscores the need to take into account the religious and emotional sentiments of the devotees. Prominent mandals such as Akhil Mandai Mandal, Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust, Kasba Ganpati, and Tambdi Jogeshwari, among others, have collectively urged the authorities to find an alternative route for the underground metro that will not endanger the sacred site.
Anna Thorat, President of Akhil Mandai Mandal, voiced the concerns, saying, “Having an underground metro track running beneath such a sacred Samadhi is deeply concerning from both a religious and emotional perspective. This holy site attracts devotees from all over Maharashtra, and while urban development is essential, it’s crucial that the sentiments of the people are respected.”
The mandals have united in the belief that while city development is necessary, it should not come at the expense of cultural and religious values. They have called for a reassessment of the route to ensure the preservation of the Samadhi of Sadguru Shankar Maharaj.
