PM Modi inaugurates Jagatguru Sreesant Tukaram Maharaj Shila Mandir in Pune

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Jagatguru Sreesant Tukaram Maharaj Shila Mandir at Dehu Village near Pune, dedicated to the 17th-century seer. Sant Tukaram was a Warkari saint and poet, famously known for Abhanga devotional poetry and community-oriented worship through spiritual songs known as Kirtans. He lived in Dehu.

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About the Shila Mandir:

• Shila Mandir was built after his demise, but it was not formally structured as a Temple. It has been rebuilt in stone masonry with 36 peaks, and also carries an idol of Sant Tukaram.
• Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the statues of Vitthal-Rukmini in the main temple of Dehu. He also worshiped the symbolic pillar of Bhagwat Dharma built in front of the Shila Mandir.
• The ‘Palkhi Marg’, which has been given the status of National Highway, will have dedicated lanes for the ‘warkaris’. The prime minister also announced the upgradation of the highways approaching the temple town from all directs, at a cost of ₹1,180 crore.