Pune District Pushes for Guinness World Record with Bhimashankar Temple Restoration
Pune, 26th February 2026: In a major heritage conservation initiative ahead of the Kumbh Mela, an ambitious restoration project is underway at the revered Bhimashankar Temple, where authorities aim to complete a grand stone sabhamandap in a record four months using traditional construction techniques.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi described the project as a matter of pride not only for Pune, but for Maharashtra and the country as a whole. He confirmed that a consultant will soon be appointed to process the Guinness World Records application and coordinate with international officials.
The Archaeology Department is executing the project entirely in stone, reviving centuries-old craftsmanship that is rarely seen in contemporary construction. Officials said this is the first time in India that a structure of this scale is being built within such a short timeframe using purely traditional materials and methods.
Recognising the project’s uniqueness, the Pune district administration has initiated efforts to secure an entry in the Guinness World Records.
The state government has already approved a comprehensive development plan for the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga shrine in Khed taluka, sanctioning ₹288.17 crore for the overall project. Of this, ₹10 crore has been specifically allocated for the construction of the sabhamandap.
The proposed mandap will cover an area of 2,750 square feet and feature 48 intricately carved stone pillars supporting a central dome. Each pillar will be constructed using only two to three massive stone blocks. The arches above the pillars will also be formed using three stones each, while the dome will follow the same traditional interlocking technique, without reliance on modern structural materials or shortcuts.
Officials said completing such a complex stone structure within four months would be unprecedented and could set a new benchmark in heritage conservation and traditional Indian architecture.
