Pune: Maharashtra Government to Build Rs 701 Crore Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Dnyanpith in Alandi, Says CM Devendra Fadnavis
Alandi, 10th May 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the establishment of the ‘Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Dnyanpith’ in Alandi, a monumental knowledge center set to span 450 acres with a proposed budget of Rs 701 crore. Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Harinam Saptah, held to mark the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Fadnavis emphasized the project’s vision to promote Indian spiritual heritage and ensure the propagation of Sanatan values, culture, and traditions for generations to come.
“This Dnyanpith will be built in such a way that the world will look at it with envy,” Fadnavis declared, highlighting the ambition to make the center a global beacon for knowledge rooted in the teachings of Sant Dnyaneshwar. He added, “All forms of knowledge will be advanced through this institution, ensuring that the thoughts, traditions, and culture of Bhagwat philosophy endure for centuries.”
Fadnavis reflected on his tenure as Chief Minister, recalling, “When I first became Chief Minister, all land around the Alandi temple was reserved. I removed those reservations, and now, perhaps by divine will, I have the opportunity to see the Dnyanpith built with my own hands. I will remain indebted to the blessings of the people and saints, and this project will be my way of repaying that debt.” He stressed that the Dnyanpith would serve as a platform to spread the message of human welfare and the enduring values of India’s spiritual tradition worldwide.
The Chief Minister also addressed the historical resilience of the Warkari sect and saints in preserving Indian culture during foreign invasions. “It was the Warkari tradition and the saints who kept the Bhagwat faith alive, ensuring that our philosophy, culture, and religion could not be destroyed,” Fadnavis said. He credited the saints for fostering a tradition of positive thinking that continues to benefit society today.
Turning to local environmental issues, Fadnavis announced progress on the Indrayani River purification project, which aims to treat and purify wastewater from Pimpri-Chinchwad and 39 surrounding villages before it enters the river. “The project plan has been submitted to the central government for funding, and tenders have been issued. Work will commence soon, and I promise a clean and pure Indrayani River, so that bathing in its waters feels truly sacred,” he assured.
Fadnavis concluded by praising the Warkari tradition as a driving force in Maharashtra’s social progress. “Sant Dnyaneshwar laid the foundation of the Warkari sect, and Sant Tukaram built upon it. This legacy has given us a society beyond caste, sect, and religion, where the Warkari sees God in everyone. Thanks to this tradition, Maharashtra continues to lead,” he said.
