Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Shivendra Raje Bhosale, the Descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on Friday afternoon, arrived in Goa. Bhosale, accompanied by Minister Subhash Faldesai and Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, was given a traditional welcome amidst the showering of flower petals and a Dhol Tasha Band.
A large number of people began chanting slogans as Bhosale stepped out of the airport.
Speaking to the media later, Bhosale said that he had arrived in Goa for a function at Saptakoteshwar temple at the request of the Goa Government
“I am thankful to the Government for inviting me here because Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has played an important role in the temple, which is also noted in history. My family has been invited to the opening of the Saptakoteshwar temple, and I am very happy and proud to be a part of this temple devotees tomorrow,” he said.
He added, “I am happy that the Government has made efforts to restore Saptakoteshwar temple, and my family has been invited to be a part of the inauguration.”
Archaeology and Archives Minister Subhash Faldesai said that the Saptakoteshwar temple dates back to the 12th century.
“This temple was there in the 12th century during the Kadamba dynasty, but in 1355, it was demolished by the Muslim rulers, after which the Hindu rulers rebuilt the temple only to be destroyed yet again to be demolished by the Portuguese Rulers. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had in the year 1668 established this temple, and it was under the leadership of Dr Pramod Sawant that the Government planned to restore and renovate this historic temple,” he said.
“We have spent around 8 crores to restore the temple in the same historical form that it used to be, and we have invited Shivendra Raje Bhosale, the descendants of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, for the inauguration of the temple,” said Faldesai.
