Pune: 18 Saints’ Padukas on Display at Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple; Inauguration by young entrepreneur Punit Balan

Pune : The Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple’s public Ganesh festival features a special display of the ‘padukas’ (sacred footwear) of 18 saints. Additionally, a replica of the Shri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Math has been created. This replica was enthusiastically inaugurated by well-known young entrepreneur Punit Balan on Monday, September 9, at 6 p.m. Present at the event were key figures such as Ravindra Malvadkar (President, Sakhalipir Talim National Maruti Temple), Bhai Katre (Vice President, Sakhalipir TalimRashtriya Maruti Temple), Shivani Malvadkar, Vijay Gore, Nitin Kale, Yogesh Nimbalakar, Anand Salunkhe, and Dhananjay Kale.

The padukas of saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Muktabai, Namdev, Janabai, Narhari Sonar, Sena Maharaj, Nilobaraya, Ramdas, Venabai, Mahavatar, Swami Samarth, Tembe Swami, Shankar Maharaj, and Gulvani Maharaj are on display. During the period from September 9 to September 15, padukas of one saint will be featured each day, including the original padukas of Shri Sai Baba, Jangli Maharaj, Akkalkot Swami Samarth, Mali Maharaj, Gajanan Maharaj, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple, established in 1919, boasts a legacy of 105 years and works towards promoting national unity.

Speaking at the event, Punit Balan said, “The Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple Ganesh Festival Committee has shown how social initiatives can be effectively carried out through Ganesh mandals. We often see the mandal’s volunteers stepping up during times of need in society. Today’s visit gave me insight into their social initiatives, and we are always ready to contribute to such efforts. Ravindra Malvadkar has been a guiding force during the festival, offering useful advice to volunteers, committees, and the administration. His experience will be valuable in taking the festival forward.”

Ravindra Malvadkar shared information about the Sakhalipir Talim Rashtriya Maruti Temple and its Ganesh festival. He also discussed several social initiatives like ‘Vanchitanchi Diwali’ (Diwali for the underprivileged) and the ‘Sarvadharmiya Ashadhi Wari’ (All-Faith Pilgrimage). “We design and struggle for initiatives with the aim of benefiting the most marginalized sections of society,” he said.

The volunteers of the mandal and the artists who crafted the display were felicitated by Puneet Balan. Shivani Malvadkar gave the introductory speech, and Bhai Katre gave the vote of thanks.