Rajesh Kshirsagar inspecting Mankarnika Kund
In 2016, Kshirsagar led a campaign and got the constructions removed, and the work to remove debris from the kund started thereafter. The Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (PMDS) recovered 457 objects, some centuries-old antiques and other objects roughly 70 years old, during the excavation of the Mankarnika Kund in 2021. The tirth and bathwater from the Mahalaxmi temple’s sanctum sanctorum used to be released into this kund. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
I have given instructions to the authorities and contractors about this,” the MLA said. The historic kund, or water tank, existed till the 1940s; however, it was later filled up, as several constructions came up around it and the stone sculptures were removed. The kund’s restoration work is currently underway. “The excavation led to various discoveries. It included stone statues and inscriptions among other things. We want these discoveries to be displayed for visitors coming to the temple and open the kund for the public. Historians believe the kund was built with the temple and could possibly be centuries old. Download the TOI App.
Some of these conservation works were inaugurated earlier this year, during Union home minister Amit Shah ’s June visit. Kolhapur : Kolhapur North MLA and executive chairperson of State Planning Commission, Rajesh Kshirsagar visited the Mahalaxmi temple premises on Sunday and reviewed the temple’s conservation works that are currently underway.