Devotees cheer govt’s decision to take over Mumbadevi temple

Its a good news for the devotees of the Mumbadevi, as the Mumbadevi temple is soon likely to get facilities like extended temple premises, food stalls, parking space, better sanitary facilities among others, following the government’s decision to appoint a trustee after making a legislation.

“The temple has a great historical importance for the Mumbai city, however, the trust maintaining the temple is not serving the Mumbadevi devotees properly,” alleged local MLA Raj Purohit.

Purohit since last two years has been saying that the Mumbadevi temple trust is corrupt, mismanaged and does not give required facilities to the thousands of devotees who visit the temple daily. Following the demand that the trustees now will be appointed by the state government.

Speaking to DNA MLA Purohit said, “It is not only the appointment of a trustee by the government, but there is a big piece of land costing Rs 5000 crore next to the temple. The state government will acquire the plot and build facilities like bhakt niwas, parking space, a restaurant, tea stalls and better sanitary facilities will be provided”.

However, manager of Mumbadevi temple, Hemant Jadhav said, “There is no communication to us till now. When the government will approach us, then only I can comment on why they want to appoint another trustee”.

Rajhans Tapke, general secretary of Koli Mahasangh said, “We are very happy that government is acquiring the temple trust. It is a historic decision. Mumbadevi is our patron deity and has a lot of importance for Mumbai. However, we want that the government should hand over the trust to us (Koli Mahasangh) and we will maintain the temple and preserve its historical importance”.

Kalpana Mate a regular devotee of Mumbadevi said, “Yes, we have to stand in a queue. If we get more toilets, tea stalls and space to sit on the premises after offering prayers will be nice. The temple is in a very congested area”.