Key Highlights
- 180‑foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj stands in Moshi‑Borhadewadi.
- It forms part of the Shambhu Srishti complex, hosting additional bronze figures and a holographic hall.
- The record‑breaking Dhol‑Tasha salute on 14 September 2025 gathered over 3,000 drums and 1,000 chimes.
- On 2 October the statue’s sword will be sanctified through Shastra Pooja, linking ancient martial rites to modern reverence.
Detailed Insights
Monumental Scale. The structure measures 180 feet in total: a 140‑foot statue crowned atop a 40‑foot pedestal, making it the tallest full‑length figure of a Maratha ruler worldwide.
Shambhu Srishti Complex. Beyond the main statue, the site will feature a ten‑foot representation of Hambirrao Mohite, sixteen Maratha sardars, bronze murals, an open‑air theatre, and a virtual hall that narrates Sambhaji Maharashtra’s saga.
Musical Tribute. The unprecedented Dhol‑Tasha gathering—over three thousand hand‑drums, one thousand brass bells, and saffron flags—celebrated Maratha pride while honouring Sambhaji’s legacy, marking the largest such ceremony in the state.
Ritual Significance. The scheduled Shastra Pooja of the statue’s sword preserves Maratha sword‑worship traditions, ensuring that historic customs endure amid contemporary commemoration.
Key Concepts
- Dharmaveer: A title meaning “brave warrior of dharma,” historically applied to Sambhaji Maharaj.
- Dhol‑Tasha: Traditional percussion ensemble of drums and metallic chimes, emblematic of Maharashtra’s folk culture.
- Shastra Pooja: Ritualistic consecration of weapons, signifying respect for martial heritage.
- Holographic Hall: A virtual space within a monument that presents animated narratives of historical figures.