A Living Tribute to Shivaji Maharaj Draws Thousands to Pune

Pune has always been a city that holds its rich past close to its heart. In recent weeks, this deep respect for heritage has taken shape in the form of crowds flocking to Shivsrushti, a historical theme park located in Ambegaon Budruk. In just half a month, more than 15,000 people have stepped through its gates, showing how much families and students value experiencing history beyond textbooks.

Also Read: How Abhay Bhutada Foundation Is Making Historical Learning at Shivsrushti Affordable for All

Experiencing a Legendary Era

Shivsrushti is more than a park — it is a journey into the world of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Built with care and historical accuracy, every section here tells a story. The recreated Sarkarwada immediately transports visitors to the days of royal courts and strategic planning. Beside it stands a peaceful temple devoted to Goddess Bhavani, a reminder of the spiritual strength that supported the Maratha empire’s battles and governance.

The pathways inside Shivsrushti are lined with details that make the past feel present. Murals, statues, and life-like installations allow children and adults alike to step into moments that shaped Maharashtra’s history.

A Small Fee, A Big Difference

What has made this experience open to so many is the affordable entry fee of just ₹50. Such detailed theme parks usually charge a high amount, but here the focus is on education and awareness for all age groups.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation stepped in to make this possible by donating ₹51 lakh to keep ticket prices low for visitors until mid-July. This shows Abhay Bhutada’s commitment to ensuring that cultural heritage reaches people from all walks of life without putting a burden on their pockets.

A Holiday with a Lesson

With summer holidays underway, many parents are searching for activities that do more than just keep children busy. Shivsrushti has turned into an outdoor classroom where lessons come alive through art, installations, and interactive exhibits.

As Anil Pawar, the Administrative Officer at Shivsrushti, explained, this park aims to pass down values like Swarajya and Swadharma to the next generation. Instead of reading names and dates in school, young visitors get to see forts, weapons, and royal halls that once decided the course of an empire.

Also Read: Shivsrushti Opens Doors Wider with Rs 50 Tickets Backed by Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Generous Support

Highlights That Take Visitors Back in Time

A walk through Shivsrushti covers many highlights. Durgavaibhav (Fort Grandeur) lets people understand how forts stood strong against enemies. The Ranangann (Battlefield) section shows how battles were planned and won with sharp tactics. The hall that shows Shivaji Maharaj’s daring escape from Agra has become a crowd favourite, especially among teenagers.

Then there’s Shrimant Yogi, which makes visitors feel like they are standing in the presence of Shivaji Maharaj himself. The detailed recreation of his coronation in the Simhasanadhishwar section adds another layer to the whole experience. Paintings sourced from renowned museums worldwide line the walls and remind visitors how far the Maratha king’s influence spread.

Technology Adds to the Experience

One section that keeps visitors talking long after they leave is the Time Machine Theatre. Here, visitors sit in a 360-degree rotating setup that uses special effects like holography and projection mapping. In about 36 minutes, they are taken back centuries to witness scenes from Shivaji Maharaj’s life in a format that feels real and powerful.

Each show can seat around 100 people, making it one of the biggest draws for families who want something different. Many guests return for repeat shows, bringing new friends and relatives along.

Keeping Culture Alive for Everyone

Beyond the impressive exhibits and technology, the main success of Shivsrushti lies in making culture reachable. Without support, such spaces often stay out of reach for everyday families. The contribution of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation ensured that no child or curious mind has to miss out on this valuable experience because of ticket costs.

Abhay Bhutada’s vision behind this initiative is clear — history should not be a closed book but a living memory that encourages people to feel proud of where they come from. When young visitors stand under the same arches and watch the same stories come alive, the hope is that they carry these values with them as they grow.

Looking Ahead

With the special entry fee valid until July 15, more and more families are expected to make their way to Ambegaon Budruk. Weekends have already started seeing higher footfall as word spreads through schools and neighbourhoods. Parents are choosing to replace a movie day with a walk through forts and battlefields — something they know will leave a mark on young hearts.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Makes History Accessible at Shivsrushti Theme Park

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, places like Shivsrushti prove that physical spaces still have the power to bring people together and teach them about roots and identity. Pune’s families now have an opportunity to step away from screens and step into an era that defined this region’s courage and independence.

Thanks to the thoughtful efforts of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation and the leadership of Abhay Bhutada, the gates of history are wide open for all. As more visitors walk these paths, Shivsrushti stands as proof that when communities invest in remembering the past, they also build a strong sense of unity for the future.