Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered deity of Maharashtra

 

 

“I am very lucky… Maharashtra is my motherland, this is the great work of Maharaj! ” It was Friday, it was night time. The face of Avadhya Shivneri was shining with excitement, joy and concern. The attention of the entire fort was on Jijaun. The cradle built in Shivneri was in great anticipation. In an instant, a news of joy spread like the wind in all directions. A son has been born… A son has been born! The entire atmosphere on the fort was stirred. Drums and flutes were playing everywhere on the fort. The same news was reaching the ears from all directions. A son has been born in Jijaun’s womb… Of course, Shivba was born and it was as if the revolutionary sun of Hindavi Swarajya had risen to protect Mother India. In response to this good news, sugar was distributed everywhere to sweeten the mouths of the people. A glimpse of joy was clearly visible on the faces of the people. A golden glow was shining on the face of Maa Saheb Jijaun. In fact, their joy was not in the sky. They felt that even the sky was small. That lucky day was 19th February. Come on, on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, let us, people of all religions, pay tribute to the heroic story of Shiv Chhatrapati and at the same time celebrate Shiv Jayanti with great joy! Let us say, May Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj be victorious! Jai Bhavani, Jai Shiv Chhatrapati.

 

The city of Kalyan, which was sanctified by the touch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was honored by the Maharaja to establish the first navy in India. Keeping the enemy unaware, Shivaji’s soldiers used to attack from Kalyan Bay with their navy using the war tactics of guerrilla warfare. Not only the internal enemies of India but also the Dutch, Portuguese, English, Mughals etc. were brought to heel by Shiv Chhatrapati’s navy system. Shivaji recognized the usefulness and strength of sea power in the history of India. He was the first to build an Indian navy in this country. Therefore, Shiv Chhatrapati is called the pioneer of the Indian Navy. There were about 74 galleys in the Maharaja’s war fleet. Of course, during the reign of Shivaji, the navy of Maharaja had dominance everywhere. Meanwhile, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, on 24 October 1657, Shivaji liberated Kalyan and hoisted the saffron of his Hindutva on Durga. Starting the era of Marathi Swarajya from Kalyan, Shivaji conquered 40 forts in a row on the strength of his war skills. With a view to instilling the spirit of Hinduism along with patriotism in the minds of the people, Shivaji installed Bhavani Devi on Durgadi Fort based on Jijau’s concept. Therefore, we, Kalyankar Maasaheb Jijau and Shivaji, bow down to them thrice.

 

Friends, the year 1674 dawned and a new era began in the history of the Marathi kingdom. During this time, both domestic and foreign forces had created obstacles regarding the coronation of Shiva many times, due to which Jijamata was very distressed. She was always worried about the coronation of Shivaba, but finally Jijamata’s tireless efforts were successful. Gagabhatta of Kashi was entrusted with the priesthood of Shivaba’s coronation. For this reason, Raigad stood still. Jijau’s joy was unbounded. A large crowd had gathered at Raigad to watch this unprecedented ceremony. At the entrance of Raigad, veritable Gajrajs were standing to welcome the domestic and foreign guests. On June 6, 1674, around five in the morning, the coronation ceremony of Shivaba was concluded. The atmosphere at the Raigad fort was stirred with the salute of cannons and the sound of trumpets. On this occasion, Shivaji’s name was being chanted everywhere. The entire area of the fort was filled with saffron and blossomed with joy. After the coronation, Shivaji Maharaj’s name was preceded by the meaning of Chhatrapati. Jijau’s eyes lit up. The worry on her face suddenly disappeared as her last dream of life came true. She was satisfied. She was blessed. She got to see Shivaji’s coronation with her own eyes.

 

After the coronation, Shivba sat on the throne. Before that, he touched the feet of Gagabhatt and Jijau Mata and took their blessings. Jijau, seeing Shiv Chhatrapati, said, Shivba, you have become a king, a king of the people. More importantly, you have become a Chhatrapati. Now, become an ideal king and become famous on earth. Jijau had held his life tightly in his fist so that Shivba could be crowned. Because he received a divine command just a week after Shivba was made Chhatrapati for the establishment of Hindu Swarajya. Blessed is that Jijau Maasaheb, we, the sons of the Marathi land, salute the venerable Jijau Maasaheb with three times our respect.

 

 

Shivba was a devoted mother. He considered his mother’s command as supreme. Shivba’s father, Shahaji Raje, was a great chieftain in the court of Adil Shah. As a result, the entire axis of the Marathi kingdom fell on the shoulders of Jijau Maasaheb. Meanwhile, Jijau gave Shivba complete training in warfare and made him proficient. Jijau’s intention was to make Shivba an ideal king. Against that background, he was made aware of the intricacies of governance. Shivba’s devotion to her mother was unparalleled, while Jijau’s love for his son was unwavering.

 

Shivba used to rule according to his mother’s orders. What’s more, he considered his mother’s orders as his highest command. One day, when Maa Saheb expressed his desire, “ I want Kondhana “ , Shivaji immediately ordered his brave and faithful Sardar Tanaji Malusare to march towards Kondhana. That very day, his son’s wedding was to take place. Nevertheless, Tanaji, taking Shivba’s order as his highest command, invaded Kondhana and captured it. But Tanaji fell in battle. That is why in the history of Shivaji’s time, “ The fort came but the lion went away “ was written in golden letters. Not only this, Shivba and his brave Mavalas took an oath before Mother Jagdambe to establish Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj’s son, King Sambhaji Maharaj, crushed the rebellion of his own people and won more than a hundred wars. It is against this background that the history of the Shiva period is referred to as the Shivshambhu period.

 

 

Shivaba used to consider a foreign woman as a mother. Whether a woman is from his own kingdom or from a foreign origin, she is still a mother, this is the lesson Shivaba taught to the soldiers and the peasants. The daughter-in-law of the Subedar of Kalyan was taken prisoner of war. Maharaj did not like this act at all. He respected that foreign woman like a mother and brought her to her kingdom with honor. History of Shivaji’s time is a witness to this incident. One such unpleasant incident happened when a village headman insulted the honor of a woman. On knowing this, Maharaj ordered the punishment of breaking the hands and legs of the guilty person. All this was the result of the rituals of Maasaheb Jijau. Shivaba was a true advocate of women’s freedom. With the aim of enabling women to defend themselves, Shivaji had arranged for women in his kingdom to be trained in swordsmanship. This means that Shivaji had utmost respect for women. In reality, during Shivaji’s time, women were considered deities in the temple.

 

Shivba was a well-wisher of farmers. Farmers are the food providers of the country. He conveyed this idea to the ryots. Knowing that most of Shivaji’s top soldiers were farmers’ children, he always gave priority to protecting the interests of farmers. In order to encourage farmers to be Baliraja in the agricultural sector, he would honor them by giving awards to farmers who generated the highest income. Meanwhile, small-land farmers were provided with free seeds during Shivaji’s reign. Also, farm produce was levied at an economical rate. Farmers who cultivated fallow land were given financial assistance by the state. In drought-stricken conditions, farmers were waived off farm produce. Shivaji had issued strict orders in the state not to cut down trees. Shivba used to give priority to protecting and conserving the environment. He was of the firm opinion that if the economic condition of the farmers improved, the state would prosper. He had issued a strict order that not even the stalks of the farmers’ crops should be touched. Since agriculture was the basic industry of Hindu Swarajya, destroying standing crops during wartime was considered a punishable offense. Looking at all these things, it becomes clear that Shiv Chhatrapati was a champion of farmers.

 

Despite having fewer troops and war material than the Mughal emperors, Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji defeated the enemy by using the guerrilla warfare technique. In reality, Shivaji’s war skills were unique. The killing of Afzal Khan, the plundering of Surat, the release of Shitafi from the Agra detention camp, the attack on Shahiste Khan and the cutting off of his finger, the victory at Kondhana, all these historical events were the result of Shiv Ba’s guerrilla warfare. That is why even today, the great and mighty king Mahun has a hold on the minds of his subjects.

 

The strength of the state lies in its forts. Knowing this, Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji built forts, forts, and chains like Rajgad, Shivneri, Purandar, Panhala, Sinhagad, Vishalgad, Pratapgad, etc. to strengthen the state’s fortifications. The state system during Shivaji’s time was very disciplined. To make the governance transparent and dynamic, Shivaji had appointed Ashtapradhan Mandal. Jobs and military recruitment during Shivaji’s time were not based on caste and religion, but on personal merit and war skills. The immense loyalty of the chieftains and soldiers towards the king, and Shivaji’s strong faith in them, were an unbreakable bond. The chieftains and soldiers who performed outstandingly in the army were given rewards and high positions by Shivaji. This is why Shivaji was known among the people as a skilled administrator. Even today, the governance of Maharashtra is being carried out following his example. We Marathi people are rightly proud of this.

 

The 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being celebrated this year. It is an eternal truth that on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, the Chhatrapati’s birth anniversary will be celebrated with the sound of drums, flowers and flowers all over the state, including Shivneri Fort.

 

Friends, Shivaji’s coronation took place at Raigad Fort and he became Chhatrapati. The innovative and unique initiative of Akhand Pushpahar Seva to the magnificent statue of Shiva Chhatrapati on this fort and other holy places has been going on continuously for the last 5 years, based on the concept of Kalyan MP Dr. Shrikantji Shinde. This initiative is inspired by Deputy Chief Minister Eknathji Shide. Shivaji Maharaj’s descendant Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati praised this innovative initiative openly. This initiative is being planned with the joint efforts of Dr. Shrikant Shinde Foundation, Shri. Mangesh Chivte Sir and Chivte Bandhu’s Muktai Garment of Karmala in Solapur district. This is a matter that enhances the historical glory of Shivaji and is truly glorious in the eyes of the great nation. In fact, this is a true tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti. Come on, let us all, the sons of the Marathi land, pay homage to the venerable Shiv Chhatrapati three times..!