Shivaji spiritual questhe present generation of Hindus owe much to Shivaji. Although he is famous throughout the length and breadth of India, in the West many Hindus, will not even have heard of him. This article is a tribute to the great King, whose life has had a profound impact on history, and who was an emblem of both courage and virtue.

Shivaji was born in 1627 in a turbulent period when the Hindu people were being oppressed and religiously persecuted by foreign invaders in their own homeland. The carnage included massacres of Hindus, the mass rape of Hindu women, Hindu children taken into slavery, the imposition of heavy discriminatory taxes on Hindus (the Jiziya tax) and the destruction of Hindu temples. Indeed, it seemed like Hinduism was in danger of dying out.

However, his mother, Jijabai raised Shivaji with high ideals of spirituality, heroism and chivalry by inspiring him with the great Hindu epics and heroes of the past ages. With his desire to rise to the defence of the Hindu civilisation and freedom now evoked, he was ready to live up to the seal he prepared for himself at the age of 12 inscribed with the words: "Although the first moon is small, men see that it shall gradually grow. This seal befits Shivaji, the son of Shahaji."

From the age of 16, Shivaji began to undertake battles to liberate lands that were under enemy control. His mind was made up by this early age - he wasn't going to wait around or pray for a champion to be born to renew the rule of dharma. In one of his early victories he and a small group of friends captured a fort and renamed it Rajgad. With this and subsequent victories Shivaji became powerful and his army grew to thousands, giving him enough confidence to attack and liberate Mughal occupied territories (the Mughals were the most powerful dynasty in India and had most of North India under its control at that time). Shivaji fought with determination and strategic brilliance. He used guerrilla warfare to devastating effect, and made great advances against the much larger and heavily armed Mughal forces. At times Shivaji would enter into a strategic truce, giving him the opportunity to strengthen his positions in other areas, while planning his next offensive.

Shivaji understood that it is better to use cunning strategies and break a truce against an enemy that molested Hindu women and children and destroyed Hindu temples, than to abide by an honourable code of conduct towards the dishonourable enemy and risk losing the urgent cause he stood for. But while Shivaji was brutal against those who oppressed Hindus, he did not permit attacks against their women and children or places of worship. Shivaji stood for dharma; he used might as a tool to establish justice not oppression.

Shivaji died on 4 April 1680, from failing health, thought to be due to his vigorous and continuous struggle. His contribution to our history cannot be overstated. The poet Bhushan, who lived at the same time as Shivaji wrote: "Kasihki Kala Gayee, Mathura Masid Bhaee; Gar Shivaji Na Hoto, To Sunati Hot Sabaki!" [Kashi has lost its splendour, Mathura has become a mosque; If Shivaji had not been, All would have been circumcised (converted)].

After the untimely death, Aurangzeb the Mughal Emperor and his armies descended upon the kingdom to crush it, thinking that after Shivaji's death his warriors would be disheartened. However, Shivaji had inspired his followers to such an extent that not only did they weather this storm and saw Aurangzeb's death but went from strength to strength with Peshwa Baji Rao the First at the realm, and went on to unleash the final death blow to the Mughal Empire.

Shivaji's legacy can be seen alive to this day. For example, the profound benefits of Hindu spirituality, philosophy, Yoga, mediation, Ayurveda and art resonate not only in India but all over the world. But these practices and knowledge would only be found as partial relics in the museums and libraries like all other ancient civilisations had it not been for great Hindu warriors like Shivaji.

When Sant Tukaram died in 1650, Shivaji was about 23 years old. But Tukaram's devotional

compositions or abhangas in praise of Vitthala and Vithoba were already very popular in Maharashtra. It is believed that Shivaji's first meeting with Tukaram took place at Pandharpur. The tradition goes that once Tukaram was performing Harikirtan in a religious congregation. Shivaji was also present on the occasion. Suddenly a thousand strong enemy troops surrounded the gathering with the intention to capture Shivaji. Tukaram prayed to God for help and, as if from nowhere, an equal number of men, all alike Shivaji, appeared on the scene, and in the ensueing confusion, Shivaji could give slip to the enemy.

There is no reason to doubt about more meetings between Tukaram and Shivaji as the former was the most popular saint at that time in Maharashtra and Shivaji's spiritual yearning was acute from the very beginning. How could he have remained untouched by the Pandharpur movement of which Tukaram represented one of the important phases? The saints provided "spiritual background to the political aims of workers like Shivaji". There are some compositions believed to be of Sant Tukaram addressed to Shivaji in which the word Chhatrapati has been used.

The next painting shows Shivaji welcoming Sant Tukaram. Shivaji is hardly of 20 years at this time – very young looking. Sant Tukaram is coming to perform kirtana. He has his Ektara with him. A number of people are sitting at some distance. In the chariot is an image of Vitthala along with His consort Vithoba. In the chariot are also a pair of kartala and some pothis in which his abhangas are written. Tukaram is standing near the chariot. Shivaji is bending respectfully before the saint.Samartha Swami Ramdas has a special place in the history of Maharashtra. He represented in a way the vigorous aspect of Hinduism, its Jayishnu rupa. Ramdas was an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Maruti (Hanuman). There is an account in Mahipati's Santavijaya, which describes how the image of Panduranga changed to one holding a bow and arrow (Rama). The saints saw it with their own eyes and said "You are the avatar of Maruti come to save the world", they said to Ramdas. He is one of the five saints, others being Dhyanadeva, Namadev, Eknath and Tukaram, who, as Abbott says, have contributed most to the religious life of Maharashtra.

Both Samartha Swami Ramdas and Shivaji made Maharashtra their main field of activity for over thirty years. Swami Ramdas established a chain of monasteries throughout the land where physical education was imparted with special emphasis on building bodily strength and character. The presiding deity in these Mathas was God Hanuman who symbolizes wisdom, strength, patience, fearlessness, vigour, sincerity, ready wit and alertness of mind, and Ram, the Maryada Purshottam, is embodiment of all imaginable virtues dear to a Hindu heart.

In Swami Ramdas, Shivaji found a sadguru and felt great spiritual solace in his company. Swami Ramdas' exposition of Rajdharma and Kshatradharma in his upadesa to Shivaji is well reflected in latter's State policies and in his war against Aurangzeb. The destruction of Ravana, the enemy of Gods, and establishment of Ramrajya and thus saving the dharma from the morass of wickedness and deceit, at once brought to mind the hostility of Aurangzeb towards the Gods and Goddesses of the people and his oppressive and unjust rule and Shivaji's fight against him without caring for the results.

Guru Ramdas was a witness of the destruction of temples and religious places and while he blessed Shivaji's efforts to roll back the Mughal tide, he himself led the task of creating an awakening, specially in the rural Maharashtra, by building temples dedicated to Shri Ram, Sita, Lakshmana and Maruti or Hanuman with the help of local villagers, and by establishing a number of monasteries which became radiating points of his preaching and philosophy. After the capture of Satara in 1673 A.D., on Shivaji's request, Ramdas made his abode on the neighbouring hill fort of Parli or Sajjangarh. Here he passed away in 1681, shortly after Shivaji's death. His inspiring teachings and ideas are enshrined in his abhangas, Bhavartha Ramayana, Dasbodha and other works.

The next painting shows Samratha Swami Ramdas installing a large idol of Maruti (Hanuman) in a temple. Shivaji, along with one of his queens, is standing nearby, observing the ceremony.

The spirituality and hindutwa of Shivaji is in hidden history of Mouni Maharaj. Mouni Maharaj concepts of spirituality is mainly based on the Dnyneshwari parmpara. Dnyneshwar shows one thing that from lower casts can also become a spiritual aatamgani guru. For this purpose their names are remain with their casts just Namdevshimpi, Gorakumbhar, SavataMali etc. He shows that they will remain in their casts and heredity origin and they are real aatmadnyne spiritual guru's. There is no need of Bramhian's origin of heredity so there is no need of intercasts marriage also. You remain in your casts & forward the Dnyneshwari aatamadnyne parampara.

                        Spirituality and various movements in Hindu religion and politics should ideally play an important role in development of the society and the state on the basis of science. The history of Chhatrapati reveals the important roles played by saints like Sant Tukaram, Samarth Ramdas Swami and Mouni Maharaj. The Maratha kingdom would not have been possible without the guidance of these religious leaders of the time. Their role can be traced to the very early period of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Swaraj. It was on the advice of Sant Tukaram to Rajmata Jijau, that Chhatrapati Shivaji started working for Swaraj. They channeled the minds of people from all castes and religions towards the common aim of Swaraj rule. Though Shivaji worked under his own rules and powers, the saints and Rajmata Jijau always guided him. To attain Swaraj, Shivaji first developed the economy in the society. He created a role for the basis co-operative movement, bringing together all casts and religions. He created employment on the basis of scientific and spiritual guidance. He advocated farming according to the advice of learned people. To fight drought conditions he encouraged planting of trees. And while doing all this, he built forts all over his territories to protect the people. In all his actions he emphasized the role of people, without prejudice to any caste. Their only aim was to develop the power of his territory. Though, unfortunately some of historians have written that the role played by the saints was directed against Muslims.

Chhatrapati Shivaji was the 17th century Hindu King who inspired and organized the native people for the fight against the Moguls and five Sultanats (Shahas) –foreign invaders who had conquered Bharat to loot its wealth and intellect and to destroy its ancient culture and civilization.  After 36 years of fighting, Shivaji established the ideal kingdom with rule of law, a Hindu kingdom, rather than a kingdom under his own name.  His coronation as a king took place in 1674 A.D. on the Jyeshtha Shukla Trayodashi (13th day of the bright half of Jyeshtha Maasa) day at Raigarh in Maharashtra. His kingdom was known as “Hindavi Swaraja” (Sovereign Hindu State). Shivaji set an example for all Hindus that they belong to the same faith and should be a united force. His coronation day is therefore celebrated as Hindu Sangathan Diwas (Hindu Unity Day). In 2008 this day falls on June 15th.

Shivaji’s Guru, Samarth Ramdas, stood behind him in his quest as his philosophical guiding hand.  The philosophy of Samarth Ramdas is based on pragmatism, and consists of guiding principles for living life with fulfillment, yet being responsible to family and society.  Shivaji lived by these values.  He achieved a great deal but also gave it back to the society.,  so Samarth Ramdas rightfully acknowledged him as “Shrimant Yogi,” or a person achieving desires with detachment. 

Samarth Ramdas was an uncommon saint, who in addition to worship of Ram (Ideal) and Maruti (Strength), spoke unequivocally of the importance of the strength of the individual, society and self-governance by defeating the foreign enemy.  He eloquently wrote about the nature of humankind.  He wrote 205 verses about the human mind; chanting these is a very soothing experience, making the mind pure and stable, and makes us think of each action in its logical context.  In all his teachings and writings, Samarth Ramdas kept advising the practical importance of religious values.  He observed that any mass movement brings strength to society, but emphasized a good philosophical foundation and faith in God for its true success.  He asked people to always chant the 13 Devnagiri-letter mantra “Shree Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram”, and advised following “do’s and don’ts” which could be practiced at any time and place by an individual and by the society to achieve successes and higher meanings of life:

1. Keep your mind clear of evil thoughts. Purity of mind is a must.2. Samyak among Mana, Vani, and Karma (i.e., thoughts, speech, and actions should be synchronized with each other)3. There is God in efforts.  Keep trying. Don’t idle or depend upon others to do the job. Just like thirst cannot be quenched without drinking water, you cannot achieve Moksha without efforts.4. Perform your duties toward the samaj (community) with honesty. Be socially responsible.5. Run your household in a well-organized manner.6. Be sensitive to the welfare of people in your surroundings.7. Be vigilant of evil people and be harsh with them.8. Be vigilant about your own behavior.9. Stay away from ego (ahamkar).10. Become a role model for people following you.11. Be proud and feel good about yourself and your heritage.12. Make sure there is a purpose behind your actions.13. Develop a strong mind and strong body. Be very careful about your sharirik (physical) health.14. Ask God for happiness for the world and peace of mind & nirmal mati (intellect) for yourself.15. Don’t get caught up in Maya for your personal gratification. Rather, use your resources for helping others – your family and samaj.

Practicing these teachings helped Shivaji establish the “Hindu Kingdom” and change the psyche of the society. They will continue to help today in bringing forth a meaningful vision and far-reaching societal development. 

Ramdas was an Advaitin and a Bhakta in one. He had this very noble quality that he never hated any religion or nation. His main object was to spread the Hindu religion throughout India.

Ramdas had not visited Pandharpur, as he had not known the existence of this holy place. One day, the tradition says, Lord Panduranga Vittal, in the form of a Brahmin, with a batch of three hundred pilgrims, appeared before Ramdas and asked him whether he had any objection to see Lord Krishna. Ramdas replied in the negative. Panduranga then took Ramdas to Pandharpur, and when the Bhaktas approached the temple, the Brahmin disappeared. Ramdas then knew that it was none other than the Lord that had brought him to that holy place. He entered the temple, and to his great surprise, found Sri Rama standing alone on a brick.

Ramdas addressed the Deity thus: "O Lord, what are You doing here alone? Where is Your brother Lakshmana and Your consort Sita Mata? Where is Maruti and where are the monkey hordes?". On hearing these words, the image at once transformed itself into Sri Pandarinath. Ramdas then praised Panduranga for His kindness, prostrated before Him and sang songs of joy for getting His rare Darshan. Ramdas now felt doubly convinced that the several incarnations of the Lord were but His several forms and preached that everyone should respect and worship the One who took care of one and all in the world. Ramdas then worshipped Panduranga to his heart's content and became a frequent visitor and Bhakta of Panduranga Vittal also. In Pandharpur, Ramdas came in contact with Tukaram and other saints of Pandharpur. In his pilgrimages, Ramdas observed and studied the social, political and economic conditions of Indians and their utter helplessness in life.

It is said that Sri Rama ordered Ramdas to go to the banks of the Krishna and help the cause of Shivaji, the incarnation of Siva and founder of the Kingdom of Maharashtra. Ramdas came to the Krishna and went about preaching from Mahabaleshwar to Kolhapur. He established eleven principal seats of Maruti which emphasized the importance of physical development. He installed the shrines of Sri Ramachandra at Champavati and introduced Sri Rama Navami Mahotsava and the procession of Sri Rama's chariot. It was at the place called Singanvadi that Shivaji became the disciple of Ramdas.

Shivaji placed the sandals of his Guru on the throne and acted as regent of the kingdom under the orders and guidance of his Guru and adopted as ensign the flag of orange colour. There is a beautiful and romantic incident current in the Maharashtra country about Shivaji's adoption of the Gerua flag and his ruling the kingdom in the name of Saint Ramdas.

One day Shivaji saw, from the terrace of his palace, his Gurudev Ramdas going about the streets with his begging bowl. Shivaji was surprised and could not understand why his Guru should beg when he himself had already placed all his resources at the disposal of his Gurudev. However, Sadhus are difficult to understand. Shivaji therefore called for his companion Balaji, wrote a small chit and asked him to give it to Guruji when he came to the palace. About noon, Ramdas came to the palace with his bowl and Balaji prostrated before Gurudev and placed the chit at his feet. Briefly, the chit conveyed that Shivaji had made a gift of his whole kingdom to Gurudev and he humbly solicited his Gurudev's blessing. The Guru smiled and told Balaji that it was alright. Next morning Ramdas called on Shivaji and asked him what he proposed to do with himself as he had disposed of his kingdom.

Shivaji prostrated himself before Ramdas and said that he would be very happy and consider

himself blessed if he should spend his life in his Gurudev's service. Then Ramdas said, "Take this bowl and let us go on our rounds". So Ramdas and Shivaji went round Satara begging. The people reverently bowed before the pair and gave them alms. The pair returned to the river. Ramdas prepared his simple meals and Shivaji partook of what was left after his Gurudev had finished his meals. Then Shivaji, with a smile, asked his Gurudev what he was going to do with him after reducing him to a beggar. Ramdas knew that the opportunity had come to set up a lofty ideal for the king.

Ramdas asked Shivaji to rule the kingdom in his (Ramdas's) name, to take the Gerua Chaddar for his banner and defend its honour with his life, and to think that the kingdom did not belong to himself but treat it as a trust to be ruled justly and well before God. And thus had come the Gerua banner to Shivaji.

Ramdas spent several years in visiting holy places of pilgrimage. He erected several Hanuman temples in Maharashtra. When he returned from his pilgrimage, somebody told Ramdas that his mother was pining for him, and that she had lost her eyesight on account of extreme sorrow arising out of his separation. Ramdas immediately went to see his mother. He made prostrations to his mother. His mother was exceedingly pleased to meet her son after an absence of many years. Ramdas touched the eyes of his mother. She got back her lost eyesight through the Yogic power of her son.

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4. His Preachings and Life

Ramdas's ways were very peculiar. He appeared to the outside world as a mad man. He had a small bow. He used to have, by his side, a large number of stones with which he pelted every object he saw. To men really interested in his teachings, he gave the Mantra Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram.

Ramdas had eleven hundred disciples, of whom three hundred were women. The women disciples were also expert preachers and were virtuous. Ramdas sent his disciples to all parts of India to spread the Hindu religion. His disciples and Mutts in the North directly or indirectly helped Shivaji and his work. Ramdas's organisation in the South, round about Thanjavur, helped Shivaji's son Rajaram to go to Jinji and carry on the Twenty Years' War with Aurangazeb. When Ramdas visited Thanjavur, Venkoji, who was the step-brother of Shivaji, became his disciple. Ramdas appointed Bhimaswami, his direct disciple, as the Mahant of the Thanjavur Mutt.

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5. Samarth's advise to Raje Sambhaji

After the acceptation of Sanyas on order of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sambhaji wants to develop the spiritual philosophy  in their state. But he gets opposed by some ministry persons and family members. Because of this oppose he become angry. He loses control and balance and the actual concept of Raje Shivaji become difficult to maintain. At this situation he is guided by Samarth Ramdas Swami. Samarth advise him that control your self the anger. Overcome the family problems. This can not give you any thing. Remember the Chhatrapati Shivaji's victorious work,

their advise, how they work, how they handle the peoples and so on. Collect the peoples and consult them the real advice of Shivaji raje behind the sacrifice to develop the spiritual Maharashtra state. For this purpose he donate the land and finance the spiritual holy saints. Keep your mind in control and concentrate on the meditation. Always live in alone. And keep satisfaction. Concentrate your sight in between the two eyes i.e. adnychakra ( He mention in Marathi as Bhumandal ). Stay alert in meditation.

Because of this precious advise to Raje Sambhaji Samarth Ramdas Swami become a real spiritual guidance Guru of Shivaji in sight of their ancestor’s.When attachment goes;Mental burden ( agony and anxiety );of "I am doing" also goes.

This is a true story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:who was a great Maratha Kingin the Maharashtra, in India, and his Guruji;Samartha Swami Ramdas;who was a truely spiritual saint.

After having faught with Muslim Rulers;and having made an easy living for happiness of the people in his Kingdom;Shivaji Maharaj was then at leisure,and was thinking about :How  real satisfaction and happiness comes in life!He thought;  "It comes after having;discharged all social obligations, that a person has!"

He then thought about himself,"I have done enough work for my people,but still have many responsibilities;like ruling of Kingdom, Administration;Security of people and so on.So, even if I wish to be free;I can not be free like my Guruji is!Finally, unless I get fully retired;from this Ruling: I can not enjoy that freedom". With this thing going on in the mind;he happened to see one day to;his Guruji Ramdas Swami and opend,the talk of his heart to him;It was : A meeting of a true Guruji and a true disciple!Something extraordinary was to take palce during it!

He said," Gurudev, I am tired of ruling;this Kingdom and I desire:to get retired, and wish to take Sanyas.Ramdas Swami looked at him for a few moments;then smilingly he told him: "all right; you can do so;But before you get retired; do one thing;hand over, your Kingdom to me".

And within a fraction of moment:

Shivaji Maharaj, who was sitting at the feet;of Swamiji, put water in his right-hand-paw, and made Sankalp: "I give this Kingdom to my Guruji".

The entire Kingdom he gave to his Guruji!So easily, so deliberately, so willingly!!!Oh!! the history can never repeatsuch a story of a superb submission to Guruji!It is not a submission of kingdom;But of the Ego behind the thing.Shivaji Maharaj's Ego was matured and ready ,for submission to his Guruji;So he could give up his kingdom instantly.He had that top most inner quality!

Ramdas Swami told him: "Now this kingdom is mine.You are free of it, from this moment onward".

Shivaji Maharaj stood up and was to make,his way for leaving the place;his Guruji asked him: "Shiva, can you recommend;any good person to be; an administrator for my kingdom?"Shivaji Maharaj said,"Certainly Gurudev, I will find out."He then bowed at the feet of Guruji to take his leave.Swamiji stopped him and said:"Wait, I have found the best one.  And you are that!!I want you to be the administrator,of my Kingdom on my behalf.  You have practical experience and that quality too".

Shivaji Maharaj accepted his Guruji's order and took  charge of the kingdom of his great Guruji; and put Bhagva coloured Flagon the fort of Kingdom.He was now a true servent of his Guruji;working for him.His ego of "I am the king of this Kingdom"was meaningfully vanished;The burden on his head of "I am Ruling" the kingdom, was creatively disappeared;And look ! the physical kingdom was with him,as it was previously!!!Every things remaind the same, as they were!!!but there was a true inward change in Shivaji Maharaj!!!That was: quite a new quality of ruling, came in to being in him!It was:  Egoless ego! 

The story says;He then could run the Kingdom;most creatively and better than he ever did;And without any personal burden or bondage;of "I am doing"but with a great zeal;and everfresh vigour of "trusteeship."

His Guruji, in fact, did not take his kingdom, but he virtully took Shivaji Maharaj's "ego",and most creately directed it;to the meaningful living!Such a true and kind Guruji Ramdas Swami was!Such a true and faithful devotee Shivaji Maharaj was!

The message of this real story is:

If we put aside our illusive feeling of; "I am doing" at every level of living,and.... mentally submit our tightly hold,belongings of all worries and anxities to God;we can be free of tensions,and boredom of living;We can remain more active, more fresh, more burdenless.and our ego can be used creatively,In addition to the above can be saved ofdiabetics and heart attacks! and also,of the big bills of the hospitals!!!

His father was Shahaji Bhosale and his mother, Jijabai. Bhavani was their family Goddess.

Shivaji was a great warrior. He fought many battles.

One night, Shahaji had a dream. In that dream a sanyasi gave him a mango and said: "You and your wife should eat it. You will have a son who will become very great."

When Shahaji awoke, there was a real mango on his hand. He thought it was God Siva himself who had come to him in his dream. He ate part of the mango and gave the rest to Jijabai.

Soon afterwards a son was born to them. Shahaji named him Shivaji, because he believed he was given by God Siv

The fort of Shivneri is situated at a distance of about 92 kms from Pune near the village of Junnar. Shivneri is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj and he spent most of his childhood on this fort. It is also known for its beautifully planned ramparts which are evident to this day.

Shahaji Bhonsale, Shivaji’s father moved his pregnant wife Jijabai to this fort to protect her from the Mughal kings and native rulers of Maharashtra who were constantly engaged in a series of battles at that point of time. Shivneri was deemed as a safe place by Shahji because the military fortification is surrounded by steep rocks on all sides and its strong citadel made it very difficult for enemies to enter the fort. On 19th February, 1630 Jijabai gave birth to a baby boy who was

named Shivaji after the goddess Shivai Devi whose temple is located on the fort. Shivneri played a vital role in the early years of the Maratha king where he learnt the concept of swaraj for the first time.

Shivneri is considered to be a hot spot for trekking because its steep mountainous terrain makes for a difficult climb. The fort can be reached through two ways from Junnar. One is the chain route also known as the “Sakhali Vaat”, which is the most difficult route. If one wishes to climb the fort by this route, he has to do so by using the chain, fixed from the top to the base of the fort which hangs along the steep steps which are carved into the heavily fortified walls of the fort. It takes about one and a half hour to reach to the top of the fort.

The other route is the seven gate route or the “Rajmarg”, which is the easiest route to reach the top. This route is motorable and is well maintained for tourists. The properly built steps on this route make the fort easily accessible to those people who do not want to go trekking.

There are a number of spots inside the fort which are famous for their beautiful architecture. The seven doors on the “Rajmarg” are a sight to see. Each door is intricately carved and adds more character to this historic edifice. Then there is the “Shivai Devi” temple on one of the cliffs of the fort which is also worth a visit. As you climb higher, you can see the Mina River which flows around the Sahyadri hill ranges. At the top of the fort is the “Shiva Temple”, which is the actual place where Shivaji was born. It offers a magnificent view of the surroundings areas and is a great place to relax and gaze at the green valley after the tiring climb. Once rested, you can then proceed to the middle section of the fort known as the “Badami Talav” which houses a beautiful statue of young Shivaji Maharaj with his mother Jijabai in “Shivkunj” located close to the beautiful pond.

where many were assembled. Shahji, son of Maloji (who was serving under Jadhav Rao) the future husband of Jijabai was present. Shahji and Jijabai were still small kids. Jijabai poured coloured water over Shahji and Shahji did likewise. Jadhav Rao liked the boy, and drew him and his daughter to his side, and jokingly said "don’t you think these 2 make a great couple?" Everybody agreed. Maloji, who was watching, got up and said "Noble men, did you hear what our Jadhav Rao has said? Henceforth we are related to each other as parents of the bride and bridegroom!" But this was not what Jadhav Rao had in mind. He was in too high a rank compared with Maloji. He harshly rebuked Maloji, who was gravely insulted. Maloji left the hall, feeling embarrassed at the public spectacle.

In the following months, Maloji was deeply troubled. He was unsure of what next step to take in life. For a while he went back to tilling the fields, but he was sorrowed. One night, it is said that Maloji had a strange dream. The Goddess Bhavani appeared before him in dazzling splendour and advised him not to sulk, but strive hard in life, as a hero and bringer of a new era was soon to be born in his family. The next day in the field, late at night, he once again felt the presence of Bhavani, who advised him to dig at a certain spot. He did so, and unearthed 7 pots of treasure. However he was actually led to the treasure, its acquisition was to have an important bearing on India’s future. Maloji brought a unit of 1000 cavalry, and infantry. He provided security to the people, and to traders, and in doing so grew increasingly wealthy.

With his money, he dug wells, built lodges for travellers, fed the needy and renovated temples. His power and prestige grew, and more men began to serve under him. Maloji had not forgotten Jadhav Rao’s words. He was still insulted, and began to press him to allow Jijabai and Shahji to marry. Jadhav Rao refused, but Maloji resorted to intense pressure, and invoked the Nizam’s mediation, forcing Jadhav Rao to comply. Jijabai and Shahji were married. But Jadhav Rao

developed a hatred for Maloji’s family, the Bhonsles. Shahji grew up as a renowned general and served the Nizam. Jadhav Rao joined the Moghuls (who were opposed to the Nizam) in order to harass Shahji, which he spent his life trying to do. This deeply troubled Jijabai. She was also unhappy that both her father and her husband were serving under Muslim sultans, who she saw as marauders. She cared not for the riches that this service could bring. It was liberty she loved.

In the meantime, the Moghuls invaded the Nizam’s dominions. Shahji was entrusted to look after the fort of Mahuli and Jadhav Rao joined in the attack. After 6 months resistance, Shahji had to evacuate the fort, with Jijabai, who was then 4 months pregnant. Jijabai got to Shivaneri, where she gave birth to Shivaji.

She used to pray, while pregnant in the temple of Jagadamba: "O Mother of the Universe, give me some of your strength. Put an end to the pride of the Marathas in the shameful service to the Muslims. Grant our lands independence. Grant that my wish be fulfilled, O Mother." She was angered at being around men whom could not protect their women, children, country and religion. She longed that her son may be part of a generation who could do this. She studied the intricate political problems of the country, in the company of experienced politicians and diplomats. She could see people falling into poverty in the once rich land and could see the culture which she loved so much being disintegrated. If only a leader could be born who could unite the scattered Hindus. It was ordered that while she was pregnant, every comfort be conferred upon her. But she wished for none of it. Rather, she wanted to climb to the tops of forts on hills, to wield swords, to discuss political questions, to put on armour and ride on horse back.

It has been said in ancient Hindu culture and is a proven fact today, that the pregnant mother, by the environment she provides, by the thoughts she thinks, and by what she wishes for her unborn child, does a tremendous amount to shape the childs life for good or bad. In Vedic traditions, there are a series of sacraments and chants to be carried out as to optimise the child’s potentials. Jijabai infused in Shivaji such a spirit, that was to emerge with great force throughout his life.

Then, the most crushing news struck Jijabai like lightening. Jadhav Rao, her father, who had recently been readmitted to the service of the Nizam, had been beheaded, together with her entire family. It is probable that the Nizam thought the Marathas were getting influential. Her husband too was in danger of meeting a similar fate, but he was shrewd and joined the Moghuls. Jijabai’s fiery spirit was set ablaze by the slaughter of her family. In the time that followed, whole villages of Marathas were wiped out. A Maratha princess was carried away while bathing. At one time Jijabai herself was kidnapped, as a bargaining chip. Such were the times in which she lived. But instead of frightening her, it just strengthened her resolve that an independent protector of the Hindus was an urgency. She brought up her son with a love of liberty infused in him. They lived at Pune, under the protection of Dadaji Kondev. Jijabai was one of the main administrators at Pune. She was educated, able and wielded great authority (not adhering to the myth of the "oppressed Hindu woman of medieval India"). When they arrived, Pune was a small village that had been consecutively ransacked by the Nizam, Adil Shah, and the Moghuls. Each and every Hindu shrine had been smashed. But soon Pune flourished, with the help of Jijabai. Jaijabai restored the shrines, and on many occasions settled disputes and metted out justice. She was responsible for most of Shivaji’s education. She had him learn in detail the lessons from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. He learnt about the holy scriptures and arts of administration and weaponry, and the political situations in the land.

Shahji married a second wife, Tukabai, and spent most of his time with her and her son. The effect this had on Jijabai, nobody can tell. Jijabai did not lose heart, and concerned herself as before, with admistration, bringing up Shivaji and in long periods of prayer and meditation. Jijabai even set the scenes for social reforms in Hindu society. To quote an example, on her advice, the brahmins allowed a soldier named Balaji Nimbalkar to re-embrace Hinduism after converting to Islam. In those days, many people were opposed to such a move, an attitude which to some extent persists today. But Jijabai could see that because Hindus created a system whereby people could leave the Hindu fold, but not enter it (which had no basis in the scriptures), Hindu society had

been weakened. Jijabai impressed upon everybody the logic of this position. Further more, showing that she was genuine in her view, she gave Shivaji’s daughter Sakhubai in marriage to Balaji’s son.

While Shahji and Dadaji were worried when Shivaji, at the age of 16 first captured a major fort, Jijabai was overjoyed. When Afzal Khan, the renowned general of Bijapur came with a large army to crush Shivaji early in his career, Shivaji turned to his mother, who unlike others told him to face the danger resolutely. Shivaji’s army was tiny by comparison, but by biding his time and using lightening guerilla techniques, he worsted Afzal Khan’s army. When at a private meeting, Afzal Khan tried to kill Shivaji, Afzal Khan ended up dead. This episode greatly increased Shivaji’s prestige.

Jijabai treated Shivaji’s companions as her own sons, and was a source of courage and inspiration to them. Tanaji Malasure is one such renowned example. He lost the fort of Simhagadh to an intense Moghul attack. She famously told him "if you free Simhagad from the enemies you will be like Shivaji’s younger brother to me." Tanaji went forth, for what others advised to be mission impossible, and succeeded, but was martyred in the process. Jijabai was watching from her fort all night. When she saw the saffron flag of the Marathas ascend on the fort, she cried with joy. But shortly after she received the news of Tanaji’s death, she began to cry with pain and could not be consoled. Another hero, Baji Prabhu, a childhood friend of Shivaji, fought with great valour to save Shivaji’s life, and in doing so died. On hearing the news, Jijabai rather than being comforted that her son was safe wept as if she had lost her own son.

In her life Jijabai had to bare sorrow after sorrow, and did it bravely for her country and religion. She reflected the glory and strength of Mother Durga. We hope her life will always be remembered with reverance. In 1674, Shivaji held a vast ceremony, declaring himself an independent ruler. Jijabai was present at the ceremony. What joy she must have felt attending the ceremony - everything she had lived for had finally bore fruit. 12 days later, Jijabai died.

The faith of those Marathas was unyielding!

हर सं�त कह�,..सं�धु कह�,..संच और सं�हसं ह , जि�सं क� मन म� , अं�त म� ��त उसं� किक रह�! Every Saint & Sadhu has said, … he who is brave & following the path of Truth, … will be victorious at the end! R.

Before Shivaji Maharaj’s birth, in the tyrannical realm of Sultans, the Saints did the great & pious work of directing the people of Maharashtra. Starting from the Saint Dnyaneshwar to Saint Tukaram, all Saints taught the true religion through their ‘Abhangas’! They preached the people to follow the path of Truth & did the work of awakening. Shivaji’s side was of Truth & the subjects supported him. Truth always prevails. …. Then how can Shivaji Maharaj be defeated?

Shivray was an expert judge of human mind!

Shivray was an expert judge of character! He had ability to know what is going on in other’s mind as he was an enlightened one! Shivshahir Babasaheb has also praised about child Shivaji’s talent. (when describing Shivray’s childhood.)  He has remarked that, child Shivaji had an acumen. Even when he was child, he could understand the situation in right perspective. … while wandering in Maval, child Shivaji used to select the right fellow & with a smile on his face, used to call him & make him friend by winning his heart. …

Shakakarte Shivrai; by Shivakathakar Vijayrao Deshmukh; cited as most scientific and true by famous historian Setumadhav Pagdi.Ramdas Swami was indeed the Shri Guru of Shivaji Maharaj. the abhanga thought by Tukaram Maharaj when Shivaji asked him his solitude is published in Gatha edited by Jog Maharaj,a great varkari saint, telling him to become lord Ram’s worshipper and hinting him to kneel before Ramdas Swami. We should try to find truth and should avoid delusions by some uneducated selfish animals called politicians who want to divide and rule us. He was not present at coronation of Shivaji Maharaj but there are documents of presence of Kalyan Swami, one of the most beloved of the Swami. He remained absent at the coronation because Shivaji Maharaj would not have taken the Simhaasan when his Shriguru is sitting downstairs. The appointment of Gagabhatt for his coronation was a brain child of Swami himself. Shivaji Maharaj considered as a servant to lord Shiva and goddess Bhavani. He was insisted for coronation by swami and jijabai to reestablish hindavi rajya. hindu raja was missing in the county from centuries. But a raja has to be a Khstriya and related rituals some of them to be completed before marriage could not be performed on Shivaji Maharaj because of the political conditions during the years. Now some his countrymen had started pointing out this and were opposing his coronation. Apart from that Kashi which was the zenith holy center of the hindus was under religious depression from the moughals from centuries. One of our dharma gurus had said that now since all Kshtriyas are finished and only Brahmins and Kshudras are remaining on the earth, we should worship the muslim king as lord Vishnu. He even wrote a book named Kshudra- achar shiromani. This was cited by Akbar to dictate Brahmins to worship him as their lord. To change this hopeless mentality and to give this country a Hindu King who was worth worshipping as a true representative of lord, Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation was important. To silent his opposes Gagabhatt wrote a book which had all the rituals that Shivaji Maharaj had to perform to be a kshtriya king citing references from shashtras and debated successfully with all religious authorities to convince them to remain united and support this historic event. All rituals took 5 days which included thread ceremony, remarriage and prayaschitta vidhi. There are documents suggesting presence of Swami Ramdas on Raigarh to monitor the preparation on Raigarh. Please read the book cited for details. Really a treat to read!Chhatrapati Shivaji on hearing about the rendering of Tukaram sent a huge retinue of gifts to Tukaram's home. An ascetic by nature Tukaram turned down the royal retinue and sent to the king. Shivaji overjoyed by the devotional compositions visited Tukaram and extended a load of regal riches. Tukaram's denial of the offer kindled the sparks of renunciation in Shivaji that he came forward to renounce his kingdom. Tukaram explained to Shivaji the importance of their dutiesChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a principle ofeffulgence, rather a divine inspiration. He iscertainly not human, he is God. In fact he is aPrimal God who took birth in a divine and pureculturIn the fight for independence and establishing his own kingdom, in every aspect ShivajiMaharaj did everything possible to promote Hinduism. His assembly of eight ministerswas formed based on Hindu ideals. One comes across this concept of eight ministers inthe Ramayan and the Mahabharat. King Dashrath too had eight ministers. In theShantiparva of the Mahabharat also it has been suggested that exchange of thoughts ofeight ministers is necessary. During the coronation ceremony Maharaj changed thePersian names of the ministers to Sanskrut a

Beautiful flowers blossom from the creeper of Bharatiya Rajdharma!

When describing Shivaji Maharaj his admirer Mr. M.S. Vabgaonkar writes, “ Shivaji is abeautiful flower which has blossomed from the Bharatiya creeper of rajdharma. The great

promoter of Bharatiya Rajdharma, Kautilya in His holy text the Arthashastra, hasimagined an ideal king and two thousand years later this king has taken birth in the formof Shivaji. The king described by Kautilya was one who emphasised on spying, who tookfull responsibility for procuring all the benefits of an attack onto himself, who wasdisinterested in worldly and sexual pleasures and was well versed in law and religionbesides having an unblemished character and punishing subjects only when required.Even this has proved right as per Kautilya’s description in case of Shivaji. After 1920 thecreeper of Bharatiya rajdharma was nurtured with the manure of `equality of allreligions’, pleasing Muslims, etc. and from it sprang a number of poisonous flowers inthe form of Mohandas-Jawaharlal or Manmohan-Soniya. To stop the blossoming of suchvicious flowers, the Bharatiya rajdharma creeper must be punished with the support ofthe Sanatan Vedic religion and then watered with pure water from the Ganga in the formof the biography of Shivaji Maharaj! When this happens, from every leaf of the creeperwill spring beautiful flowers like Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Only then will this creeperreach the skies!

On the 13th day (trayodashi) of the first fortnight of the month of 'Jyeshtha' in the year 1596, as

per Hindu calendar, coronation ceremony was held to enthrone Punyashlok Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj as King of Hindavi Swaraj with chanting of holy Veda-mantras and sprinkling holy water

from 7 rivers and 7 seas.

On 6th June 1674, Shivaji's coronation ceremony was performed according to the shastras by

Vishweshwar, also called Gaga Bhatta, of Varanasi, a master of the four Vedas, the six

philosophies and all the Hindu scriptures after he had gone through the genealogy brought by

Balaji Avji Prabhu, Shivaji's secretary, which showed that the Bhonsles were a branch of the

highly respected Sisodias of Mewar, the Kshatriyas of the purest Rajput clan.

As there was no unbroken tradition of the ceremonies performed an the occasion of the

coronation of an independent sovereign, a body of learned men went through the Sanskrit texts

and Smritis to find out the exact procedure, and information was also gathered from Mewar and

Amber, two of the oldest Rajput States, on various points connected with Rajyabhisheka.

The daily religious ceremonies preliminary to the main occasion and visits to most of the

important shrines in Maharashtra kept Shivaji busy. He performed worship of Mahadeva (Siva),

Bhavani, and other deities for a number of days. On 6th June 1674 the formal coronation

ceremony took place.

On the two sides of the throne, various emblems of royalty and government hung from gilded

lance-heads – two large fish heads of gold, on the left several horses' tails, (the insignia of royalty)

and a pair of gold scales, evenly balanced (the emblem of justice) on a very costly lance-head.

As Shivaji mounted the throne,. The priests lifted up their voices chanting holy verses and

blessing the king who bowed to them in return. The crowd set up deafening shouts of Jai Jai. All

the musical instruments began to play and the artillery of every fort in the kingdom fired salvos of

all their guns exactly at this time. The main priest, Gaga Bhatta, advanced to the throne, held the

royal umbrella of cloth of gold fringed with pearls over his head, and hailed him as Shiva

Chhatrapati or Shiva the paramount sovereign.

The coronation ceremony was an event of great significance in the history of India. In case of all

other rulers, the coronation had to be approved by the Mughal Emperor, but Shivaji did it as a

bold challenge to the Mughal authority, and the title of Chhatrapati or paramount sovereign which

he adopted symbolized this challenge. He could now claim devotion and loyalty of the people over

whom he ruled and his treaties and promises now had greater sanctity as engagements of the

head of a State and had more legal validity and assurance of permanence.

The formal assertion of his position as an independent king gratified every Hindu heart, harassed

and oppressed by the Muslim governments and clerics drawing authority and sanction from the

teachings and ideas alien to the culture of India

Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Chief, or King of the Kshatriyas), on 6 June 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the title Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahārāj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's lineage was a bonafide and recognized Kshatriya.[8] .[15][16][17] He was bestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi- Janeu, the sacred thread), with the Vedas and was bathed in an abhisheka. Shivaji had insisted on an Indrabhishek ritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century. Shivaji then had the title of "shakkarta" conferred upon him. He started his own calendar.

His mother Jijabai died on 18 June 1674 within a few days of the coronation. This was considered bad omen. Therefore a second coronation was carried out in September 1674, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri.