Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji (1627–1680), also popularly called as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was a Maratha king and a noble person. During the year 1674, Shivaji had become the king of the Maratha Empire. At his teenage, Shivaji had got married and had children. He met the great saint and the Panduranga Devotee Tukaram, and after knowing about his significance, he has praised and worshipped him, and invited him to his palace.
Through his bravery, Shivaji had expanded his kingdom, and he gave much importance to Hinduism, and his Kula Devata is Tulja Bhavani Mata, and the temple is located in Tuljapur in Maharashtra. It is believed that Ma Tulja Bhavani had appeared before Shivaji and gave him a powerful sword in order to destroy his enemies. Shivaji had showered his love and affection on his mother Jijabai, and considered all the women as an aspect of Ma Bhavani Mata. Shivaji also visited lot of temples all over Maharashtra, and worshipped the deities.
Shivaji studied the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, at his young age itself, and hence he has become a great spiritual minded person. He has attended the religious lectures performed by the Hindu saints, and carefully listened to their teachings. Once while he was worshipping Ma Kalikambal at Kalikambal Temple, Parrys, Chennai, he was surrounded by Muslim soldiers, but however, due to the divine blessings of Ma Kalikambal, divine soldiers suddenly emerged from the shrine of Ma Kalikambal and chased away the Muslim soldiers from that place.
During the year 1680, Shivaji suddenly fell ill, and died on the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti, and at the time of his death, he uttered the Devi Mantra, “Jai Ma Bhavani”, and permanently settled down at her lotus feet. After Shivaji’s death, his son, Sambhaji has become the king, and he successfully ruled the Maratha Empire.
Shivaji’s name and fame is still going strong day by day. Maharashtrians consider Shivaji as their demigod, for his holiness and bravery, and they used to celebrate his birthday as their own birth day.
“JAI MA BHAVANI”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR