Lalit Khambhayata
Let's go back in time three centuries ago. The entire Raj Sabha was waiting in the fort of Raigad. Dressed elephants were roaming outside. Ranbheri was making the atmosphere sound. In between Shivaji Maharaj entered. The courtiers present cheered. The Brahmins started chanting Veda mantras and slowly Shivaji Raje Bhonsle advanced towards the throne. It was an important date in the history of India. Shivaji Maharaj was enthroned twice. For the first time on June 6, 1674. It was argued that there were some religious defects in the coronation, so the coronation took place again on the 24th day of September (1674). The important thing was that a Swadeshi state was being established that day on the soil of Bharatvarsha after centuries. At that time, the coronation would take place, but for that, permission had to be taken from the Mughal authorities of Delhi. Shivaji was the first chieftain in centuries who did not need such a holiday. had defeated the Mughals. After that, it was necessary to declare himself Chhatrapati and enthrone himself in order to maintain the extent, influence and effect of his power. That is why it was grandly planned. * * * India is celebrating 350 years of that coronation. Shivaji Maharaj is an immortal, unique character of Indian history. Three and a half centuries ago, there were three major powers on Indian soil, the Mughals, the Bijapur Empire and the Portuguese (the British were still making inroads). Shivaji Maharaj established his empire by fighting all three of them. His name was to build an empire over the whole of India, starting from the center of India. That history is a different subject, but we have to talk about the coronation. Because as said earlier, such an event was taking shape on Indian soil after centuries. It has been described in detail by Sir Jadunath Sarkar, an eminent historian of India, in his book 'Shivaji and His Times'. Prabhakar Machve's book 'Chhatrapati Shivaji' also describes the coronation. * * * After becoming politically active, Shivaji Maharaja had only one ambition, to have his own state independent. He did not like to be ruled by an Islamic emperor. So after becoming active, he started expanding the area of his empire. First of all, Torna fort was visited. Khamtidar met colleagues like Balaji Pasalkar, Yeshaji Kank, Tanaji Malsure. A new fort named Raigad was also prepared with the help of that team. In this way they started building one after another forts on the top of the mountain where no one could reach. After the death of Dadaji Konddev, Shivaji started to consolidate his father's jagirs which were spread all over. Firangji Narsala, the ruler of Chakna fort, accepted the suzerainty of Shivaji. After that Shivaji merged the land of Bijapur state in his territory. Over time, Muslim invaders, foreigners like the Portuguese, foreign traders… Shivaji's name was coined in everyone. Shivaji also established land force, navy etc. and prepared a systematic military organization. His original aim was to revive the confidence of the people which had been suppressed for centuries. Shivaji had everything, but did not become a proper king. He was not at all fond of giving orders while sitting on the throne. But until he becomes a formal king, he is considered an ordinary citizen. Although people respect him, they cannot believe everything. Attackers also take advantage of that situation. No one can assert authority over the land as a king, nor can the land be given to anyone else. That is why Shivaji Maharaj decided that the coronation should be organized now. After that planning took place and immortalized in history. * * * Shivaji Maharaj visited various temples before his coronation. Parashuram Bhagwan was worshiped in Chiplun and Tulja Bhavani in Pratapgarh. Although the coronation ceremony took a day, the process was long. If cows, brahmins, women, children were killed unintentionally during the jurisdiction, they atone for it. Before becoming a king, Marahaj performed upanayanavidhi, remarriage of queens, tulavidhi, Ganesh poojan, nandishraddha, host consecration, pattabandhan.. which went through a number of processes. Shantinyajna was performed, principals were given Dakshina. Fasted, slept on the ground, wore black clothes and performed some rituals. Amidst that preparation, Shivaji Maharaj moved forward. bowed before the clan deities, bowed to the Brahmins, the priests. Along with Shivaji Maharaj were Rajman Rajeshwars including Patrani Soyrabai and Yuvraj Shambhaji. With all that, mother reached Jijabai. He proceeded towards the throne only after taking the blessings of Mataji. Before that, Shivaji Maharaj had bathed in Ganga water. He saw his face in the ghee kept in a copper plate. Dakshina was given to Brahmins. 25 thousand was given to Gaga Bhatt alone (who was the chief priest of the whole ceremony, whose ceremony is recorded in the Shivaji Rajabhisheka Prabhaya pothi). A large number of people from all eighteen classes were present in the ceremony. There were also dignitaries and there were some Englishmen in it. Henry Oxden, the Mumbai-based deputy governor of the East India Company, was also present. He was impressed by the throne. He wrote: We have had the opportunity to stand before the throne a few times enough. The throne was magnificent, decorated with various designs on the edge of the gilded spear. There were signs of royalty. To the left were embedded gold fishes. Coming to the throne, Shivaji Maharaj took the seat. Describing how he looked after that, historians have written: 'The king looked splendid on the jeweled throne as if Devaraj Indra was sitting on a mountain covered with gold.' Vedic mantras were being chanted, flowers were being showered on the Maharaja, mangal bells were sounding, royal tunes were being played in the shehnai.. In the meantime, Shivaji Raje was tilaked and the auspicious women performed their aarti. Digvijay Pandit Gaga Bhatt himself came forward and placed the Raja Mugat on Shivaji Maharaj's head. The Brahmins blessed the king by singing Mangal verses, while Prime Minister Moropant came forward and bowed to the king. * * * The Raj Durbar was lavishly decorated. A Mahavedi was established in the Mandapa, four Kumbhs were established on its four sides. Seats of Umra tree branches were made for the hosts. Water was fetched from various rivers of the country, besides, water tanks were filled with various herbs. Ashta Pradhan was present in all eight directions of the ceremony. In the direction of the fire, Minister Secretary Annaji was standing with an umbrella. In the south, General Hambir Rao Mohite was ready with milk in a silver kalash. Ramachandra Pant with a fan in the south-west, Raghunath Pandit with a jar of honey in the north were arranged. After the Abhishek in the mandap, it was the turn of the chariot. Shivaji Maharaj along with Gaga Pandit approached the chariot, worshiped the horses, installed the flag and canopy on the chariot and then mounted the chariot himself. Took the bow with chants, performed some rituals and again entered the Mandap. Jajmas were laid in the mandapa, the walls were inscribed with symbols symbolizing the thirty-two auspicious attributes. Shivaji Maharaj ascended the throne, after the coronation ceremony was completed, everyone came forward to greet him. Maharaj used to honor him by giving him white clothes. People were cheering for Shivaji Maharaj while all the rest of the forts were firing cannon salutes. The booming of cannons signaled that the country had found its king. With that, the event of revival of Indian identity was over. The history associated with Shivaji Maharaj is very long. We are not talking about the history, we are talking about the coronation, which ends here. }
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
