coronation
About coronation
brahman refused shivaji rajyabhishek this is totally
baseless claim nowadays started floating in Maharashtra as some fringe elements
want Marathas and Brahmins of Maharashtra to be divided. Now on what bases I am
saying this?
before rebuttal of this lie few very important facts also need to be mentioned
1 dada kondev was brahman
2 in his astpradhan 7 ministers were brahman
3 samarth ramdas guru his menntor was also brhman
1. Rajyabhishek of Shivaji Maharaj was done after
almost 400 years. In these years no other Hindu King was coronated properly
with all rituals. Hence brahmins from Maharashtra said they are not capable
(knowledge wise) to carry out this ceremony.
2. Then Shivaji Maharaj asked “Gaga Bhatt” who
was based in Varanasi but a Marathi Brahmin to carry out this ceremony. Even
Gaga Bhatt had to research a lot to carry out this ceremony.
3. In those days Marathas who were Kshatriya were
not from lower caste. Shivaji Mahraj was Sisodia Rajput. Hence was Kshatriya so
there is no base to call him “Shudra”.
There is no historical evidence which can prove that Brahmins, Marathi Brahmins or anyone else has ever opposed Shivaji Mahraj’s rajyabhishek based on his caste. There are several historical account which shows that Bajirao I’s son from Mastani “Samsherbahaddar” who was named as “Krushna” was denied for thread ceremony (upanayan ceremony carried out by Brahmins). But no such evidence is present in this case.
From
the history books, I am personally unaware of such an incident. To give a
reference of old texts, I am citing सभासद बखर (Sabhasad Bakhar). It is considered as a valuable document as
it was written during the time of Shivaji. This document is of significant
historical value. It is in Marathi language. I will try to translate only
screen shot of book is given below see translation of book
) Pandit Gaga Bhatt arrived
to meet Shivaji from Varanasi after
hear fame and achievements of the king.
When all the socially venerated were called upon, they all thought, the Brahmins said, the king should sit on the throne. When searched for the lineage, it was found that the king's ancestors had traveled from the northern India. First the king performed Vratabandha (A ritual similar to Upanayana, feel free to correct me if I am wrong). Shivaji donated a lot of wealth. A total of 50,000 Brahmins arrived from various locations, and stayed at the venue of coronation.
People present and respected at the venue were Brahmins.
The Prime Minister of Ashta Pradhan was
Moro Pant, another Brahmin.
Gagabhatta was saluted and presented with huge wealth too.
50 thousands Brahman arrived in his coronation so Brahman opposed it a super myth
see the screen shot which is given above . all the socially venerated were called upon, they all thought, the Brahmins said, the king should sit on the throne. When searched for the lineage, it was found that the king's ancestors had traveled from the northern India. First the king performed Vratabandha (A ritual similar to Upanayana, feel free to correct me if I am wrong). Shivaji donated a lot of wealth. A total of 50,000 Brahmins arrived from various locations, and stayed at the venue of coronation. suggestion was taken seriously by all the political and social grounds and as such, the secrecy had to be maintained to avoid the enragement of the surrounding sultanates or Islamic powers, even perhaps at the instance of those Maratha's of his equal standing in their employ. Such a secrecy would have been impossible had their been any tussle between Brahmins and Shivaji on coronation...
another proof
Gagabhatt,
a Marathi Brahmin went to Kashi, wrote a book to describe the coronation
ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj, named as "Śivrājyābhiśek Prayog" (edited
by VS Bendrey, great historical scholar
VS Bendrey clarified in the Preface: * Mahāraj was taken to bathing hall & all his ministers poured milk and water, and said, "महते क्षत्राय महते अधिपत्याय, महते जनार्दनाय वो भरता सोमो ऽस्माकम् ब्राह्मणानां राजा", thus making him king of all including Brahmins.
.
why brahmans of maharashtra did not perrform the ritual reason see below
in fact it is never mentioned in any contemporary hindu historian book that brahman refused shivaji coronation
But why jagunath sarkar says that shivaji was shudra and brahman refused coronation reason is given below
Jadunath Sarkaar to substantiate hisason is given below information, has given the reference of Shivdigvijay Bakhar
Shivdigvijay Bakhar is extremely unreliable and not a contemporary bakhar
(Jadunath Sarkar himself says so! 👇)
But Sarkar's information resembles only Shivdigvijay Bakhar.
NO OTHER bakhar has even questioned Shivaji Maharaj's Kshatriya-hood.
Actualy jadunath sarkar also rlied on a dutch letter but
But in Historian Gajanan Mehendale's opinion, this letter was not at all reliable, as Abraham Le Feber was not present at Raigad Fort during the Coronation ceremony! He wrote that letter from a hearsay information. So the letter also becomes extremely unreliable
Thinking about the political aim of Shivaji Maharaj, notions of persons closely associated with him should be taken into consideration. His elder son Chhatrapati Sambhaji, in a letter pertaining to a grant issued to a Brahmin named Baakareshastri, represents his father as the Mlenchha-kshaya-dikshita (one who has vowed to reduce Mlenchhas) and to have uplifted the Hindu-dharma (jwala-jwwalantejas Sambhajiraja – Sadashiv Shivade, Page. 84). The contemporary poet Paramanand, is believed to have composed the Shivabharat, an epic describing life events of Shivaji Maharaj, as ordered by Shivaji Maharaj himself. The belief that we perceive in Shivabharat, is that Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as Shivaji to liberate mankind from mlenchhas, to re-establish Dharma, uproot the yavanas, bring succour to gods and cherish the cows and Brahmins (Shrishivabharat chapter 1, verses 24-27, 36-41). He also says in a preamble that Shivaji Maharaj had conqured Kalyan and Bhiwandi and demolished the mosques there. Similar convictions can also be seen in Sabhasad chronicle. Another contemporary poet from Uttar Pradesh, Kaviraj Bhushan in slightly different words summarises Shivaji Maharaj’s life achievement, “Kashi’s glamour could have lost, Mathura could have become ‘masjid’, if had not been Shivaji, everyone might have got circumcised (converted to be Muslim).” From all these convictions made by persons closely associated with Shivaji Maharaj it can be understood that they all have looked upon Shivaji Maharaj as the protector of Hindus and the doom of Muslim invaders.
A. The first Poet, Samarth Ramdas Swami, composed the following lines praising Shivaji Maharaj.
‘यशवंत, कीर्तीवंत । सामर्थ्यवंत, वरदवंत ।
पुण्यवंत आणि जयवंत । जाणता राजा ॥
आचारशील, विचारशील । दानशील, धर्मशील ।
सर्वज्ञपणे सुशील । सकळाठायी ॥
या भूमंडळाचे ठायी । धर्मरक्षी ऐसा नाही ।
महाराष्ट्रधर्म राहिला काही । तुम्हाकारणे ॥
It is important to note that during His travels all over India Samarth Ramdas Swami did not come across any personality He considers greater than Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After Shivaji’s demise, Samarth Ramdas in his letter to Sambhaji advised him ‘To remember the Chhatrapati’s stature and valour’.
2. Devotion of Brahmins to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj !
A. After Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from from Agra, two of his devoted attendants, namely Dabir and Korde were arrested by Aurangzeb’s soldiers. These two had kept Sambhaji Maharaj hidden at Mathura, but did not disclose it despite being subject to everyday lashings and torture in Aurangzeb’s prison.
B. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was fully aware that Brahmins could be reliable and devoted. Janambhat Abhyankar and Dadambhat Abhyankar who were stationed at Sindhudurg fort by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not desert Sindhudurg fort till their death. After Shivaji’s demise, Aurangzeb was able to lay his hands on this fort only after the brothers were killed. They had promised Shivaji that they would never leave Sindhudurg fort and they remained true to their word by embracing death right there.
3. Brahmins are witnesses to very important incidents in Shivaji’s life !
A. Bapuji Deshpande who fought and secured Kondana fort for Shivaji was a Brahmin.
B. When Shivaji was fighting Fateh Khan on Purandar fort, Nilkanth Sarnaik the killedar rendered invaluable help to the Maratha forces.
C. Nanaji Deshpande, a Brahmin, was the first incharge of Shivaji’s espionage division. Subsequently this post was taken over by Bahirji Naik.
D. Vedamurti Dergeshastri of Tryambakeshwar used to perform rituals to propitiate Bhagwan Shiva for welfare of Shivaji.
F. The architect of Shivaji’s daring raid on Lalmahal, Chimaji Deshpande, was a Brahmin.
G. Chimaji’s father was in the service of Jijau for many years in Lalmahal. He had intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny of Lalmahal, hence he was handed the responsibility or organising the raid.
H. There is historical account of how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ritualistically worshiped cows and Brahmins before meeting Afzal Khan. Prabhakar Bhatt who presided over this worship was the chief priest of kingdom.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reverence for Brahmins !
A. There are 4-5 letters available mentioning donations given to mosques by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. These letters are used to declare him a ‘secular’ king. Why are the 82 letters noting donations to Brahmins ignored ?
B. On 8.9.1671 in a letter to Tukaram Subhedar, Shivaji Maharaj wrote,’Bapuji Nalvada had some grievance with a Brahmin and on that account he struck him with his sword. After this he killed himself with a dagger. He struck a Brahmin despite being a Maratha. He had to face the consequences’. From this letter we see the respect Shivajihad for Brahmins. His chieftains were also well aware of this. Hence when Bapuji Nalvada realised what he had done, he decided to end his life for he knew that a sever punishment awaited him when Shivaji came to know about the incident. An ideal ruler inspires this kind of awe and reverence among his subjects.
C. In 8-10 letters Shivaji exhorts the reader to follow some rule under an oath on Cows or Brahmins.
D. In many letters on provision for ceremonial feasts to Brahmins, Maharaj gave strict instructions (1648 A.D.) that ‘Money be spent on ‘Religious Account’ and spare no cost’. From this his opinion about Brahmins is clear.
E. While donating land to Brahmins, Shivaji made a mention of their contribution with full gratitude., e.g. On 3 August 1674 Shivaji wrote to Murari Trimal Vibhute, ‘During Swami’s coronation, you toiled hard and by with great bravery earned a place in Swami’s heart. This token award is in consideration of your aforesaid valour’.
F. In order to get blessings and ensure success to Shivaji in the establishment of the Hindavi Swarajya, Jijabai used to arrange religious rituals from Brahmins, which finds a clear mention in a letter dated 18th February 1653 to Vedamurti Gopal Bhatt. Wherein Shivaji informs Gopal Bhatt that a particular ritual to propitiate Sun deity has to be performed.
6. ‘Protector of Cows and Brahmins’ (Gau-Brahmin pratipalak)
When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not hesitate from adopting the title of ‘Protector of Cows and Brahmins’ (Gau-Brahmin pratipalak), why do his ‘followers’ have an issue with the words ‘Gau’ and ‘Brahmin’ ?
Out of available 200 letters of Chhatrapati, approximately 100 are written to different Brahmins donating or rewarding them something. Letters are a mirror to the person’s mind. Chhatrapati Shivaji took Brahmins into confidence in events that later gained historical significance. This nature could be observed from his letters. If Shivaji is called ‘Protector of Cows and Brahmins’, some people become very upset. In the year 1647 A.D. Chhatrapati Shivaji wrote a letter to Moreshwar Gosavi stating, ‘A Brahmin guest, even an uninvited one, is auspicious. Maharaj is protector of ‘Cows and Brahmins’ (Gau-Brahmin pratipalak). Maintenance of cows is a very virtuous act.’
Where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself did not hesitate from adopting the title of ‘Protector of Cows and Brahmins’ (Gau-Brahmin pratipalak), one fails to understand why his ‘followers’ have an issue with the words ‘Gau’ and ‘Brahmin’ ? Prof. Shivajirao Bhosle says “Some people refer to Shivaji Maharaj as ‘Gau-Brahmin pratipalak’. I agree with this title. The cows enrich the earth, the Brahmins with their piety and study uplift the society; if the Maharaj felt that they should be protected, nothing wrong with that. Today the words are twisted and meanings misrepresented. Doesn’t the milk revolution and the difficult exams administered to select officials remind us of this Gau-Brahmin pratipalan ? Wouldn’t it be nice if in the 21st century, the word Brahmin stood for scholarship, intelligence, adherence to facts, and independent thinking !
7. Brahmins who helped Chhatrapati Shivaji and Marathas who turned hostile !
A. Chhatrapati Shivaji’ biography mentions that there were many Brahmins holding important positions within the inner circle.
B. Dadoji Kondadev, a very reliable Manager sent by Shahaji Maharaj from Benguluru for helping Chhatrapati, was a Brahmin.
C. Seven out of the eight Ministers in Shivaji Maharaj’s cabinet, were Brahmins.
D. Dabir, Korde, Atre, Bokilkaka – all vakils, were Brahmins.
E. There is an outcry that a Brahmin Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni was Afzal Khan’s vakil; but it is prudent to note that Chhatrapati Shivaji’s vakil, Gopinathpanth Bokil too was a Brahmin.
F. Brahmin detractors are silent about the thousands of Marathas who served Aurangzeb.
G. It is a fact that 38 relatives of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were helping Afzal Khan. When Afzal Khan went to meet Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his ten main body-guards included Mambaji Bhosle (Shivaji’s uncle), Pilaji Mohite and Shankarji Mohite (relations of Shivaji’s father-in-law).
– Shri Sunil Chincholkar (Reference : ‘Samaj Jagruti Booklet’ published by Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Vikas Parishad)
“Kashi would have lost its splendour, Mathura would have become a mosque; if it had not been for Shivaji, all would have been circumcised (converted).”
Kavi Kalash, a poet hailing from Kannauj composed the above verse to pay tribute to Shivaji whom he considered a defender of Hinduism.
The great poet-saint of Maharashtra Swami Samarth Ramdas too sang the praises of Shivaji and called him the greatest protector of the Hindu religion.
“He can be glorified as successful, famous, blessed, valorous, meritorious and an icon of morality. There has been none like him, a knower of Dharma, who has protected Hindu Dharma in Maharashtra.”
Samarth Ramdas and Kavi Kalash were contemporaries of Shivaji and viewed Shivaji as a Hindu king fighting Muhammadan tyrrany. This is in stark contrast to 21st century post-modernists and left-leaning intellectuals who promote the narrative that Shivaji was not motivated by Hinduism at all!
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