The mighty ruler, and founder of the Maratha Empire that spanned almost all of the Indian Subcontinent, Chatrapati Shivaji was re-coronated today in history back in 1674. His omniscient empire was spread across the subcontinent.

Shivaji was initially coronate on June 6th 1674 at Raigad in a grandiose observance. According to the dates on Hindu Calendar, the same day falls on the Triyodashi, 13th day, of the first forthnight in Jyeshtha month in 1596. Gaga Bhatt was the presiding person of the ceremony. History speaks that Bhatt had ordered the waters from the seven sacred rivers Yamuna, Indus, Ganges, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri which he had held in a golden vessel over Shivaji's head while chanting the holy words as the water was allowed to be showered on the ruler's head through the holes in the vessel.

After the holy ablution,  Shivaji had taken blessings from Jijamata while touching her feet. This grrand ceremony was attended by at least 50,000 people.

At this time Shivaji was referred to as Shakakarta and he had assumed the title of Kshatriya Kulavantas,which meant that he was the leader of all Kshatriyas. He preferred being called Chhatrapati over Maharaja.

Soon after his coronation, on 18th June 1674, Shivaji's mother died. Considering this death not a good sign, he had a second coronation on 24th September 1674 conducted by Nischal Puri according to the Bengal tantric methods.

Even to this day Chhatrapati is revered as the greatest ruler of the country.

(AW- Anil)