On This Day - Chhatrapati Shivaji Was Coronated in 1674: Here's How the Coronation Took Place

The coronation ceremony took place at the Raigad Fort in Maharashtra.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is widely hailed as one of the greatest rulers ever in the history of India. He founded the genesis of the Maratha Empire and went on to stand up against the Mughals. Also, he envisioned an integral nation that would be filled with peace and happiness.

Shivaji was coronated as the Maratha King on this very date back in 1674. To mark the anniversary of the event, let's have a look at how the coronation took place.

Read ahead!

About Shivaji's Coronation Ceremony

Shivaji was already recognized as a king by his people. But he lacked a formal title, with no legal rights to rule his region. Hence, he decided to get coronated as the Maratha King.

The ceremony's preparation began in 1673, and it finally took place on the 6th of Jun in 1674, at Raigad Fort. It was a lavish affair, with more than 50000 people taking part in the celebration.

The ceremony was conducted as per the Hindu shastras by Gaga Bhatta of Varanasi (who was a master of the four Vedas, the six philosophies, and the Hindu scriptures).

Bhatt poured water (from the seven sacred rivers Yamuna, Indus, Ganges, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, and Kaveri) from a gold vessel over Shivaji's head, and chanted the Vedic coronation mantras.

Shivaji sat on the throne, while the priests started chanting holy verses.

Then, Bhatt held the golden umbrella over Shivaji's head, and conferred him the title of "Kshatriya Kulavantas Chhatrapati Raje Shivaji".

Some Interesting Facts

With his coronation, Shivaji challenged the Mughal authority and became the independent king of the Maratha Empire.

This event marked the beginning of Hindavi Swarajya in India.

During the ceremony, Shivaji was given the titles of Shakakarta (founder of an era), Haindava Dharmodhhaarak (protector of the Hindu faith), and Chhatrapati (sovereign).