Shivrajyabhishek Sohala -This is the day when our Great Hindu King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Coronated. The purpose of my Blog is to Spread Positivity, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a perfect role model of positivity. You can check my Blog about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, focusing on Maharaj’s Entrepreneurship skills. Today being the historic day of Shivrajyabhishek Sohala, which falls on Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi tithi, I am sharing a small write-up of my Raigad Visits on this auspicious occasion.
I have been to Raigad for Shivrajyabhishek Sohala at least 4 to 5 times. Talking about our Raigad Trip for Shivrajyabhishek Din, there is a fixed schedule we follow. Mostly our group members are from Mumbai & Pune… The plan is to reach Raigad fort a day before the Coronation ceremony. We take an ST Bus from Mumbai to Mahad.
We board the Bus from Mumbai at around 8 to 9 AM, which reaches Mahad at around 2 to 3 PM where a group of Punekars meet us. After having lunch together, we march towards Raigad. The Pune group most of the time brings their vehicle to the base of the Fort, also known as (Paitha).
The journey exploring the greatness of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
From Mahad, we Mumbaikars board a Tum..Tum or take a lift from some ongoing Truck or Tempo and normally join the Pune Team at the base of the fort. After taking Darshan of the Jijamata (mother of Shivaji Maharaj) samadhi, which is at the base village of Pachad we head towards the base of the fort. After having Tea & dry snacks, we begin our climb to Raigad fort.
Climbing Raigad, the strongest fortress on the Deccan plateau, on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Sohala
The first 15 to 20 minutes is a real Test of Fitness levels, however, our worship towards Maharaj, the glorious history of the Fort & the natural surroundings make a fort climb a really joyous affair. Also, our large group of around 8 to 10 guys discussing various Topics (focus mostly is Politics) also helps to make a tough climb a joyous affair. Also, celebrations on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi make the climb exciting.. For us, it takes around 2 hours to reach the top of the Fort.
Raigad on the eve of Shivrajyabhishek Sohala
Normally, it’s late evening, post-sunset, when we are at Raigad Fort. When we reach the Top of the Fort, everything looks so amazing. The shades of glorious Maratha history are seen everywhere. Everything from Jagdishwar Mandir to Wagh Darwaja to the Raj Bhavan looks so divine & full of positivity. We can literally experience everything happening in front of our eyes by looking at these monuments.
After having Pithla Bhakari ( a traditional meal eaten in the villages in Maharashtra) at one of the homes on the fort, we take a few hours of rest. I remember one year it was raining very heavily & by god’s grace we had put up a Tent in which 4 to 5 of us were cramped together. All those special memories remain with you forever.
Shivrajyabhishek Sohala – Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi tithi celebrations
The early morning of Shivrajyabhishek begins with unfurling the huge Saffron Flag. The atmosphere at the Fort is really electric and full of festive fervour. You can see thousands of people carrying Saffron Flags i.e. Bhagwa Dhwaj with them in large groups and chanting the sacred chant of “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai“.
After some time, we reach the Raj Bhavan, which is packed to the rafters to catch a Glimpse of the Shivrajyabhishek Sohala celebration. After worshipping our Lord Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we visit other spots around the fort. Takmak Tok & the historical Wagh Darwaja … the two spots we visit often & it takes lots of physical effort to reach those destinations.
At around 12 to 1 PM at noon we have some food on the fort, which is usually a Khichadi or Bhakri & begin to climb down the fort. Climbing down is easier & is less strenuous than climbing up the fort, & being in Shivaji Maharaj’s fortress for some time is enough to charge us up. We really enjoy the activity of climbing down the fort. It normally takes around an hour and a half to reach the base.
The Return Journey back home
At around 3 PM, we are at the base of the fort. Pune group heads back to their destination in their vehicle, and we Mumbaikars reach the Mahad ST Depot. If luck is shining, we get a bus quickly and normally we do & reach Mumbai around midnight.
Summary
The experience of visiting Raigad on the historic occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Sohala is simply amazing & memorable. And yes, there is something remarkable at Raigad which charges you up… Maybe the legacy of the Great Hindu King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & the great Maratha History.. You can feel the bravery, courage & valor in the air once you are at Raigad. This energy doesn’t stay at Raigad – it travels back with you, becoming a source of strength & inspiration to strive for excellence in your own life journey.