[GHHF] Bala Samskar Students Celebrated Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti by learning about his life, his bravery, the establishment of the Maratha Empire, and his achievements.
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is very happy to inform that we have started more than 175 Bala Samskar Kendras (Schools for children and youth) to enrich them with the greatness of Hindu Dharma and to appreciate the sacrifices many leaders have made to protect Bharat
It was a dark period in history when fanatic forces acted like venomous serpents, conspiring to swallow Sanatana Dharma across India. Under Mughal rule, chaos prevailed; temples were being demolished, our wealth was being looted, and there was no protection for the honor of women. In that dire situation, a heroic spark was born to prevent the nation's glory from fading away. That was Shivaji, born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra to the heroic mother Jijiyabai and Shahaji Bhonsle.
His mother, Jijiyabai, shaped her son not just as an ordinary boy but as a protector of Dharma. From his childhood, she instilled in him the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata, igniting a passion for self-rule (Swarajya) by saying, "You are a slave to no one... You are a descendant of the Kshatriyas born to uplift this nation." Along with her teachings, the Gurus' mantra of unity, such as that of Samarth Ramdas, transformed Shivaji into an extraordinary force.
At the young age of 14, Shivaji began his victorious journey by capturing the 'Torna Fort.' At 16, he organized his fellow Mawalas and took a solemn oath for "Hindavi Swarajya" at the Rameshwar Temple. In the presence of Lord Shiva, he cut his finger and performed an ablution (Abhishekam) to the Shiva Linga with his own blood. From that moment on, his unstoppable journey began.
The greatest secret behind Shivaji Maharaj's victories was his military strategy, known as "Guerrilla Warfare" or "Ganimi Kava." Even when the enemy's army numbered in the lakhs, Shivaji, with his small force, would hide in the hills and valleys, launch a lightning strike, and vanish before the enemy could recover. No one knew how to build forts or fight in the forests without being caught as well as he did. He was the hero who slayed the cruel Afzal Khan with tiger claws (Wagh Nakh) and stunned the Mughal Empire by chopping off the fingers of Shaista Khan, who had come with an army of a lakh. Having built and strengthened over 300 forts, he is known as the "Father of the Indian Navy."
When foreigners (British, Portuguese, Dutch) were looting our country via sea routes, Shivaji recognized that we needed our own navy to protect our shores. He built powerful sea forts, such as Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg, along the Konkan coast. Even back then, using indigenous technology, he commissioned the construction of about 400 to 500 warships.
While Mughal kings demolished temples, Shivaji never touched their places of prayer. He was a great statesman who regarded women as "Mother" and sent even the women of the enemy's household back with great respect. As a protector of Dharma, he welcomed back those who had been forcibly converted, such as Nimbalkar and Netaji Palkar, through 'Punaragaman' (re-conversion to Hindu Dharma). By restoring the Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga, he showed the world that Hindus are not slaves but noble rulers. Thus, he remains the "Hindu Hriday Samrat" in the heart of every Hindu.
In 1674, he was coronated with great splendor at Raigad Fort as "Chhatrapati" under the authentication of the scholar Gaga Bhatt of Kashi. This great warrior, who dedicated his entire life to this land and Dharma, attained Shiva-Sayujyam (left his mortal coil) at Raigad Fort on April 3, 1680. Though he is no longer physically among us, the self-respect he instilled echoes in the hearts of every Indian to this day.
Teacher Tasks
Discussion After the Story:
● What was the name of the military strategy followed by Shivaji Maharaj? (Guerrilla Warfare or Ganimi Kava.)
● Why is he called the 'Father of the Indian Navy'? (For building Indian warships to protect the seacoasts.)
● What compassion did Shivaji show toward those who had converted to other religions? (He welcomed them back into Hindu Dharma and respected them.)
● In which temple did he take the oath for Swarajya? (At Rameshwar Temple.)
Creative Expression:
● Adventure Stories: Have the children perform a skit on heroic acts like the slaying of Afzal Khan or the chopping of Shaista Khan's fingers.
● Pledge: Make them say, "Like Shivaji, I will learn a martial art (self-defense) along with my studies."
Practical Action (Implementation):
● Physical Fitness: To stay active like Shivaji Maharaj, children should perform exercises and Surya Namaskars every day.
● Respecting Mother: Just as Jijiyabai was to Shivaji, mothers are equivalent to God for children. They must learn to listen to and respect their mothers.
Protecting Dharma: Learn the history of our temples and monuments and respect them.
Donations are appreciated.
By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com
PayPal: savetemples.org
By Check: You can also send a check payable to GHHF,14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
It is tax-deductible.
By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979.
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