Nagpur holds 353rd Shivrajyabhishek celebrations for Shivaji Maharaj

Celebrations commemorating the 353rd anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, known as Shivrajyabhishek Din according to the Hindu calendar, took place in Nagpur on Saturday. The coronation originally occurred in 1674 at Raigad Fort on Jyeshtha Shukla Trayodashi. Although the event is typically observed annually on June 6 by the Gregorian calendar, this year’s Tithi-based anniversary was held on June 27.

Devotees and followers paid tribute to the Maratha warrior king, honouring his role in establishing Hindavi Swarajya and his legacy of governance centred on the people.

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and extended greetings for the occasion. “On Shivrajyabhishek Din (as per Tithi), my respectful salutations to the idol of undivided Maharashtra, Shrimant Yogi Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Heartiest wishes to all Shiv-premis on the auspicious occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din,” Shinde wrote on X.

Similarly, Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan recalled the significance of the coronation ceremony and paid tribute to the Maratha king. “On this auspicious Shuddha Trayodashi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ascended the throne at Raigad Fort, marking the historic ceremony of Shivrajyabhishek. Through Hindavi Swarajya, Shiv Chhatrapati established an ideal of people-centric governance that continues to inspire the world. Let us resolve to carry forward Shivray’s vision and legacy,” Chavan stated on X.

On June 6, 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as ‘Chhatrapati’ or the ‘supreme sovereign’ in a grand ceremony. According to the Hindu calendar, the coronation is observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the first fortnight of the Jyeshtha month in the year 1596. Despite coronations requiring approval by the Mughal Emperor, Shivaji challenged Mughal authority, formally declaring himself the independent King of the Maratha Empire. The event is also referred to as the ‘Shivrajyabhishek Sohala’.

During the 1665 Battle of Purandhar against the Mughal Empire, Shivaji defeated the army led by Fattekhan. In the Battle of Pratapgad, Shivaji’s forces triumphed over those of the Bijapur Sultanate. Under his leadership, the Marathas became a formidable national force, challenging the Mughal Empire’s dominance over the Deccan region.