Sivaji, emperor of devotion

Centuries after his passing, the Maratha king Chhatrapati Sivaji is celebrated not merely for his prowess in warfare, but also for leading the faithful towards a godly life, at a time when there were numerous challenges dogging Sanatana Dharma. He was aided by numerous saints, especially from Maharashtra, whose lives and contribution to faith have been chronicled widely but each retelling helps a devotee straddle material and spiritual paths.

Two such great spiritual leaders and contemporaries of Sivaji, Sant Tukaram and Sant Ramadasa, guided disciples in their divergent ways, said K. Savithri. Tukaram lit up the musical path with his abhangs and unswerving devotion to Panduranga. On one occasion, when Sivaji and his troops arrived suddenly, enough food appears for the entire entourage at Ramadasa’s camp. The same thing happened when the troops visit Tukaram, unannounced. How is this possible, wondered Sivaji. Panduranga knows what to give me and when, responds Tukaram. He never lets down a devotee, added the Sant.

Travelling across the country, Ramadasa roused people from their lethargic acceptance of status quo, raising their spiritual awareness. He rallied spiritual leaders, who travelled to small towns and villages, highlighting the efficacy of faith, resulting in the Ramadasa Sampradaya. Sivaji, twinning with him on this plateau, took both Tukaram and Ramadasa as his spiritual gurus. On one occasion, when Sivaji was puffed up with pride, Ramadasa pricked the bubble: They were in a fortress in Satara at that time. Ramadasa picked up a stone from the pile the workers were using for construction and threw it against a solid wall. The stone crumbled and out came a frog, live and healthy. Sivaji was humbled by this knowledge that God preserves and protects everything. He understood that God was the greatest and lived with renewed bhakti, leading his subjects along the same spiritual path.