Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Balidan Maas
Bharat has been consistently producing great warriors for millennia. These warriors have shown immense valor and perseverance in the protection of Dharma—righteousness.
Dharma is what makes Bharat a land of pluralism and justice. Protecting Dharma has always been considered an essential and eternal duty.
Though many historical kings and warriors have fought and attained martyrdom, the elder son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands out overwhelmingly when it comes to upholding Dharmic values.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who became the second Chhatrapati after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was his eldest son.
In 1680, after the unfortunate demise of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Raje was coronated. This transfer of power brought great challenges for Prince Sambhaji because their mightiest enemy, Aurangzeb, had decided to march on them.
Despite this, Sambhaji Raje, an eminent administrator, managed to maintain status quo in many regions and effectively restrained simultaneous invasions by multiple attackers.
The Capture and Martyrdom of Sambhaji Maharaj
Due to the treachery of his close aides, Sambhaji Raje was captured by the Mughals at Sangameshwar. He was then subjected to unimaginable torture by Aurangzeb, including chopping off his limbs, cutting his tongue, and inserting heated iron rods into his eyes.
The reason for these atrocities differs across historical records. According to contemporary official Mughal records, Aurangzeb’s Ulema (Islamic religious scholars) issued a verdict for torturing Sambhaji Raje, justifying it on the grounds that he had fought against Muslims in previous battles. However, non-contemporary Maratha records suggest that the real reason was Sambhaji Raje’s refusal to comply with Aurangzeb’s demands, which reflected the core purpose of Aurangzeb's regime—the triad of power, wealth, and religious conversion.
Despite unbearable torture, Sambhaji Raje chose the path of resistance. He firmly refused to convert to Islam and endured the agony for an entire month, the Hindu month of Falguna. On the eve of the last day of Falguna, which is also the traditional Hindu New Year’s Eve, Aurangzeb beheaded Sambhaji Maharaj and desecrated his body.
By choosing death over conversion, Sambhaji Raje became Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a highly revered figure for millions of Marathas and Hindus worldwide.
In remembrance of his great sacrifice, the entire Falgun month is observed as "Balidan Maas" (Month of Sacrifice) in Maharashtra.
How to Observe Balidan Maas?
You can choose any of these ways to observe Balidan Maas according to your ability:
- Sacrifice any beloved activity from your daily routine.
- Abandon the consumption of your favorite sweet items, outside food, alcohol, smoking, or non-vegetarian food for a month.
- Skip one meal per day as an act of remembrance.
- Refrain from wearing chappals/footwear throughout the month of Falgun.
- Or any other personal act of sacrifice that will remind you of the martyrdom of Sambhaji Maharaj.
Why Should Balidan Maas Be Observed?
Many may question the relevance of following Balidan Maas today. Some believe that past tragedies should be ignored.
However, the purpose of Balidan Maas is not to create emotional or social turmoil, but rather to cultivate a sense of gratitude for Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice.
For example:
When someone observing Balidan Maas refuses to eat sweets while with friends, it naturally sparks a discussion about the sacrifice of Sambhaji Maharaj. This conversation provokes thought, encouraging others to appreciate Dharmic values and understand the significance of preserving our heritage.
In today’s era of globalization, owning our identity and respecting our culture is of utmost importance. When a person is aware of the sacrifices made by their ancestors for Dharma, they are less likely to fall for Marxist distortions that demean Dharma and less vulnerable to problems like ideological subversion.
Falgun Month 2024: 10 March – 8 April 2024
Pratham Uvaach
1 Comments
Following it this year!🤝
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