Why in News? 

• Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first-ever grand temple dedicated to the Maratha warrior king in Bhiwandi town, Thane district, Maharashtra. 
• The temple, spread over four acres in the Marade Pada region, is designed to honour Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and inspire future generations. 

Key Highlights 

• National Significance: CM Fadnavis described the temple as a “national temple” that honours Shivaji Maharaj’s battles for faith, country, and the protection of Hinduism. 
• Temple Structure: The 6.5-foot idol of Shivaji Maharaj was sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, who also crafted the idol for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The temple’s design was created by architect Vijaykumar Patil. 
• Cultural Importance: This temple serves as a reminder of Shivaji Maharaj’s contribution to India’s history and provides a space for devotees to witness his glory. 

 About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• Early Life and Background 
• Born on February 19, 1630, to Shahaji Bhosle and Jijabai at Shivneri Fort. 
• Raised with a strong cultural identity by his mother and military training by Dadoji Kondadeo. 
• His grandfather Maloji served as a general in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. 
• Establishing the Maratha Empire 
• Began his rise to power by capturing Torna Fort in 1646. 
• Founded an independent kingdom by breaking away from the Bijapur Sultanate. 
• In 1674, crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort, marking the establishment of the Maratha Empire. 
•  Military Tactics and Guerrilla Warfare 
  • Known for his guerrilla warfare methods, called "Ganimi Kawa," which helped defeat stronger enemies. 
  • Built a strong military force with a focus on cavalry, infantry, and artillery. 
  • Introduced the concept of a navy to defend the Konkan coast, creating Sindhudurg Fort as its base. 
•  Key Battles and Conquests 
  • Battle of Pratapgarh (1659): Defeated Bijapur forces led by General Afzal Khan. 
  • Battle of Surat (1664): Raided Surat and injured Shaista Khan, a Mughal general. 
  • Battle of Sinhagad (1670): Recaptured Sinhagad Fort from the Mughals. 
  • Battle of Salher (1672): First major victory over the Mughal Empire. 
•  Conflict with the Mughals: 
  • Signed the Treaty of Purandar (1665), agreeing to Mughal authority but later escaped from Agra in 1666. 
  • Fought several successful campaigns against Mughal forces, including the Battle of Pavan Khind (1660). 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj