The Shrine of Swaraj

All forts have been highly

Regarded as the sacred places,

But Rayreshwar temple on the plateau

Beholds distinct symbol as

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

At the age of fifteen, along

With his most trustworthy, young,

Energetic Mavalas had taken the pledge

To establish own Kingdom by cutting

fingers, spilling blood on Lord Shiva's

Image in the Rayreshwar temple,

The foundation of the great Maratha Empire

Over four hundred years

Have passed, but Rayreshwar temple

Has been widely considered

As an eternal divine Shrine

Even now it is visited devotionally

Worshipped, remembered all the time

One day, looking like an

Aristocratic royal lady whose

Ancestors might have taken

An oath for Swaraj went up

To Rayreshwar temple, worshipped

Paid tribute to the builders of

Maratha Empire descended down,

Halted in the grassy meadow

Cristal clear oval face,

Blond hair, prominent nose,

Eyes glimmering sweet smile,

Commanding tongue arrested

Behind Pearl-like teeth bars

Glossy chicks having naughty

Dimples, elegant chin, bright

Forehead, delicate lip as if carved

Her fair complexion added much

Beautiful grace to the landscape