The Shrine of Swaraj
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, rem
embered 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