The Swaraj Of Sacrifices

Construction of the capital fort Raigad,

Had been assigned by Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj to Chief Engineer Hiroji Indoolkar

Who made all sorts of facilities, provisions,

According to Maharaja’s will, with great efforts even

Selling his house, land, gold to meet additional

Expenses had completed the dream

Project in the spell of two and half years

Highly impressed by the wonderful work,

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj wanted

To felicitate Hiroji in the coronation

Ceremony by offering anything he desired

“I don’t want anything”,

Bowing down said Hiraji

“Why not Hiroji? You have

Sold your house, land everything

You have to accept something, I wish”

“Maharaj, I may be allowed

To install a doorstep carved

In my name in the temple”

“Why do you want this?”

“Maharaj, while going

And coming out of the Jagadishsar

Temple your pious feet would

Touch my head”

At that the court clapped, Maharaj

Descended the throne, walked up to

Hiroji embraced him wholeheartedly

Put pearl garland around his neck,

Gold bracelets on his skilful wrist

The thunderous cheering, clapping filled

The court, The inscription read

“Ready to serve earnestly

Hiroji Indoolkar”