On 1677 Shivaji Maharaj, while doing Sadhana before Maa Chamunda at Shri Sailam ,…

On 1677 Shivaji Maharaj, while doing Sadhana before Maa Chamunda at Shri Sailam , was overtaken by spiritual atmosphere of the place & thought the place as most befitting to leave the world. So, he pulled out a dagger to kill himself but was stopped by his followers reminding him of his sense of duty towards his mission of Swarajya ( Self rule by Hindus).

This episode is authentically recorded in history including by historians like Sir Jadunath Sarkar. It was immortalised & converted into a painting in 1930 by Balasaheb Pant, the Brahmin ruler of Aundh State in Maharashtra. The painting shows Goddess Chamunda herself trying to stop a dhoti-clad Ch. Shivaji from killing himself by holding his hand. A temple is dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj at this spot.

At that time Shri Sailam which has the Mallikarjun Jyotir Linga & is also a Shaktipeeth, had a Kailash Dwar & was considered to be spiritually the best place to leave the world in Southern India. Shri Sailam is in Andhra Pradesh.

As a rule i bring this image of Shivaji Maharaj before by closed eyes every day while doing Sadhana of Mallikarjun Jyotir Linga.