<p>Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought not for power, but for dharma, country, and culture, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said as he paid rich tributes to the icons and founders of Maharashtra on the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi.</p><p>“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's battles were not for conquest but to protect values. His idea of Swarajya was shaped in tales told by his mother, Rajmata Jijabai. His governance was rooted in ethics, respect for all religions, and protection of women — far ahead of his time,” he said. </p><p>“Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a poet, warrior, and scholar, followed the path of valour and sacrifice,” the CM added. </p><p>“Later, Peshwa Bajirao I, undefeated in battle, was called a storm on horseback. He was not just a commander, but a visionary architect of culture. Mahadji Shinde rebuilt the Maratha empire from ashes, reclaiming Delhi for the Marathas. The Shinde, Holkar, and Bhosale dynasties led the administration of India, negotiating with the British and Afghans with dignity and cultural pride — taking the Maratha sword all the way to the Yamuna,” Fadnavis said. </p>.Devendra Fadnavis launches podcast, speaks on Maharashtra's culture and Marathi .<p>On women power, he said: “The valiant women of this land cannot be forgotten. When the empire was under threat, Tarabai, wife of Rajaram Maharaj, took up arms and held off Aurangzeb for years. During the era of Santaji-Dhanaji, even the bamboo grew blades. Umabai Dabhade became the first female commander, crafting war strategies. In an era when women had no voice, Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar became a symbol of Indian womanhood.”</p><p>“Thus, Maharashtra Dharma is not a religion, but a living ethical code. It teaches us to think with reason, act with service, and stand with valor. From the verses of Dnyaneshwar to the sword of Shivaji, from the courage of Phule to the vision of Babasaheb — this chain was never broken. It has always marched forward,” he said.</p>
<p>Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought not for power, but for dharma, country, and culture, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said as he paid rich tributes to the icons and founders of Maharashtra on the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi.</p><p>“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's battles were not for conquest but to protect values. His idea of Swarajya was shaped in tales told by his mother, Rajmata Jijabai. His governance was rooted in ethics, respect for all religions, and protection of women — far ahead of his time,” he said. </p><p>“Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a poet, warrior, and scholar, followed the path of valour and sacrifice,” the CM added. </p><p>“Later, Peshwa Bajirao I, undefeated in battle, was called a storm on horseback. He was not just a commander, but a visionary architect of culture. Mahadji Shinde rebuilt the Maratha empire from ashes, reclaiming Delhi for the Marathas. The Shinde, Holkar, and Bhosale dynasties led the administration of India, negotiating with the British and Afghans with dignity and cultural pride — taking the Maratha sword all the way to the Yamuna,” Fadnavis said. </p>.Devendra Fadnavis launches podcast, speaks on Maharashtra's culture and Marathi .<p>On women power, he said: “The valiant women of this land cannot be forgotten. When the empire was under threat, Tarabai, wife of Rajaram Maharaj, took up arms and held off Aurangzeb for years. During the era of Santaji-Dhanaji, even the bamboo grew blades. Umabai Dabhade became the first female commander, crafting war strategies. In an era when women had no voice, Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar became a symbol of Indian womanhood.”</p><p>“Thus, Maharashtra Dharma is not a religion, but a living ethical code. It teaches us to think with reason, act with service, and stand with valor. From the verses of Dnyaneshwar to the sword of Shivaji, from the courage of Phule to the vision of Babasaheb — this chain was never broken. It has always marched forward,” he said.</p>