The descendants and ancestors of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have always been a subject of fascination for the Marathi mind. While a fair amount of information about the descendants of Shivaji Maharaj is available today, there is very little information about his ancestors. Today, most tourists visit the Ghrishneshwar temple at Verul in Aurangabad district, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga, either for pilgrimage or sightseeing. However, neither tourists nor even most Marathi people are aware that the Samadhi of Maloji Raje Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is located within the premises of this temple. Due to this indifference on the part of Marathi people, the beautiful Samadhi complex is now surrounded by filth. Thousands of devotees and tourists pass by this Samadhi near the temple road, yet due to the dirt and lack of information, no one even glances at it. ... Not even a simple signboard providing information about this Samadhi has been installed there, which is a shameful situation for Marathi people. Ignoring all this, we history enthusiasts and fort lovers must make it a point to visit this place. Verul is about 30 kilometres from Aurangabad city and is an important destination in global tourism, so there is good transportation available to reach the place. Since Maloji Raje Bhosale's Samadhi is located within the temple premises itself, there is no need for much searching. This Samadhi is built on a square platform measuring 20 x 20 feet and 5 feet high, entirely constructed from carved and ornamented stone. The architecture of this Samadhi shows a strong influence of Islamic style. Four stone minarets are constructed on the top front side of the structure, and similar four minarets are also built at the rear side. Inside the structure, in the central area, there is a stone platform topped with a circular dome. On either side of the entrance, stone lattice windows are carved, while above the door and in other places, lotuses are carved in abundance. On the rear wall of the Samadhi, there is a stone door carved to look like a main entrance, accompanied by two lattice windows similar to those on the front entrance. The Samadhi shows extensive stone carving, but the stone used has suffered considerable erosion over time. To prevent misuse of the Samadhi premises, the entrance to the structure is locked, but the key can be obtained by requesting the temple administration. About half an hour is enough to visit and see the Samadhi. Babaji Bhosale, the Patil of Verul, had two sons, Maloji and Vithoji, both of whom became respected sardars in the Nizamshahi court due to their valour. Maloji Raje had two sons, Shahaji and Sharifji. Maloji Raje Bhosale undertook the restoration of the Shikhar Shingnapur temple and built a large tank in this drought-prone region. Maloji Raje Bhosale attained martyrdom in the battle of Indapur. After his death, two Samadhi were built for him – one at Indapur and one at Verul. The one at Indapur has been completely destroyed, but the one at Verul still survives. When visiting Ghrishneshwar at Verul, one must also make it a point to visit this Samadhi of Maloji Raje Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
© Suresh Nimbalkar