Before getting to know Shivaji Maharaj, let us know the meaning of the two words ‘Chhatrapati’ and ‘Maharaj’.
He who holds the ‘Chhatra’ of his grace and justice over the poor people is ‘Chhatrapati’. Here ‘Chhatra’ means support and security. Also ‘Pati’ means parent, father. So ‘Chhatrapati’ means the father or guardian who is the support of the people and protects them. Chhatrapati title is available only in Maharashtra.
‘Maharaj’ means king of kings. Here the word ‘Maha’ has two meanings and both meanings are equally big and important. ‘Maha’ means greatest as well as ‘Maha’ means biggest and ‘Raj’ means king. Hence ‘Maharaj’ means the greatest king who is the king of kings.
Our beloved Shivaji Raje Shahaji Raje Bhosale were given due justice to both the titles of Chhatrapati and Maharaj and also who interpreted and implemented these two titles before the world and hence he is called as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’.
