Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 1.2.2

1.2.2

[13]. Thereupon the Dowager Queen (Badi Sahebin) summoned all the Adilshahi nobles and ministers and asked them to march against Sivaji but no one agreed. Afzal Khan, a wazir, however, agreed; saying: "What is Sivaji? I will bring him alive, a prisoner, without alighting from my horse (even for once)." When he asserted this, the princess (Badshah Zadi) became pleased (with him) and gave him clothes, ornaments, elephant, horse, wealth, promotion and honour and despatched him with Omraos of note at the head of twelve thousand horse besides infantry. Then the whole force was mobilised and set off in a vast array. Then they came to Tuljapur. They came there and encamped. Sri Bhavani, the patron deity of the Maharaja's family, was broken (into pieces), thrown into a hand-mill and pounded into dust. No sooner was Bhavani broken than a heavenly voice was heard — Afzal Khan ! thou mean wretch ! On the twenty-first day from this will I behead thee ; the whole of thy army will I destroy and satiate the 90 million Chamundas (bloodsucking deities)." So said the bodyless voice.