Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 24: The Bhavani Sword

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S.D. [154] The Savants had an excellent dhop tancar (a long and straight sword) worth two hundred Hons. Sivaji wished that such a famous sword should be with him. But it is not proper to wish for a good thing that belongs to one's Sirdars [155] or a neighbour of rank. * * * The Maharaja wished to have the sword but it would bring him disrepute, as the precedent showed, — and so the Maharaja observed that the matter should not be even spoken of ; — as in another age such a cause had resulted in the slaughter of many. * * * But the sword, that had divine properties, addressed the Maharaja in a dream. — "If thou goest to fight with me in thy hand even at the head of a small force against a mighty army, thy enemies will be routed and victory shall attend thee. Do not give the sword back, keep it always near thee and duly worship it." That very night, the Savant heard the following behest in a dream, — "Give the sword to the Maharaja and secure his friendship thereby. Otherwise thou shalt lose thy kingdom. I shall no longer stay with thee and I am going away." The Savant assembled his officers and related all about the dream. With the counsel of all, it was decided to secure the friendship of the Maharaja by presenting the sword. Accordingly the Savant came to see the Raja and presented the sword to him. It was named Tulja Bhavani.