New History of the Marathas v1.c13.23

v1.c13.23

Before the ceremonies began, Shivaji paid a visit of inspection to the Konkan regions, to Chiplun in particular, where he held a military review and issued some drastic orders quoted later, for the efficient performance of the various military duties. He returned to Raigad and appointed Hambir Rāo Mohite as *Senāpati* in the place of Pratāp Rāo Gujar recently killed. On the way from Chiplun Shivaji visited Pratāpgad, worshipped his family deity the Tuljā Bhavānī, presenting her a gold umbrella worth Rs. 56,000. On Jyestha Shuddha 4 Shak 1596 corresponding to 29 May 1674 Shivaji had his thread ceremony performed with due rites, and two days after, on Jyestha Sudda 6, his marriage with the chief queen was rehearsed with Vedic rites. *Punyahavachan*, sacrificial fire, penances and rites for averting evil (*Shantis*), were all duly executed in consonance with Vedic prescription and incantations of hymns.