350 years completed since the shuddhikaran of converted individuals by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The founder of Hindavi Swarajya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was not only a great warrior but also a protector of Dharma and a visionary leader. Exactly 350 years ago, on 19th June 1676, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj performed the ‘shuddhikaran’ (purification ritual) of his valiant commander-in-chief, Netaji Palkar, and respectfully welcomed him back into the Hindu fold. On the occasion of this historic tercentenary golden jubilee (350th anniversary), the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has appealed to all Hindu organisations across the country to celebrate this day as ‘National Ghar Wapsi Diwas’.
Netaji Palkar, the first commander-in-chief of Swarajya, was deceitfully captured by the Mughals. He was subjected to extreme torture, forcibly converted to Islam, and renamed ‘Muhammad Quli Khan’. Despite spending many years in a foreign land following another religion, Netaji’s heart continuously yearned for Swarajya. When he escaped the clutches of the Mughals and returned to Raigad to seek refuge at the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he performed his ‘shuddhikaran’ through formal rituals in accordance with the scriptures. According to the ‘Jedhe Shakavali’, Netaji Palkar was accepted back into Hinduism on 19th June 1676 (Sake 1598, Ashadha Vadya 4).
Speaking on this matter, the National Spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Shri. Ramesh Shinde, said, “Even today, after 350 years, this history remains deeply important and acts as a guiding light for us. Millions of our Hindu brothers and sisters have been converted after falling victim to various allurements, pressure, or torture. In today’s times, many of our Hindu young women are being pushed into other religions after falling prey to systematic ploys like love jihad. The Hindu society must now abandon the mindset of ‘she is gone, so let her go; we have nothing to do with her now’. It is absolutely essential to remember this historic day to safely and respectfully restore our daughters and sisters, who were deceived and trapped in false webs of love, back to their rightful place within the Hindu religion and society.
The entire Hindu society, Saints, and organisations need to come forward, keeping this ideal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before them. We must keep our doors and minds open for those brothers, and especially those sisters, who wish to return to the mainstream (Hinduism).”
