Matrutirth - Sindkhed Raja Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

Matruteerth – Birthplace of Rajmata Jijabai

Matruteerth, the revered birthplace of Rajmata Jijabai, is a place of profound historical and cultural importance. Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, this sacred site connects us to the origins of one of the greatest figures in Indian history—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—and more importantly, to the extraordinary woman who raised him with values of dharma, swarajya, and self-respect.

Legacy of the Jadhav Rao Family

Jijabai was born in 1573 to Lakhuji Jadhav Rao, a prominent Maratha noble of the Yadava lineage, historically rooted in the region of Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad). The Jadhavs were deshmukhs of Sindkhed Raja (present-day Buldhana district), and one of the most powerful families in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. Her father, Lakhuji Jadhav Rao, held a mansab (military rank) under the Nizam Shahi rule and was well-regarded for his valor and statesmanship. He played a crucial role in the politics of Deccan during the late 16th century, especially in the power dynamics between the Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda Sultanates. His loyalty to the Nizam Shah was balanced by a strong regional identity as a Maratha leader, making him a respected yet cautious figure in the Sultanate court. The 1575 Political Context in Maharashtra Around 1575, Maharashtra was a mosaic of sultanates, semi-autonomous jagirdars, and rising Maratha sardars. The region was under intense pressure from Mughal expansionism under Akbar, while the Deccan Sultanates were engaged in internal rivalries. The Ahmadnagar Sultanate, under Murtaza Nizam Shah I, was struggling to maintain its sovereignty amid these external and internal conflicts. It was in this charged political atmosphere that Jijabai was born—a time when the seeds of Maratha self-assertion were being sown through families like the Jadhavs and Bhosales. Jijabai’s marriage to Shahaji Bhosale, another influential Maratha noble, united two prominent houses that would soon play a defining role in reshaping Indian history. Matruteerth – More Than a Birthplace Matruteerth is not just the birthplace of Jijabai—it is the womb of Swarajya. It symbolizes the rise of Maratha consciousness and pride in an era dominated by foreign rule. Jijabai, shaped by the political turbulence and cultural richness of her time, passed on her legacy of resilience, leadership, and devotion to the motherland to her son, Shivaji Maharaj. Her role was not limited to motherhood. She was a mentor, strategist, and spiritual guide—instilling in Shivaji Maharaj a deep sense of justice, courage, and vision. Matruteerth, therefore, is a monument to the power of maternal leadership, and the silent revolution that began through her values and teachings. Preserving and promoting Matruteerth is essential for honoring the roots of Hindavi Swarajya. It is a place where history, inspiration, and cultural pride converge. More historical context, educational installations, and conservation efforts can elevate this sacred site into a living museum of Maratha pride and Indian heritage. Every Indian, especially the youth, should visit Matruteerth to understand how the spirit of Swarajya was born—not just on the battlefield, but in the lap of a visionary mother. Jai Jijamata. Jai Shivray.Jai ...

Very nice historical place to visit with family, Rajmata Jijau, the mother of Shivaji, the Maratha king, was a feminist who believed in doing the right thing, no matter what the circumstances. Most of us know of her as the mother of Shivaji – The founder of Maratha empire. She raised Shivaji in such a manner that in an era where women were treated as inferior and being molested openly by the enemies, Shivaji grew up into a man, a king who treated every woman (even those belonging to enemies camp) with immense respect and he always kept safety of women as his top priority. Jijabai supported gender equality and rooted it in the culture that women are not inferior but should be treated as EQUALs. If all mothers of today world can get this attitude in their children, Jijabai Shahaji Bhosale (12 January 1598 – 17 June 1674), referred to as Rajmata Jijabai, was the mother of Shivaji Maharaj, founder of Maratha Empire. She is daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao of Sindhkhed. Jijabai was a very pious and intelligent woman with great vision for independent kingdom. She inspired Shivaji by telling stories. Jijabai, was not only a mentor to Shivaji, but also one of the key decision makers. राजमाता जिजाऊ ह्या मराठा साम्राज्याचे संस्थापक छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांच्या मातोश्री आणि प्रतापशाली छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज यांच्या आजी होत्या. ह्या दोन राजांना घडविण्यात या माऊलीचा सर्वात मोठा हात. शिक्षण,तत्कालीन सुखवस्तू मराठा मुलीप्रमाणे जिजाऊंचे योग्य संगोपन करण्यात आले. त्या दांडपट्टा, अश्वारोहण वगैरे युद्ध कलांमध्ये देखील पारंगत होत्या. या राष्ट्र्मातेवर ज्या ठिकाणी संस्कार झाले ते ऐतिहासिक स्थळ म्हणजे सिंदखेडराजा. आज हे स्थळ केवळ ऐतिहासिक स्थळ नाही तर एक पर्यटन स्थळ म्हणून देखील ओळखल्या जाते. दरवर्षी येथे जिजाऊंच्या स्मृतीप्रीत्यर्थ ‘जिजाऊ महोत्सव सोहळा’...

Indeed! Sindkhed Raja is a town with a rich historical significance. Apart from being the birthplace of Jijamata Bhosale, it holds a special place in Maratha history. The town has witnessed the early years of Jijamata's life and played a crucial role in shaping her personality and values. Sindkhed Raja is known for its association with the Bhosale dynasty, to which Jijamata belonged. The town has historical monuments and structures that reflect the glory of its past. One of the prominent attractions is the Jijamata Temple, dedicated to Jijabai. The temple stands as a symbol of reverence and respect for Jijamata Bhosale, attracting devotees and history enthusiasts from various parts of the country. Visiting Sindkhed Raja allows you to immerse yourself in the historical context of Jijamata's life and gain a deeper understanding of her contributions to Maratha history. It is a place of historical significance that showcases the legacy of Jijamata Bhosale and her influence on the...