Shivaji Jayanti 2018: Top wishes, sand art tribute keep Twitter abuzz—Check inside

New Delhi: The great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary is celebrated on February 19. He was the member of the Bhonsle clan of Marathas. He was formally crowned as the Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his realm at Raigad in 1674.

Chhatrapati Shivaji is said to have innovated military tactics and pioneered unconventional methods. At the same time, he revived ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions. Plus, he promoted the usage of Marathi and Sanskrit and not Persian, in court and administration.

On the birth anniversary of the great Maratha warrior, Twitter is abuzz with wishes, quotes and messages. Noted sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid a beautiful sand art tribute too.

Check out:

One of my SandArts to pay tributes to #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj on his birth anniversary with message "A true patriot". pic.twitter.com/FvquaS1vez — Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) February 19, 2018

I bow to Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. Jai Shivaji! pic.twitter.com/C73OpDHT65 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2018

छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज एक महान योद्धा एवं रणनीतिकार होने के साथ -साथ धर्म व राष्ट्रीयता के जीवंत प्रतीक थे। शिवाजी महाराज ने अपने राज्य में सुशासन की कल्पना को साकार कर एक लोककल्याणकारी राज्य की स्थापना की। उनका अदम्य साहस, उनकी बहादुरी व उनके संदेश हमको सदैव प्रेरित करते रहेंगे। pic.twitter.com/QP40Uum0Xx — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 19, 2018

Our tribute to an inspiring leader, A great patriot, A true visionary & A brave warrior, Chhatrapati #ShivajiMaharaj on his Birth Anniversary. #shivjayanti pic.twitter.com/TOPBDc2nIJ

— MumbaiCongress (@INCMumbai) February 19, 2018

Tribute to the The Great Maratha Indian Warrior King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Birth Anniversary.#ShivajiMaharaj#Shivjayanti pic.twitter.com/Ti8bM99R9X — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) February 19, 2018

रयतेच्या राज्याची संकल्पना प्रत्यक्षात आणून एकात्मता व सौहार्दतेचा संदेश देणाऱ्या छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांना जयंतीनिमित्त माझा मानाचा मुजरा! pic.twitter.com/wuzArakrpw — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 19, 2018

My #tribute & #respects to the brave warrior, true visionary & great patriot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ji on his #BirthAnniversary. Our first freedom fighter who fought against illegal migrants. #ShivajiJayanti #VeerShivaji #JaiBhawani. — Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) February 19, 2018

Tributes to the greatest warrior of Maratha Empire, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj #ShivajiJayanti pic.twitter.com/R6P7vSLGsm

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 19, 2018

Shivaji was the first to realise the importance of having a naval force and thus is known as the Father of Indian Navy. He established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend Maharashtra on Konkan's side. Jaigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg forts are a testimony to Shivaji's efforts, ideas and valour.

It is said that his mother prayed to regional Goddess Shivai and was blessed with the child and so the name Shivaji was given to the great Maratha ruler.