New valor had spread on the fort since Jija-bai had given birth. a spy was quickly sent to inform Shahaji-raje about the good news. religious preaching and offerings for the deities were common on the fort. On the fifth day, the ceremonial worship of the weapon and the plow was held. fifth, sixth and eighth days went by like this.
Lakshmi-bai was preparing for the naming ceremony with great energy. New-made gold ornaments and clothes were being transported into the fort. Lakshmi-bai said while unfolding a smooth high-quality silk cloth with intricate designs on it.
"your ladyship, this color is good, no?"
"yes."
"let's finalize it for the ceremony."
"Lakshmi-bai" Jija-bai's heart was heavy. she said. "you're doing so much..."
"But we're outsiders, after all!" Lakshmi-bai said laughingly.
"When did I say such a thing?"
"you may have forgotten; but I haven't. when the priest had come to state the baby's future, you had said in front of everyone that... not in father's...or mother's house..."
"do not take that to heart, bai! even a blood-related sister wouldn't have done so much; and yet..."
"What?"
"if somebody from his house is here for the ceremony..."
"Why don't you say directly, that his lordship should have come."
Jija-bai blushed.
Word came the next day that a prestigious palanquin was coming. Vishvas-rao went and came back with the news that Shahaji-raje's mother, Jija-bai's mother-in-law Uma-bai had come.
Sixty years old Uma-bai arrived at the fort's door. fatigue from the journey could be clearly seen on her face. Uma-bai entered the mansion. Vishvas-rao bowed. Jija-bai touched her feet when Uma-bai came into her chambers. Lakshmi-bai too gave greetings. Uma-bai said.
"Child, I would have come myself."
The baby was sleeping in the cradle. she examined him with narrowed eyes. she said after concluding.
"He seems to be just like you, yes! when is the naming ceremony?"
Lakshmi-bai said, "tomorrow, it was yesterday when milady had said if someone from his home should be here."
"It's obvious to wish that!... Jiu, the child is outstanding, he will fulfill your wishes, it seems..." Uma-bai said suddenly in a serious tone, "and did you inform his father?"
"yes"
"As if he will come, he prefers to have military food instead of houses! that title of Lord will be burned!" she cursed
both were listening to Uma-bai while giggling.
some time passed, and Uma-bai asked.
"When will he wake up?"
Jijabai could hardly control her laughter. she said.
"Mother, take him. what if he wakes up? will sleep again on the lap."
"no, I can wait, why disturb the sleep? and where's the elder one?
"With swari..."
"That one donkey; and you who allowed a small child like him to go, even more of a donkey! is this how a child is raised? if I was there I would have said..." exhaling, she said.
"as if he would listen to me too."
Uma-bai would flare up at small things. both of them couldn't think of any reply. at that moment the sound of the baby's crying could be heard. Uma-bai stood up hurriedly. she picked up the baby. she kissed and caressed the baby quickly. taking him on her lap, she started to soothe him; Jija-bai thanked the child in her mind for saving them from the plight.
The fort woke up in the morning, with the sound of 'sanai¹' and 'Dhol².' The entrance of the mansion was decorated with flowers. maids squirted the water on the grounds and made Rangoli. water from 'Ganga' And 'Jamuna' tanks was being collected to be used in the kitchen.
( 'Rangoli' is an art in which you make beautiful patterns and designs with colors, white powder, and flowers on the floor, generally in front of entrances of houses.)
Uma-bai nodded with satisfaction seeing the ornaments and clothes for the baby. the day was again confirmed to be of good fortune by the priest. activity had begun on the fort from sunrise. Junnar town's established household's ladies were ascending the fort in their palanquins.
Everybody had their meal. they began to decorate the cradle and the baby. musical notes started ringing in ears. the time had come for the naming ceremony. Jija-bai quietly asked Uma-bai.
"What should be the child's name?"
"What have you decided?"
"I had said Navas to Shivai Goddess. 'Shivaji' let it be."
"Yes! good name."
Lakshmi-bai took the baby in her hands. everybody chanted, 'Say Govind , Say Gopal Say Damodar'³. Jijau bowed towards the cradle and whispered in the baby's ear.
"Shivaji!"
The fort drowned in the sound of various musical instruments. everybody in the fort was made aware that the baby was named 'Shivaji.'
The palanquin was ready before the mansion. Little Shivaji left to have a look at the Goddess. Jijau sat in the palanquin with the baby. Lakshmi-bai with Maids were walking along the palanquin. Vishvas-rao, the doctor and the priest, Naro-pant, Gomaji, etc. were walking ahead. pleasant music was being played ahead of them.
The baby was placed in front of the Goddess. The priest at the shrine gave blessings. Vishvas-rao was urging to return to the fort before nightfall. at that moment Jija-bai placed a silk pouch in his hands. Vishvas-rao asked.
"What's this?"
Jija-bai's eyes teared up, she said.
"Aba had said a Navas before leaving the fort. he had instructed to offer one hundred one Gold coins to the Goddess if a son is born."
Jija-bai could not speak more. she stroked her eyes with the hem of her Sari.
Vishvas-rao opened the pouch with trembling hands. he offered fists full of coins to the goddess.
Gold was getting poured in front of little Shivaji's feet.
1 - 'Sanai' Instrument is basically, double-reed conical oboe of North India. it is also called 'Shehnai' in the Hindi language.
2 - 'Dhol' is just Indian Drums.
3 - Gopal, Govind, and Damodar... are different names of Lord Krishna.
(AN - I know that these chapters may seem less important but they are the basis of this story so bare with me.)
PS.