Veer Jiva Mahale was the bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His Birth Anniversary or Jayanti is annually observed in Bhadrapada month. Jiva Mahale Jayanti 2024 date is September 29.
A great soldier and unsung hero, Jiva Mahale saved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by killing Bijapur's general Afzal Khan. There are two versions - one version suggests that Jiva Mahale only successfully thwarted the attempt to kill Shivaji Maharaj by the bodyguard of Afzal Khan. Afzal Khan was beheaded by Sambhaji Kavji Kondhalkar
Veer Jiva Mahale was an expert swordsman and he played a crucial role in the battle of Pratapgad. He escorted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he went at the base of Pratapgad fort to meet Afzal Khan as part of peace talks. Jivaji Mahala protected his master from every attempt of treachery that was unleashed by Afzal Khan and his forces.
The Battle of Pratapgad was fought on November 10, 1659, at the fort of Pratapgad near Satara in Maharashtra between the forces of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adilshahi general Afzal Khan.
The Marathas were outnumbered by the Adil Shahi forces. But the 75,000 strong Adil Shahi army was taken down the 10,000 brave Maratha warriors.
Veer Jiva Mahale Jayanti is annually observed on Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha Dwadasi Tithi or the 12th day during the waning phase of moon in Bhadrapad month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.