As wisely said; greatness of heros lies in there character than anything else; and knowing period of his birth and rise; kind of character he possesed or his mother father and teachers along with his supporters helped him develop is what makes him a worshiped hero in Deccan plateau of India. And its not only him all greats be it Ashoka Krishnadevray Vikramditya to Chandragupta possesed/developed an ideal Character and hence despite of having 1000s of kings lived and ruled in India; very few of there likes are respected and worshiped today by all religions and castes.
During Shivajis long military career and his many campaigns his strong warrior code of ethics and deep seated and uncompromising spiritual values directed him to offer protection to houses of worship, non-combatants, women and children. He always showed respect, defended and offered protection to holy men and places of worship of all denominations and religions.
Shivaji was once offered as a war booty an extremely beautiful young lady, by an uninformed Maratha captain. She was the daughter-in-law of a defeated muslim Amir (local ruler) of Kalyan, Maharashtra. Shivaji was reported to have told the lady that her beauty was mesmerizing and that if his mother was as beautiful as her, he would have been beautiful as well. He told her to go back to her family in peace, unmolested and under his protection.
His behaviour, was noted by those around him, to be always of the highest moral caliber, which was not the norm in that period of Indian history. He clearly and unambiguously embodied the virtues and ideals of a true nobleman.
As a result of Shivaji's selfless service to his peoples and nation, his impeccable conduct, and his unparalleled courage and daring, he struck a deep chord with his followers and the citizenary. The high level of loyalty and respect he earned from his followers and subjects sets him apart from any other Indian king or chieftan in the post Islamic Indian history. Even today he is venerated in India and especially in the state of Maharashtra with awe and admiration and is viewed as a hero of epic proportions.
