Unveiling the book 'Shivaji Aur Surajya', written by BJP MP Anil Madhav Dave, at a function here, Bhagwat said the iconic Maratha leader never aspired to become the king but others insisted on him taking up the mantle.
Bhagwat asked leaders of today to rise above self interest and work for society like the Maratha king.
In his preface, Modi, without naming any political party, has taken a dig at "dynastic politics" in India at present saying that no relative of Shivaji was the ruler of any fort when he was the king.
Lauding the book, which deals with the governance model of Shivaji, Bhagwat said though his state was small, he had a broad outlook and no body under his rule doubted his credentials.
Dave chose the occasion to target the Congress-led government at the Centre referring to the telecom scam.
He said Shivaji had strong views on corruption.