Forts in Maharashtra

Raireshwar ( Rayreshwar )

2013-02-25T00:46:00.000+05:30

Raireshwar (Rayreshwar) is the word which is closely associated with the origin of Maratha empire. Most of people who know Shivaji Maharaj, also know that Raireshwar is the place where the great king took oath to set up his own empire. He sweared to set his country and countrymen free from the atrocities of contemporary ‘sultans’. So Raireshwar holds an imprortant place in history of India in general and history of Maratha empire and Maharashtra in particular.

Raireshwar is a temple of Hindu God "Shiva". Raireshwar is located at approx 90 KM from Pune in ‘Bhor’ tehasil. Kenjalgad is located at South East of Raireshwar at a very close distance.

Kenjalgad as seen from Raireshwar base

To get there from Pune, drive along Pune-Benglore highway (NH-4) till Kapurhol and take a right turn to Bhor. From Bhor a short road takes you to Raireshwar.
You can drive on your bike till the ladder point or can trek from the base village. The bike’s road takes you along the ghat that has a large number of hairpin turns. The road passes through ghat hill on which Kenjalgad lies, you will have to take a right turn just after Kenjalgad to follow a very narrow road to Raireshwar. Drive/ Walk till a steel ladder is visible.

Kenjalgad as seen from Raireshwar base

The bike must be parked here and a trek to Raireshwar start Its about half hour walk from the ladder to the cultural temple.

Way to Raireshwar: You can take your vehicles till here

The route through ladder & the rocky path takes you on a plateau of Raireshwar.

Stairs to Raireshwar

The Raireshwar temple is at few minutes walk from here. When you turn back Kenjalgad and the temple on it is visible. Its an awesome scene of the road, which has taken you to the ladder point.

Kenjalgad as seen while retrospection

The hairpin turns on the way to Raireshwar

Kenjalgad and ghat route to Raireshwar

Raireshwar temple is construced with stone. It has a ‘Shivling’ and couple of paintings in it. ‘Shivaji Maharaj’ along his friends is shown to be cutting his finger with sword and pouring his blood on ‘Shivling’ to take oath of “swarajya”.

Raireshwar Temple

Some text is also inscribed on the wall of Raireshwar temple. Below is the pic of the text.

Text inscribed on the wall of the Raireshwar Temple

There is a statue of ‘Shivaji Maharaj’ near the Raireshwar temple.

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj before Raireshwar Temple

It would to be a great trip to Raireshwar during rain or during winter. Please make sure you have enough potable water till you reach the temple, if you are visiting during summer.

Meal [ Pithal + Bhakari ] can be arranged from the people living there on Raireshwar.

Lohgad

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000+05:30

Lohagad is a hilly fort situated in the west of Pune near Malavali railway station. You can get a number of local trains plying between Pune and Lonavala. Malavali is the next station from Lonavala towards Pune. You can also get there by the Pune - Mumbai highway as well. From Malavali it takes about 20 -25 minutes to walk to the village Bhaje. From Bhaje the trek to the fort begins, it takes about one and half to two hours to get to the village "Lohagadwadi", which is at the base of Lohagad fort. In this route you can also see the fort "Visapur" in the east of Lohagad. The fort Visapur and Lohagad are too close to each other.
From Lohagadwadi, there are few hundred steps to the fort. The route is very pleasant and takes you to the ancient time. Lohagad has four doors in series from Lohagadwadi. The doors are named as "Ganesh Darwaja", "Narayan Darwaja", "Hanuman Darwaja" and "Maha Darwaja". ("Darwaja" is a Marathi word for "Door" or "Gate").
The thing that makes Lohagad different from the other hilly forts is its fortification and the doors mentioned above.The doors and the fortification are really in better condition as compared to other hilly forts forts in Maharashtra. The fortification looks awesome from the top (see the pics below). An exciting and beautiful view of Pawana Dam can be seen from Lohagad. The fort has a long narrow wing in west side called Vinchukata ("The Scorpion's tail" in Marathi). This is adds value to the beauty of the fort.

The history of Lohagad dates back to era of Satavahana dynasty. After Satavahana many other dynasties ruled here. The dynasties are : Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas before British took it over.
Shivaji Maharaj had captured the fort Lohagad in 1648. It was handed over to Mughals in 1665 according to the Treaty of Purandar. After five years Marathas recaptured it in 1670. The wealth looted from Surat was kept here.
Any terk to the fort never completes unless you taste the 'Pithala Bhakari' there. Yes, you can taste it here in Lohagadwadi and head back to Bhaje village. Near the Bhaje village, there are ancient Buddhist rock - cut caves. The caves were constructed between (approximately) 200 BC and 200 AD. The caves are very beautiful to see.
Lhagad is witness of glorious history of India and Maharashtra. It takes you to the historical era.This can be a very nice place to visit during weekend for the people n Pune and Mumbai. Below are few pics of Lohagad for you.

Loahgad

Fort Visapur

Nedhe (a hole in rock) on Lohagad

Warn out Cannons

Way to Lohagad

Darwaja of Lohagad

Fort Visapur as seen from Lohagad

Fortification near Mahadarwaja of Lohagad

Ganesh Darwaja of Lohagad

Fort Visapur as seen from Lohagad

Caves on Lohagad

Fortification of Lohagad

Fort Visapur as seen from Lohagad

Mosque on Lohagad

Water tank on Lohagad

Vinchukata (Scorpion tail) of Lohagad

Fort Visapur as seen from Lohagad

Caves on Lohagad

Ganesh Darwaja

Fort Visapur

Harishchandragad

2011-11-06T22:23:00.001+05:30

Harishchandragad is situated on Mumbai - Ahmednagar road near Malshej Ghat. We left Pune from Shivajinagar and reached Otur at about 12:00 in night, the nearby town. On the next dawn we got lift in a truck and reached Khubi Phata at about 6:30 AM. The Pimpalgaon - Joga dam welcomed us. We had to walk about 5 Km along the dam wall to Khireshwar, one of the base camps of Harishchandragad.

While walking to Khireshwar I could see the fort, its height and the cliffs. I understood that the trek is going to test my patience. We reached to Khireshwar and had some breakfast.and started the trek to Harishandragad. We were traversing the path to Tolar Khind (Tolar Pass). The route takes you through jungle and has some hard patches for novice trekkers. I would not recommend this route during rainy season, as there are some patches where you have to go upwards from water streams, and during rain this becomes very difficult. Also make sure that you have enough drinking water with you, as there is no or very little water available in the route. Once you are on the top, there is much potable water available. Pleas keep a medichlor bottle with you, which will help to sterilize the water available there. This is to avoid any health problems due to water.

When you reach to Tolar Khind, you have completed about 60% of the trek.After this some vertical part begins. There are couple of caves in thee route. You can have some rest there, and start again. Once you reach the top, you will see the Balekilla of the fort( See below pic).

Balekilla of Harishchandragad

When we reached the top I gave a sigh of relief, that I have completed the trek. After I saw the map, I came to know that I have still to walk and have to cross couple of hills to reach the Harishchandreshwar Temple. When reached there, saw the Pushkarini (water tank) (see below) and the thousand years old Harishchandreshwar Temple opposite to it.

The temple has very beautiful with design inscribed on its walls. It has a Shivling in it. It has a Ganesh idol in left side. There are many caves around the temple. You can see some of these in below pics.

Harishchandreshwar Temple

Harishchandreshwar Shivling

Design inscribed on the temple walls

Vitthal - Rukmini idols

Ganesh idol near Harishchandreshwar temple

Kedareshwar

Konkankada is the other attraction of the fort. This is a huge concave cliff. One can observer the gorge right under his foot. A very exciting and beautiful look of the valley can be observed from here. Below are some of the pics of Kokankada.

Kokankada

We spent the night in the caves near Ganesh Mandir on the fort. While coming down we choose other way. We trek down to Pachnai village to the north of the fort on next day. This is the more simple route to trek the fort than that of from Tolar Khind.

The ST bus is available from Pachnai at 11 AM, the only bus from here. If you are planning to bepart to your home from here, make sure that you are down the fort in Pachnai before 11 AM. The bus takes you to Rajur, from where you can get bus to Pune.

Sindhudurg

2011-08-23T11:41:00.003+05:30

Sindhudurg is one of the few forts which were constructed by Shivaji Maharaj. This was constructed by him in 1664. Shivaji Maharaj had looted Surat and that money was used to build this fort. The island on which the fort stands was known as "Kurte". It was rocky island in Arabian sea off the Malvan shore. Sindhudurg was built to keep the British, Siddhis and the Portuguese in check by Maratha navy.

The foundation of the fort has been laid in molten lead this has provided the robustness to the fortification of the fort. The main entrance is concealed in such a way that it is difficult to point at from outside sea shore. The fort has fortification of about 3 km length with many bastions on it. There are drinking water reservoirs on the fort.

There is footprint and hand impression of Shivaji Maharaj on the fort. These impressions were taken in lime at the time of construction of the fort Sindhudurg. Below are the pics of the fort Sindhudurg.

Sindhudurg

Way to Main Entrance of Sindhudurg

Way to Main Entrance

Main Entrance

Inside view of main entrance

Jarimari Temple

There is a coconut tree with branch on the Sindhudurg. Generally coconut trees don't have branches. Below is the pic of the tree. This was hit by lightning a couple of years ago.

Coconut tree with branch on Sindhudurg

Below is the pic of Shivrajeshwar Mandir, the temple of Shivaji Maharaj. This was constructed by Chhatrapati Rajaram.

Shivrajeshwar Mandir ; Temple of Shivaji Maharaj

Water reservoir

Remains of buildings

Fortification

Fortification of Sindhudurg

Fortification

Fortification of Sindhudurg

Fortification

Fortification of Sindhudurg

Footprint of Shivaji Maharaj

Hand impression of Shivaji Maharaj

Fortification of Sindhudurg

Vasantgad

2011-08-15T10:24:00.000+05:30

Vasantgad fort is located near Talbid village in Satara district. The Talbid village is place of Hambirrao Mohite, who was fourth commander in chief of Maratha empire. The first three were Mankoji Dahatonde, Netaji Palkar and Prataprao Gujar.

It takes about half an hour to reach to Talbid from Karad. There is monument of Hambirrao Mohite in the village Talbid. The trek to the fort starts from here. The trek is not so tough and completes within an hour. Please make sure that you have your water bottles with you before you start the trek.

The fortification of the fort is on the verge to vanish. The main entrance has almost been disappeared. There is temple of Chandrasen on the top of fort. There are couple of bastions present at the west side of the fort and a door in better condition on the north side.

It is said that the fort was constructed by king Bhoja of Shilahar dynesty. It was captured by Shivaji Maharaj by Adilshaha in 1659. Chhatrapati Rajaram (Son of Shivaji Maharaj) had stayed here for few days while returning from Jinji. Aurngzeb captured Vasantgad in 1700, and renamed it to "Killa da Fateh". Marathas took Vasantgad back from Mughals in 1706. Here are some of the pics of my visit to Vasantgad.

Vasantgad as seen from Talbid

Remains of the main entrance of Vasantgad

Inside view of the entrance to Vasantgad from north

Outside view of the entrance to Vasantgad from north

Bastion on the west side of Vasantgad

Remains of the fortification of Vasantgad

Vijaydurg

2011-07-27T13:15:00.000+05:30

Vijaydurg

As like Janjira, Vijaydurg is also a robust fort in Maharashtra. The history of the fort dates back to 1205 AD, when it was constructed by King Bhoj of Shilahar dynasty. Later the fort was ruled by many dynasties including Yadav, Kings of Vijay Nagar, Aadilshaha, Marathas and British. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from Adilshah in 1653. This is among the two forts where Shivaji Maharaj had personally hoisted the saffron flag of Maratha empire. The other fort is Torana.

Vijaydurg

Vijaydurg remain impregnable for a long time. It was attacked in 1717, 1720 and 1734 by British, Portuguese and Dutch, but remain unconquered.

Vijaydurg was the main Maratha naval base under Kanhoji Anngre and Tulahi Aangre. A naval dock was constructed near Vijaydurg, where Maratha warships built and repaired.

Way to main entrance of Vijaydurg

This fort has strategic advantage, as it is situated near Vaghotan Creek, which is 40 km long. Large warships could not enter the shallow water of the creek, so these ships were useless to attack on this fort. Maratha warships were anchored in this creek and so were invisible from deep sea.

The under water fencing wall constructed around the fort is the protective shield of the fort. The wall is present at 8 to 10 meter depth from the sea surface and is invisible from the surface. Most of the warships attacking on this fort would struck this wall and sunk.

One more architectural marval is the under water, under ground tunnel from the fort to the Dhulp's palatial house in the village. This tunnel is man made.

Vijaydurg is protected with its 36 meter high fortification and the 20 bastions on it.The fortification available today is actually constructed by Shivaji Maharaj after he captured the fort from Aadilshah. He then renamed the fort to 'Vijaydurg'. Earlier the fort was known as 'Gheria', as it is situated near the village 'Girye'.

Cannon shells on Vijaydurg

Fortification of Vijaydurg

Water tank on Vijaydurg

Fortification of Vijaydurg

Fortification and the Bastion on it

Fortification of Vijaydurg

Janjira

2011-07-10T17:24:00.001+05:30

Murud Janjira the robust fort is situated on the west coast of India. It is in Raigad District of Maharashtra, about 165km south of Mumbai.

The special thing about the fort is that, the fort was invincible to Marathas, Dutch and the British. All these tried to conquer the fort many times, but all the attempts were in vain. The robust fortress which is standing tall even after more than 400 years of construction, the cannons and the bastions of the fort has made the fort unconquerable.

In the 15th century the local fishermen had constructed some wooden structure on this island in the Arabian sea with the permission from Nizamshah of Ahmadnagar. This was done to protect the community from pirates. Ram Koli (Patil) was the leader of the fishermen community. Later he became rebel and refused to respect the orders of Nizamshah

One of the commander of Nizamshah, - Piram Khan captured the fort and the wooden construction from Kolis in Troy style. He entered the fort with three ships full of soldiers pretending to be a merchant. He offered Ram Patil and his men good quality wine. When all were under influence of the wine, Piraam Khan's soldiers came out of the ships and arrested Ram Patil. The fort was captured by Piram Khan. His son "Burhan Khan" constructed the fort which we see today. He razed the old construction by Kolis before constructing the new fortification with stone in about 1570. Since then the fort is impregnable.

Repeated attempts by Shivaji Maharaj to capture the fort failed. After him, Chhatrapati Smbhaji also could not capture the fort. So he build yet another marine fort : Padmdurg, just 9 km north to Janjira. Later Peshwas tried to capture Janjira, but failed.

The fort is about 3 km from the shore and can be approached by sailboats. As like other marine forts in Maharashtra, the main entrance is not visible unless the visitor comes enough close to the fort. The mosque, the palce of Siddi, the fresh water reservoirs, the cannons laying on the bastions of the fort are the things to be seen on the fort. Also there are other ruins of the buildings laying on the fort. The fortification of the fort is still in good condition as compared ti other forts in Maharashtra.

Here are some snaps of the impregnable fort : Janjira.

Fortification as seen from outside of Janjira

Fortification as seen from outside of Janjira

Main entrance of Janjira. This is not visible from along distance

Main Entrance of the fort Janjira

Remains of the construction inside the fort Janjira

One of the cannon laying on the bastion of the fort Janjira

One of the cannon laying on the bastion of the fort Janjira

Fortification ans the sea as seen from iside the fort

Sweet watre reservoir

Ruins of the construction and the palace of Siddi

Water reservoir and the palace of Siddi

Cannons laying on one of the bastion of Janjira

Sign inscribed in stone wall near main entrance

Signs inscribed in stone wall near main entrance

Singn inscribed in stone wall near main entrance

Ruins of construction

Cannon on the fort

Main entrance from inside

Baji Prabhu Deshpande and The Battle of Pavankhind

2011-07-04T01:36:00.000+05:30

Baji Prabhu Deshpande was a sardar in Maratha army in time of Shivaji Maharaj. He is wel known for his valor and supreem scarification for Shivaji Maharaj in Ghodkhind pass.

The Battle of Pavankhind was fought between Adilshaha and the Marathas on the night of 13th July 1660. The heroes of the battle were Baji Prabhu Deshpande, his brother Fulaji Prabhu Deshpande, Sambhaji Jadhav (Father of Dhanaji Jadhav) and 300 anonymous Maratha soldiers. One more name - "Shiva Kashid" is to be included in the list, he did not participated in the actual battle, however made sure that Marathas could get enough time to take strategic positions in the Ghodkhind. Because of his supreme scarification Baji Prabhu and Shivaji Maharaj could reach Ghodkhind before Siddi Masud could get them. Ghodkhind was renamed to "Pavankhind" after this battle in the memories of the martyrs of the battle.

After Afzalkhan was killed at Pratapgad, the Maratha army concurred the area till the fort Panhala near Kolhapur from Aadilshaha. After capturing Panhala, the siege was laid to the fort by Adilshahi general Siddi Jauhar. Shivaji Maharaj was on the the fort Panhala. The siege was too tight to escape from it. All the attempts made by Maratha general Netaji Palkar to break the siege failed.

Finally, a plan was prepared to escape from the siege and to go to Vishalgad. Shivaji Maharaj sent his representative to Siddi Jauhar, and told Siddi Jauhar that he was ready to sign a treaty. This news made the soldiers who were conducting the siege relax to some extent. In the night (night of 13th July 1660), Shivaji Maharaj took selected 600 soldiers with him and quietly escaped the siege.

Statue of Shiva Kashid on Panhala

Siddi Jauhar's men came to know about Shivaji Maharaj's escape from Panhala. Siddi Jauhar immedietly sent Siddi Masud ( his son in law) on pursuit of Shivaji Maharaj with 3000 cavalry. They soon got the palanquin of "Shivaji Maharaj". With immediate effect, "Shivaji Maharaj" was arrested and with immense pleasure was taken to the camp. Then they came to know that they had been fooled. The one who was arrested was not real Shivaji, he was a barber, "Shiva Kashid"!!!!!! Needless to say, he was immediately killed. Thus, Shiva Kashid sacrified his life to save his king.

This was according to the plan. Siddi Jauhar's army was expected to chase the escaping Shivaji Maharaj. To mislead them, Shiva Kashid volunteered to be a duplicate Shivaji. He dressed like Shivaji Maharaj and boarded in palanquin, similar to that of Shivaji Maharaj. When the chase started Shiva Kashid got himself arrested by Siddi Masud. As expected he was taken to the camp. This gave the fleeing Marathas some time to cover more distance towards Vishalgad. Thanks to Shiva Kashid.

Tomb of Shiva Kashid

Again the chase was started.When Shivaji Maharaj was near Ghodkhind, Siddi Masud got the fleeing Marathas. The Ghodkhind is a narrow pass. It is too narrow that only a few soldiers can pass through it simultaneously. Marathas were divided into two troops of 300 each. Shivaji Maharaj took one troop with him and went ahead towards Vishalgad. Other troop led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande stood the ground in Ghodkhind to deffend the pass until Shivaji Maharaj reach Vishalgad.

Statue of Baji Prabhu Deshpande on Panhala

Shivaji Maharaj was unware about the siege laid to Vishalgad by Suryarao Surve and Jaswantrao Dalvi, the Adilshahi sardars. Shivaji Maharaj attacked the siege with his full strength, and the siege was broken. Shivaji Maharaj reached the fort Vishalgad and quickly fired cannons. This was the signal for Baji Prabhu Deshpande, who was defending the Ghodkhind, that Shivaji Maharaj has reached to Vishalgad.

By this time, Baji Prabhu and his 300 soldiers were fighting against 3000 soldiers of enemy. They all were badly wounded and extremely tired. As soon as Baji Prabhu heard sound of cannons, he breathed his last with satisfaction.

Because of the martyrs like Shiva Kashid, Baji Parbhu, Fulaji Prabhu, Sambhaji Jadhav and many other unknown Maratha soldiers, Shivaji Maharaj could escape the siege successfully and could reach Vishalgad safely.

Tombs of Baji Prabhu and Fulaji Prabhu

Tomb of Baji Prabhu Deshpande

Tomb of Fulaji Prabhu Deshpande

Rajgad - King of Forts

2011-06-25T13:50:00.001+05:30

Rajgad (The king of all forts in Marathi) is one of the most important forts in Maharashtra.The fort was the capital of Maratha empire for more than 25 years. This was one of the first few forts captured by Shivaji Maharaj.

The fort is situated about 42 km to south west of Pune. To visit the fort, one can go to Nasarapur which is about 35 km from Pune along Mumbai - Bangalore national highway. Rajgad is just 22 km from Nasrapur. From Nasrapur you can reach to villages at the base of Rajgad : Gunjawane or Wajeghar, from where the trek starts.

Today the fort is attraction for trekkers because of it's huge size, its sky rocking height, the difficult route and the historical importance of the fort. The trek to this fort can also be done from the fort Torna. The fort Torna is located very close in the west to Rajgad. The Torna to Rajgad trek is also attraction for trekkers.

Rajgad is witness to the many important incidents in nascent Maratha Empire. The fort was called 'Murumb Devecha Dongar' (the mountain of god 'Murumb') before Shivaji Maharaj captured it from Aadilshaha. Shivaji Maharaj renovated the fort and constructed the fortification for this fort.The treasure he had got while construction of Torna was utilized for this task. He then renamed the fort to 'Rajgad'.

There are many places to visit on the fort :

Padmavati Machi
Suvela Machi
Balekilla
Sanjeevani Machi
Nedhe (The big hole to the rock)

Below is the photograph taken from Torna to Rajgad Trek. This is how the Rajgad looks from west side. The Sanjeevani Machi, the Suvela Machi and the Balekilla at the center are visible in the below pic.

Rajgad as seen from west side

This is how the balekilla looks like when seen from west. This snap is also taken from the route of Torna -Rajgad Trek. This presents the terrifying look of the fort.

Balekilla of Rajgad as seen from west side

Rajgad as seen from west side

Below is the pic of the end of Sanjeevani Machi, the west most point of the fort Rajgad. From this rock Rajgad to Torna Trek starts and the Torna to Rajgad trek ends.

The end of Sanjeevani Machi

Gate in the fortification wall on Sanjeevani Machi

Below is the snap of 'Alu Darwaja' (the Alu gate) of the fort. This is on Sanjeevani Machi of the fort.

Alu darwaja (Alu Gate)

The Sanjeevani Machi of the fort has dual fortification. This shows the prescience of Shivaji Maharaj. The dual fortification has made the fort more robust. Below is the pic how the Sanjeevani Machi looks like with the dual fortification.

Dual Fortification of Sanjeevani Machi

Visitors can stay in the temple of goddess Padmavati, on Padmavati Machi. The drinking water is available in the Padmavati lake or from two wells on Padmavati. The wells are known as 'Panaychi taki' (water tanks in Marathi)

Below is the pic how Balekilla looks like in morning.

Balekilla as seen from Padmavati Machi

Saibai, the fist wife of Shivaji Maharaj and mother of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, pased away on this fort in September 1659. When Shivaji Maharaj was preparing to fight Afzalkhan on Pratapgad. She was just 26 years old then. Her tomb is on Rajgad's Padmavati Mahi, before the temple of goddess Padmavati. Below is the pic of her tomb.

Tomb of Saibai

This is the temple of goddess Padmavati.

Padmavati Temple

Remains of the construction on Padmavati Machi

Torna as seen from Padmavati Machi of Rajgad

The trek to Balekilla from Padmavati Machi is exciting for trekkers. Below are some snaps of this route. At the end of the route there is the Mahadarwaja of Rajgad's Balekilla, the most exciting place on Rajgad.

Trek to Balekilla of Rajgad

Way to Balekilla of Rajgad

This is the Mahadarwaja of Rajgad's Balekilla. It is beyond imagination that how the King Shivaji have constructed this monument at the difficult place. This can be seen as an excellent piece of engineering .
After Afzalkhan was killed at Pratapgad, his head was sent here and was buried in the walls of Balekilla.

Balekilla Mahadarwaja

Balekilla Mahadarwaja

Below is the temple of goddess Janani.

Janani Devi Temple

This is one of the lakes at the top of Balekilla. The shape of this lake is similar to that of the moon decrescent. That is why this is called 'Chandratale' (The moon lake).

Chandratle

This is the temple of Bramharshi situated on the Balekilla.

Bramharshi Temple

These are the ruins of the palace of Shivaji Maharaj on Balekilla.

Remains of palace

Below are the stoves that were used to cook.These are present in the ruins of palace on Balekilla.

Stoves

Below is the excellent look of fort Torna from Balekilla of Rajgad. The snap also shows the route to Torna from Rajgad. It also shows the thumb rock on the Budhala Machi of Torna.
Another very exciting scene that can be seen from here is that, at the time of sunrise, the shadow of Rajgad falls on Torna and at the time of sunset the shadow of Torna falls on Rajgad.

Torna as seen from Balekilla of Rajgad

Water tanks on Balekilla and the Sanjeevani Machi

Sanjeevani Machi as seen from Balekilla

Padmavati machi and Pali Darwaja as seen from Balekilla

This is how the Mahadarwaja of Blaekilla looks from top. This shows the the strategical placement of the door. In most of the forts, the arrangement is made such that minimum space is left outside of the main gate. This is to make sure that during war minimum number of enemy soldiers can occupy the important space before the main gate. Also the holes are provided in the bastions adjacent to the door. These holes are used to shoot the enemy soldiers with cross bow or with gun. The holes are also visible in the below pic.

Mahadarwaja Balekilla

Suvela Machi of Rajgad can be seen from Mahadarwaja of Rajgad. Below is the snap how the eastern side (Suvela Machi) is seen from Mahadarwaja of Rajgad.

Sanjeevani Machi as seen from Mahadarwaja of Balekilla

Balekilla as seen from Suvela Machi

The Mahadarwaja of Balekilla can not be seen from Padmavati Machi, as it is facing towards east, so can be seen from Suvela Machi. This is how it looks from Suvela Machi.

Balekilla Mahadarwaja

In the below image, the Suvela Machi and the flag bastion ('Zenda Buruj' in Marathi) are visible.

Suvela Machi and Zenda Buruj

There is a big natural hole to the Elephant Rock on Suvela Machi. In Marathi, the hole is called as 'Nedhe'. The Nedhe is big enough to provide space for 10 - 12 persons in the hole. The hole is seen in the below image.

Nedhe (the hole)

Below snap shows how the Balekilla and the Padmavati Machi of Rajgad are seen from Suvela Machi. This shows the hugeness of the fort.

Balekilla and Padmavati Machi as seen from Suvela Machi

Suvela Machi as seen from the top of Elephant Rock

Guard's place on Padmavati Machi

This is the Pali Darawaja (Pali Gate) of Rjagad. This is along one of the relatively easy route to Rajgad. This is on Padmavati Maci and facing to west. Torna for can be seen from this gate.

Pali Darwaja

Torna as seen from Pali Darwaja of Rajgad

Gate before Pali Darwaja

Torna : The first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj

2011-06-18T22:55:00.003+05:30

"Torna" (Tornagad) or "Prachandgad" was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj. He captured this fort and started his journey to build the Maratha empire when he was just sixteen years old (in 1643). This shows his valor and determination to construct a new empire.

When Shivaji Maharaj took over this fort from Aadilshah (Sultan of Vijapur) this fort did not had too much construction on it. This fort was not given more stratagic importance by the Aadilshahas. After capturing this fort, Shivaji Maharaj started to construct some buildings on the forts and fortification for the fort. This was necessary to make the fort a secure place which can be used in forthcoming war against the Aadilshah and the Mughals. While construction Shivaji Maharaj found a treasure on the fort. Assuming this to be a good omen, he utilised this money on construction of this fort and the fort "Rajgad".

The fort has two temples on it. The first one is of goddess "Toranjai" and the second one is of goddess "Menghai". You can stay in the temple of goddess "Menghai" if necessary. The fort has two major wings (in Marathi "Machi") the "Zunzar Machi" and the "Budhala Machi". On the Budhala Machi, there is big vertical rock. When seen from distance it seems to be a thumb held up. The fort also has two gates: the "Binicha Darwaja" (Bini Gate) and "Konkan Darwaja" (Konkan Gate). The Binich Darwaja takes you inside the fort, while the Konkan Darwaja takes you to the Budhala Machi.

This is one of the tallest forts in Maharashtra. So, this has always been a center of attraction for the trekkers. This fort is located at about 60 Km from Pune. To visit the fort you may reach the village Velha from Swargate bus stop of Pune via Nasarapur.

Here are some of the snaps of the Torna fort.

Torna as seen from Velha village

Torna fort as seen from the way to it from Velha village

Torna as seen from the way to it

One of the hard portion of the trek to Torna

Binicha Darwaja of Torna

Binicha Darwaja

The temple of goddess "Menghai"

Zunzar Machi

Budhala Machi with the thumb rock

A tunnel (secret way) on the fort

Way to Budhala Machi

Shriram Temple of Kargani

2010-07-31T08:31:00.039+05:30

Kargani is a village in Atpadi tahasil of Sangli district of Maharashtra. Here is a very beautiful temple of lord Shriram. There are idols of Shriram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman inside the temple. There is a Shivlinga also in the temple. According to the folktale, lord Shreerama came here and the sword of Laxman felt from his hand here. Consequently the Shivlinga appeared. Then Shreeram worshiped this Shivlinga.
Very beautiful design has been inscribed on the walls of the temple. The finishing of the stone pillars is so smooth that you can see the mirror images of your fingers inside the black stone!!!.
I love the village because this is my birthplace. Here are some of the pics of the temple, you may like.

Shreeram Temple of Kargani

Design inscrideb on the walls of the temple

Design inscribed on the walls of the temple.

Shivneri : Shivaji Maharaj's Birthplace

2010-07-22T16:57:00.002+05:30

Fort Shivneri, as seen from Junnar

Shivaji is known as the ideal king in the world. The great king Shivaji was born on this fort. It is situated near Naneghat and in the valley of river Kukadi (Kusumavati). It is surrounded by the robust forts like Hadsar, Chavand, Jeevdhangad etc.

Caves and water reservoir in the way to Shivneri via sakhali route.

There is temple of Hindu goddess Shivai. The name Shivaji was derived from the name of goddess Shivai.
The history of this fort dates back to Satvahana era. After that it was under Yadava rule till it was captured by Malik Uttujar 1n 1443. Then it was under Mughal rule. In 1650 sixty rebel members, all from Koli community were slaughtered on this fort. The place where the slaughter was carried out is still on the fort and is known as Koli Chauthara.

Sakhali Route to the fort.

The main points on the fort are seven gates(Mahadarwaja), Ganga - Jamuna twin water reservoir, Godawn (Ambarkhana), Idgah, Badam lake and the statue of Shvaji Maharaj, Jijabai mother of king Shivaji, birth place of King Shivaji.

How to go?
Junnar is the base station for Shivneri. Above photograph has been taken from Junnar. You have to go to Junnar so as to visit the fort.
From Pune: Pune--> Narayangaon ---> Junnar.
The distance between Pune and Junnar is about 103 km. The fort is about 2km from Junnar. You can trek to top of the fort by Sakhali route or have a vehicle to drop you at the main entrance.

Birth Place of king Shivaji

Birth place of king Shivaji

Ruins of the buildings

Badam lake

Place of Kadelot. This is the place from
where offenders were thrown down in the
valley as punishment.

One of the gate of fort

Fortification of Shivneri

Temple of goddess Shivai

Kulup Gate

Mena Gate

Ganesh Gate

Sajjangad : The fort of good people

2010-07-10T13:07:00.001+05:30

Saints have contrbuted a lot in creation of Swaraj, and Sajjangad is the witness of one of the devotions. Sajjangad is the holy place where Samarth Ramdas used to live. The tomb of Samarth Ramdas increases the importance of the place.

The fort was formly known as Parali. ‘Ashwalayangad’, ‘Navarasatara’ was another name of the fort in ancient time. In Marathi ‘Sajjan’ means good people and ‘gad’ means fort, so in Marathi Sajjangad means ‘Fort of good people’. It was under Aurngzeib's rule for some time. Chhatrapati Sambhaji (son of King Shivaji) had spent some time here.

Sajjangad is situated in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is about 10-12 km from Satara, and one day trip to this fort from Satara can be arranged. You can reach very close to the fort through a vehicle, public transport is also available. There are two entrances (Mahadarwaja). There are two water

reservoirs near temple of godess Aanglai. It is said that, the idol of godessa Aanglai was found in the river Krishna near Angapur, a nearby village. There is a temple of god Ram on the fort.

These are the gates (Mahadarwajas) to the fort. Upper one if Shree Samarth Gate, named in the memory of Samarth Ramdas. Lower one is Chhatrapati Shivaji Gate, named in memory of King Shivaji.

This is drinking water reservoir. This is in use since ancient time. Today also people on the fort use this water for drinking.

The residence of Samarth Ramdas contains some artifacts that were dedicated to Samarth Ramdas by King Shivaji. These include the bed, some vessles etc.

The above picture shows the temple of god Ram. There is tomb of Saint Samarth Ramdas. Special thing about this temple is that, there is an idol of god Ganesh behind the Hanuman idol. The Hanuman idol is before the idol of god Ram. This arrangement is never seen anywhere.

This is the western side of the fort. The temple in above view is Dhabyacha Maruti temple. It is temple of god Hanuman.. The road visible in above picture heads to Thosegar which is famous for waterfalls.

Other interesting places on the fort are 'Dhabyacha Maruti', 'Brahmapisa temple', 'Ghodale lake', a mosque, 'Sonale lake' and 'Ramghal buruj (a bastion).

Pratapgad

2010-06-29T01:44:00.001+05:30

Pratapgad is counted amongst the jweal forts in Sahyadri. In Marathi 'Pratap' means bravery, valor and 'gad' means fort, so 'Pratapgad' means 'The fort of valor'. This is one of the beautiful forts built by Raja Shivaji.

History: The fort was built by Raja Shivaji on the hill formely known as 'Bhorpyacha dongar' (the hill of Bhorapya) in 1656. Moropant Pingle was appointed by Shivaji Maharaj to look after the construction of the fort. Moropant built many buildings on the fort such as royal court (राजसदर), Redka buruj (रेडका बुरुज), Yashawant buruj (यशवंत बुरुज), Kedareshwar Temple (केदारेश्वर मंदिर), Balekilla (बालेकिल्ला) and other buildings such as houses. Assacination of Afzalkhan is the most important event that took place here in 1659. The event has casted such impression that it became an identity of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj belived that godessa Bhavani helped him to defeat Afzalkhan, so after that Shivaji Maharaj constructed Bhavani Temple (भवानी मंदिर) on the fort. The stone was brought from river Gandaki (in Nepal) to create the idol of the godessa Bhavani. Later before coronation Shivaji Maharaj had dedicated the Chhatrachamara (छ्त्रचामर ) of gold to the godessa Bhavani on 19th may 1674. The victory against Afzalkhan gave Shivaji Maharaj an important position in the contemporary politics.
Views from Pratapgad:

In east: Mahabaleshwar, Radtondicha ghat, Aambenali ghat, Jawali

In west: Poladpur ghat, Konkan.

In south: Makarandgad, Chandragad, Kangorigad, Koyana valley, dense forest of Par.

In north: Raigad.

How to go?

From Mumbai:

Mumbai---> Panvel --> Mahad --> Poladpur ghat --> Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

From Pune:

Pune --> Shirwal --> Wai --> Mahabaleshwar --> Kumbhroshi wada -->Pratapgad

From Kolhapur:

Kolhapur--> Satara --> Medha --> Mahabaleshwar -->Kumbhroshi wada --> Pratapgad

When to visit?

One should give high priority to visit in summer or winter and should avoid visiting during rainy season.

Here are some pics of Pratapgad you may find useful:

This is royal court of Shivaji Maharaj. This is the place where Khandoji Khopade was punished by Shhivaji Maharaj for his treachery. Khandoji had helped Afzalkhan against Shivaji Maharaj. Khandoji's left leg and right hand were cut as he was sentensed by Shivaji Maharaj. The royal court (राजसदर) is shown in above photograph.

The content meaning "The valor and deeds of this King Shivaji is so great that he can only be compared with Alexander the great --Portuguese Governer, Goa" has been inscribed on the stage of the statue of Shivaji Maharaj on Pratapgad. The statue is shown in the above photograph.

Pratapgad is one of the attractive forts in Sahyadri. One should visit it at least once.

Raigad the King's fort

2010-06-27T23:48:00.001+05:30

Raigad is one of the most safe and most tough forts. It is known since 11th century. It is known by about 11 names, some of these are: Raigad, Rairi, Tanas, Rashiwata, Nandadeep etc.

Raigad is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The area was known as Jawali, in 16th century which was very dense forest and was

under kingdom of Adilshaha. Chandrarao More was subordinate of Adilshaha who used to rule the region. At that time the fort was known by the name Rairy. In 1656 King Shivaji seized this fort from Chandrarao More in a battle and later renamed to Raigad.

Coronation (Rajyabhishekh) of Shivaji Maharaj was one of the most important event in the history of India which took place on Raigad. Henry Oxenden was present at the function in behalf of British East India Company. Other incidents include escape of Chhatrapati Rajaram (son of Shivaji Maharaj) to Jinji on March 25, 1689.

there are many place of historical reference are here some of these are tomb (samadhi) of Shivaji Maharaj, market, palace, royal court of Shivaji Maharaj, a temple of god Shiva

(Jagdishwar Mandir). There are some reservoirs these are Hathi Talab, Gangasagar Talab, Kushavart Talab etc. Other are Hirkani buruj, Khub lada buruj, Chitta Darawaja, towers in the palace. Takmak tok and Bhawani tok are among the attractions of the fort.

Most of the constructions on the fort were destructed by a division of British artillery in 19th century. So the fort contains only remains of the glorious history.

Geographical Place:

Raigad is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is about 23km from Mahad, which is on Mumbai- goa highway. Pachad village is situated at the base of Raigad. The altitude of the fort is about 820m (2700 ft) above sea level.

How to go?:

Pachad is the base station for Raigad. In order to go to Pachad you have to reach Mahad. Here are some of the routes you may feel useful.

From Pune: Pune---->Bhor---->Varandha Ghat---->Mahad---->Pachad---->Raigad

From Mumbai: Mumbai---->Mahad ---->Pachad---->Raigad

From Kolhapur: Kolhapur ---->Karad ---->Chiplun ---->Poladpur ---->Mahad ---->Pachad---->Raigad

When to visit? : The fort can be visited in any season of the year, but the most suitable time is after rainy season. It is most appropriate to visit from October to June, but people visit the fort throughout the year.

Time being Raigad is developing as a most holy historical place. The facility of roap-way is also available there. Please visit the fort atleast once. Here are some pics of the fort.

Tomb (Samadhi) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Entrance of Palace

Jagdishwar Mandir

Main Entrance of Raigad

Mahadarwaja(Main Entrance) from Takmak tok

Palace on Rajgad

Rajsadar (Royal court) on Raigad

Remains of buildings on Raigad

Takmak tok

The Takmak tok is the most exciting place on the Raigad
Place of coronation of Shivaji Maharaj