२०१३ - सुरूवात एका नव्या वाटचालीची!

गड्यांनो,

या ब्लॉगच्या स्वरूपात थोडा बदल करायचा आहे! नुसताच दिसण्याचा नाही, तर या ब्लॉग मधे प्रसिद्ध होणा-या लेखनाचा ढंगही बदलावा असा यत्न करतो आहे!

Darvaja - Kille Chandan

सह्याद्रीमध्ये वसलेले विविध किल्ले, आधी नुसते बघत होतो... आता हळूहळू जसे वाचन वाढले तसे किल्ले बोलू लागले, थोरा मोठ्यांचा सहवास, त्यांचे लेखन आणि त्या लेखनाचे वाचन या सगळ्यांनी माझे बोट पकडले आणि मीहि त्यांच्या वाटेवर चालू पडलो! या वाटेवर मला जे भावले ते आपल्या समोर मांडावयाचा हा एक यत्न! कधी आपणांस ते माझ्या शब्दांतून सामोरे येईल, तर कधी जे जसे आहे तसे येईल (उदा. कविराज भूषण, कवि कलश, रामचंद्रपंत अमात्य यांचे बरोबरच अनेक मान्यवर इतिहासकारांचे संदर्भ इ.)
किल्ले, द-या - खोरी, खिंडी, हे पाहताना जसे मला सुचले ते मी लिहू लागलो! थोरांसमोर, या विषयातील जाणत्यांसमोर माझे लिखाण वाचता झालो! त्यांचे आशिर्वाद घेऊन लिहीता झालो!
आणि तेच लेखन आता मी आपल्या समोर मांडतो आहे!
यातील जे चूक ते माझे आणि जे काही बरोबर ते सगळे सगळे माझ्या थोरा मोठ्यांचे!

बहुत काय लिहीणे!

हिमांशु डबीर

शेर शिवराज हैं!!!!!!!!!!!

इन्द्र जिमि जृम्भ पर

बाडव सअंभ पर

रावण सदंभ पर

रघुकुल राज है !

पवन बारिबाह पर

संभु रतिनाह पर

ज्यों सहसबाह पर

राम द्विजराज हैं !

दावा दृमदंड पर

चीता मृगझुन्द पर

भूषण वितुण्ड पर

जैसे मृगराज हैं !

तेज तमअंस पर

कन्ह जिमि कंस पर

त्यों म्लेंच्छ बंस पर

शेर शिवराज हैं!!!!!!!!!!!

- महाकवि भूषण

भाषांतर -

जृंभासुरास जसा इंद्र,

समुद्रास वडवानल,

गर्विष्ठ रावणास रामचंद्र,

मेघास वायु,

मदनास शिव,

सहस्त्रार्जुनास परशूराम,

वृक्षास दावाग्नी,

हरीण कळपावर चित्ता,

हत्तीस सिंह,

अंध:कारास प्रकाश,

कंसास श्रीकृष्ण,

त्याप्रमाणे म्लेंच्छकुळावर,

सिंहासमान शूर शिवराय होय!

-कविराज भूषण

सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...

सक्र जिमि सैल पर | अर्क तम-फैल पर | बिघन की रैल पर | लंबोदर देखिये...|

राम दसकंध पर | भीम जरासंध पर | भूषण ज्यो सिंधु पर | कुंभज विसेखिये...|

हर ज्यो अनंग पर | गरुड ज्यो भुजंग पर | कौरव के अंग पर |पारथ ज्यो पेखिये...|

बाज ज्यो विहंग पर | सिंह ज्यो मतंग पर |म्लेंच्छ चतुरंग पर | सिवराज देखिये...|

सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...सिवराज देखिये...

-कविराज भूषण

भाषांतर

ज्याप्रमाणे इंद्र पर्वताचा, सूर्य अंधाराचा, आणि श्रीगणेश सर्व विघ्नांचा नाश करतात,

किंवा, ज्याप्रमाणे श्रीरामाने रावणाचा, भीमाने जरासंधाचा नाश केला,

अगस्ती ॠषींनी सागर एका आचमनात प्यायला,

ज्याप्रमाणे, महादेवाने मदनास जाळले, अर्जुनाने कौरवांस मारले,

किंवा, जसे साप गरुडास पाहून, पक्षी ससाण्यास पाहून आणि हत्ती सिंहास पाहून गर्भगळीत होतात,

त्याचप्रमाणे, म्लेंच्छांची चतुरंग सेना शिवरायांच्या पराक्रमाने भयभीत होते!

-कविराज भूषण

किल्ले रामसेज

किल्ले रामसेज

किल्ल्याची उंची - ३२७३ फूट (समुद्रसपाटीपासून)

कठिणता - अतिशय सोपा

पायथ्याचे गाव - आशेवाडी

गडावर जाण्यास लागणारा कालावधी - साधारणतः १ तास

गडाची माहिती -

गड कधी बांधला गेला, कोणी बांधला याची माहिती सध्यातरी माझ्याकडे उपलब्ध नाही, पण हा किल्ला इतिहासात अत्यंत मानाचे स्थान राखून आहे!

शिवछत्रपतींच्या अकाली निधनानंतर, राजे संभाजी छत्रपति झाले आणि त्याचवेळी तो औरंग्या दख्खन कब्जा करायला प्रचंड सैन्यानिशी दक्षिणेत उतरला. त्याने आपल्या शहाबुद्दीन या सरदाराला नाशिकजवळच्या रामसेज या किल्ल्यावर हल्ला करायला पाठवले. वास्तविक रामसेज हा काही रायगड, राजगड किंवा तोरण्यासारखा बलदंड किल्ला नाही, खरतर या किल्ल्यांसमोर रामसेज एक छोटिशी टेकडीच वाटावा असा आहे! पण या किल्ल्यावरचा किल्लेदार हा फार शूरवीर होता. शत्रू चाल करून येतोय हे पाहिल्यावर तो आपल्या सैन्याला म्हणाला, "गड्यांनो थोरलं म्हाराज आपल्यात न्हाहित, पर त्यांचा अंश रायगडी हाये. त्याच्या आदेशानूसार आपण ह्यो गड झुंजवायचाच! कायबी झालं तरी गड जाऊ द्याचा न्हाय! बोला हर हर.... महादेव"

काय सांगाव ती गर्जना, त्या किल्ल्यावर कितीतरी वेळ घुमत असेल! आज गेलो किल्ल्यावर तर येईलही ऐकू! तसे कान पाहिजेत, तशी दृष्टी पाहिज!

तो किल्लेदार मात्र इतिहासाला माहित नाही! त्याच्या आवेशापुढे कदाचित इतिहासही त्याला विचारायला विसरला असेल, गड्या तुझे नाव काय रे?

असे कितीतरी वीर इतिहासात हसत हसत लुप्त झाले, आणि जे आपल्याला ज्ञात आहेत त्यांना आज आपण नामशेष करत आहोत, खंत वाटते जेव्हा दादोजी कोंडदेव प्रकरण वाचतो, पाहतो! दुर्दैव आपले! माझी पिढी कदाचित थोडी भाग्यवान आहे, पण हे असेच चालू राहिले तर पुढच्या पिढीला मी काय वारसा देऊ इतिहासाचा? काटा येतो अंगावर हा प्रश्न पडल्यावर!

थोडे विषयांतर झाले खरे, पण आता परत येतो, किल्ल्याकडे!

त्या किल्लेदाराच्या गर्जनेनंतर सगळे मराठे रणआवेशाने धुंद झाले! आणि काय सांगाव तो जोश! शहाबुद्दीनचे सैन्य किल्ला चढू लागले, आणि निम्मा किल्ला चढले सुद्धा! आणि काय मजा, वरून मराठ्यांनी दगड-धोंड्यांच असा मारा सुरू केला की त्या खाली चिरडून मुघल सैन्य पटापटा मरू लागले! मग नेहेमीप्रमाणे शहाबुद्दीनने किल्ल्याला वेढा घालायला आरंभ केला, किल्ला वेढला गेला, आणि किल्ल्यावर मुघल तोफखाना आग ओकू लागला! त्या तोफगोळ्यांनी किल्ल्याच्या आसपासची माती उडवण्या पलिकडे काही केले नाही! आणि जो कोणी किल्ल्यावर हल्ला करायला जाई त्याला दगडधोंड्यांचा प्रसाद मिळेच. जणू किल्ल्याभोवती किल्लेदाराने एक अदृश्य लक्ष्मणरेषाच आखली होती, ती रेषा ओलांडली की सुटलाच म्हणायचा धोंडा वरून!

छत्रपति संभाजी राजांना खबर गेली, रामसेज एकांगी लढतोय! राजांनी तुरंत किल्ल्यासाठी रसद रवाना केली. किल्ल्याला नविन उत्साह संचारला! रसद आली, राजा आपली काळजी करतोय! केवढी मोठी भावना आहे ही! किल्लेदार म्हणाला असेल, राजा काळजी नगं करूस.. कायबी झालं तरी किल्ला न्हाहि द्येत म्या!

किल्ला भांडता राहीला, औरंग्याने अनेक सरदार बदलले, त्याची नावे पाहिले कि कळते की या किल्ल्याने भल्याभल्यांना भिक घातली नाहि, पहा तो शहाबुद्दीन, तो पहा, बहादूरखान कोकलताश, तो पहा तो कासिमखान किरमाणी! किल्ला नमला नाही तो नाहीच! असं म्हणतात की बहादूरखानाने तर १०० तोळे वजनाचा सापही वापरून पाहिला, करणी करून किल्ला वश करायला! पण ह्या असल्या करण्यांना दाद देत नसतात मराठी भुते! हे विसरला वाटते हा बहादूरखान!

एक, दोन नाहि तर तब्बल साडेपाच वर्षे हा किल्ला नमला नाही मुघलांपुढे! अखेर किल्ल्यावरील रसद संपली, आणि नवी रसद पोहोचू शकली नाहि, म्हणून या बहाद्दर किल्लेदाराने तब्बल ५०००० रुपयांच्या मोबदल्यात किल्ला अब्दुल रहिमच्या ताब्यात दिला आणि रायगडावर संभाजी राजांकडे आला!

किल्ला जिंकल्याची "सुवार्ता" औरंग्याला कळविण्यात आली. किल्ल्याचे नाव बदलण्यात आले आणि "रहिमगड" असे ठेवण्यात आले!

तो किल्लेदार पन्नास हजारांची ती थैली घेऊन संभाजी राजांसमोर खालच्या मानेने उभा होता, खूप उदास होता! किल्ला राखता आला नाही याची बोच त्याला कष्टी करत होती! पण संभाजी राजांनी त्याची सर्फराजी केली. राजे म्हणाले "आबासाहेबांच्या शब्दाला जगलात, किल्ला त्यांच्या हुकुमाप्रमाणे झुंजवलात, भले शाब्बाश, थोर पराक्रम गाजवलात!" किल्लेदार म्हणाला "राजं पर किल्ला गेला, किल्ला राखू न्हाई शकलो म्या". संभाजी राजे हसले, म्हणाले, "आता नविन कामगिरी देणार आहोत आम्ही तुम्हाला, बोला करणार ना?" किल्लेदार छाती फुगवून म्हणाला, "राजं बोट दाखवा, काय हव तुमास्नी, राजं काळजावरं बोट दाखवलंत तरी ते काढून द्याया माग न्हाई बघणार, हुकूम करा राजं!" राजे म्हणाले, "औरंगजेब रामसेज तटा-बुरूजांनी सजवतोय, त्याला सजवू द्या, आणि एकदा का तो सजला, की घाला झडप आणि जिंकून घ्या परत! करणार ना?" किल्लेदार फक्त बोलला "राजं...." आणि मुजरा घालून सदरेवरून निघाला!

एका रात्री तो किल्लेदार, गडाच्या पायथ्याशी आला आणि पहाट होण्याआधी रामसेजवर पुन्हा भगवा फडकला, किल्ला परत स्वराज्यात आला! त्या जयघोषांनी औरंग्याची झोप नक्कीच उडाली असेल! त्याला शिवरायांच्या एका पत्रातील वाक्ये आठवली असतील! ती वाक्ये अशी "आमचा एक एक किल्ला एक एक वर्ष लढेल, असे आमच्याकडे ३५० किल्ले आहेत, मराठी मुलूख जिंकता जिंकता तुझी उमर सरून जाईल!"

तर असा हा रामसेज किल्ला, संभाजी राजांवरील स्वामीनिष्ठेचे प्रतिक म्हणून इतिहासात अजरामर झालेला!

किल्ल्यावर काय पहाल?

किल्ल्यावर आज काहीच शिल्लक नाहि ज्याला आज आपण किल्ला म्हणावे! एक छानसे रामाचे मंदिर आहे, नऊ लहान मोठी तळी आहेत, त्यातले राम तळे महत्वाचे!

किल्ल्यावर कसे पोचावे?

नाशिक-पेठ रस्त्यावर नाशिक पासून १५ किलोमिटर्सवर आशेवाडीजवळ रामसेज आजही ताठ मानेने उभा आहे.

किल्ल्यावर जाताना पाणी आणि खाण्याचे पदार्थ घेवून जा, गडावर काही मिळण्याची शक्यता कमीच आहे!

नमस्कार मित्रांनो

नमस्कार मित्रांनो,

खरतरं हा पोस्ट मी केवळ आपली माफी मागण्यासाठी लिहीत आहे! खूप महिने लोटले या ब्लॉगवर मी कुठलीच नविन माहिती आपणापुढे सादर केली नाही! गेले काही महिने सातत्याने खूप धावपळ, आजारपण यात गेले! मध्यंतरी दिड महिना चक्क झोपून होतो, आणि नंतर कामाच्या विचित्र वेळा यांमुळे आपणा सर्वांशी संवाद साधता येत नाहीये याची मनाला सतत कुठे तरी बोच लागून राहिली होती!

आता, बंगलोरला आलोय! इथे आता परत हा ब्लॉग जोमाने सुरू करणार आहे! राज्याभिषेकानंतर शिव-छत्रपतिंनी त्यांच्या दक्षिण दिग्विजयात जे किल्ले, मुलूख जिंकला, तो मला आता खूप जवळून पाहायला मिळणार याचा खूप आनंद झाला आहे! मुळात राजांचे वडिल श्री शहाजी राजांनी ज्या शहरात त्यांचे "छूपे" स्वराज्य निर्माण केले होते, तो मुलूख पाहायला मिळणार याचा आनंद मी शब्दांत मांडूच शकत नाहीये!

मित्रांनो, खरंच आता हा ब्लॉग अजून माहितीने परिपक्व करण्याचा इरादा आहे!

परत येईन तेव्हा पुढिल किल्ले त्यांच्या माहिती बरोबर या ब्लॉगवर आपणांस वाचायला मिळतीलः

१. रामसेज

२. अजिंक्यतारा

३. सुधागड

४. मृगगड

५. सज्जनगड

६. चाकणचा किल्ला - संग्रामदुर्ग

७. चित्रदुर्ग - बंगलोर जवळिल एक किल्ला इथून श्री शहाजीराजांची समाधी स्थळ "होदिगेरे" जवळच आहे!

धन्यवाद!

इथे प्राणांच्याच निरांजनी होती!

इथे प्राणांच्याच निरांजनी होती!

फौज चालून आली थोर,
थोरले महाराज विजापूरी कैद,
ऐसी भवतीनभवती जाली,
राजांनी मग युक्ती मांडली!

फौज मुठभर मिळविली,
पुरंदरावर उडी मारली,
फतेखान जमला गडाखाली,
म्हणे क्षणांत संपवू हि नादानी!

भ्रांत हि त्याची निमिषांत निमाली,
पुरंदरावरूनि धोंडे सुटती,
फौज तयाची सैरभर जाहली,
पळता भुई थोडकी जाहली!

दाती धरून तृणांची माती, म्हणे खान,
"गोष्ट कैसी आगळी घडली...इथे तो गवतालाही भाले फुटती!... इथे तो गवतालाही भाले फुटती!"


होता सजला शामियाना,
जणू रचिला होता सापळा,
सावज होता खान अफजुल्ला,
म्हणे मारितो आज या शिवाला!

भीतिचे ते रचले ढोंग,
वठविले भ्याडाचे सोंग,
प्रत्येक हालचालिची ती नोंद,
ठेवित होते शिवराय!

वेळ भेटीची जमली,
राजासवे माणसे दहा निघाली,
बंडा सय्यद उभा शामियानी,
राजाने मनात शंका धरिली!

शंका राजाची निवाराया,
खाने सय्यद दूर धाडिला,
हात पसरुनि "आओ" म्हणाला,
मनी मात्र हेत आगळा धरिला!

गर्दन डाव्या बगलेला,
दाबून कट्यारीचा वार काढिला,
चिलखताशी वार आडिला,
अन् शिवराये डाव साधिला!

वाघनखे ती चालविता जाला,
कोथळा खानाचा लोंबू लागला,
"दगा... दगा..." खान कोकलला!
परी तयाचा खेळ संपला!

पराक्रमा त्या पाहून "इतिहास" वदला... "येथेच नरातून सिंह घडला...!!येथेच नरातून सिंह घडला...!!"


स्वराज्याचा झंझावात सुटला,
निवेद अफझुल्याचा पचला!
तळ-कोकण कब्जा जाला,
पन्हाळी तो अंमल बसला!
हल्ला विजापुरी आला,

शत्रू दसहजारी जमला,
उघड मैदानी सोहळा सजला!
गोदाजी, नेताजीसह खुद्द शिवाजी रणी उतरला!
रणांगणी तो जोर चढला,
शत्रूचा तो धीर खचला,
सैरावैरा तो पळत सुटला,
थेट विजापूरी जाउन थांबला!

बडी बेगम पुसे अल्लाला..."या खुदा हा कैसा खेळ मांडिला?.. इथे तो हुंकारातून वादळ जन्मला!.. इथे तो हुंकारातून वादळ जन्मला!"



जेर कराया शिवाजीला,
जौहर तो सिद्दी निघाला,
राजा होता पन्हाळ्याला,
म्हणे येथोनिच भांडू जौहराला!
लागला होता पावसाळा

परी सिद्दी जिद्दीला पेटला,
नेटाने तो वेढा चालविला,
राजांनि मग जासूद धाडिला!
निरोपाने त्या कार्यभाग साधिला,
वेढा नकळत गाफिल जाहला!

जौहरास तो ईरादा उमगला,
फौज सुटली पाठलागा!
घोडखिंडीत लढा पेटला,
राजा विशाळगडी निसटला,
बांध खिंडीला पडला,
उभा होता फक्त तीनशे मावळा!

म्होरक्या तो हिरडस मावळाचा,
खडा पहा तो, "बाजी देशपांडा"
होता तो ईरेस पेटला,
म्हणे (शत्रूला) आधी निस्तर मजला,
मगची भेटे राजा तुजला!

सिद्दी बोले ऐकून समाचारा (खिंडीतल्या लढाईचे वृत्त)
"कैशाची हि माणसे बनली!?... इथे तो छातींचेही कोट घडति! इथे तो छातींचेही कोट घडति!"


अफझुल्याच्या लढ्यासमयी, अवघा मावळ एक झाला,
परि त्यातून एक सर्वांतूनि आगळा राहिला,
स्वराज्याचा तो गद्दार पहिला,
नाव तयाचे खंडोजी खोपडा!

म्हणे काय वाचतो हा शिवराया,
मारिल यासे हा खान अफझुल्ला,
परि त्याचा अंदाज चुकला,
खान स्वतःच गर्दिस मिळाला!
खोपडा भय खाउन पळाला,

रोष शिवरायांचा ओढावला!
शरण अखेर येता जाहला,
कन्होजींकरवी शब्द लाविला! (कान्होजी जेधे)
(शिवरायांच्या) नजरेला नजर तो देता जाला,
क्षणात खोपडा पूरता भेदरला,

राजांचा तो हुकूम सुटला,
पाय डावा अन् हात उजवा (याचा) छाटावा!
राजे सखोंबीतसे जेध्यांना
"गद्दाराला माफी कैसी? उद्या ऐसे अनेक जन्मती,
स्वराज्यासी हि किड ऐसी, आम्हास ना खपणारी!
शब्द तुमचा म्हणून जिता सोडिला, नातरी छाटले असते मुंडक्याला!"

जेधे बोलला मनाला, "कैसा जाणता राजा लाभला, केवढा थोर विचार वदला! याचे तो हृदयात अंगार फुलला!...याचे तो हृदयात अंगार फुलला...!!"


मिर्झाराजा चालून आला,
सवे घेउन दिलेरखाना!
पुरंदरासी तो वेढून बैसला,
(जिंकण्याचा) शिकस्त तो थोर चालला!

सफेद बुरुज तो उडविला,
प्राण पुरंदराचा कंठी आला,
फास तो आवळत चालला,
मुरारबाजी कासाविस जाहला!

योजना तो आखता झाला,
म्हणे फोडून जाऊ वेढ्याला!
उघडून किल्ल्याच्या द्वारा,
रणशिंग तो फुंकता जाला!

दिलेर होता हत्ती बैसला,
ओरडून बोले तो मुरारा,
"ये सैन्यात माझ्या, देतो मनसब तुजला!"
झिडकारले त्या अमिषा, पेलला हातात भाला,
जळजळीत नजरेने मुरार बोलला, "घे हि तुझी मनसब तुला!"
खान तो चकित झाला,
तीर (कमानीतून) सोडता जाला,
लक्षून मुराराच्या कंठा
मुरार पडला रणांगणा!

खान होता दिलेर,
बोलता जाहला सत्वर, "ऐसा न शत्रू पाहिला... सलाम तुझ्या शौर्याला!
जैसा पाहता तु मजला...नजर तुझी अंगार होता!...नजर तुझी अंगार होता!"


मिर्झाच्या राजकारणास,
राजा झाला मवाळ,
दिली मान्यता तहास,
निघाला औरंग्याच्या भेटीस!
होता औरंग्याचा वाढदिवस,

जमला होता दरबारास,
म्हणती जयाला "दिवाण-ए-खास"
येथेच भेटला राजा औरंग्यास!
राजा उभारला मनसबेस...
परी पाहून पुढे जयसिंगास,
उसळला तो नरसिंहासमान,
बोले "हा तर उघड अपमान,
नको मजला हि मनसब!"

निघाला राजा तडक,
अर्धा सोडून तो दरबार,
सरदार जाहले स्तंभित,
म्हणती काय हि आगळिक!

औरंग्या राहिला स्वस्थचित्त
परि चित्ती करितसे विचार,
"खरेच हा आहे शूर,
उगा ना पळाला मामा शाइस्त!"

औरंगजेब बोलला खुदासी,
"शुक्र है अल्लाचा, दुश्मन दिया तोभी शिवा जैसा!
याच्या तो वाणीतही विजा गर्जतात! याच्या तो वाणीतही विजा गर्जतात!"


दिवस होता जून सहा
रायगड होता सजला,
सह्याद्रितो आनंदला,
राजा आज "छत्रपति" बनला!

सप्तसरितांचे वारी,
आणविले स्नानासी,
सोहळा मोठा राज्याभिषेकी,
वेद उच्चारती ऋषी-मुनी!

राजा सिंहासनी बसला,
मनात आठवणींचा पूर लोटला,
राजा गहिवरोन गेला,
आठवे तो तानाजीला,
आठवे तो मुरारला!

पुरंदराच्या लढ्यासमयी
पहिलीच उसळली होती गर्दि,
पडली त्यात ज्यांची आहूति
आठवती ते पासलकर बाजी!

आठवला तो शिवा न्हावी,
फसविला ज्याने जौहर सिद्दी!
गेला हसत चालून काळाच्या मुखी
म्हणे राजाचे कार्य नेतो मी सिद्धी!

हृदयी कळ उठली..
आठवता ते प्रभूबाजी
पराक्रमाचे ते मेरूमणी!
एकहाती खिंड अडविली
स्वर्गालाच घातली गवसणी, दिन होता गुरुपौर्णिमी!

दाटला कंठ स्मरता प्रतापरावासी (प्रतापराव गुजर)
म्हणती काय वेडेपणा केलासी!
कैसे चुकवू तुमचे ऋणांसी!
एक-एक पायरी (सिंहासनाची), तुमची आहूति!

सुवासिनी राजाला ओवाळती, घेवून अनेक निरांजनी,
वदला राजा पाहून निरांजनीसी "या तो त्यांच्या प्राणज्योती!! इथे प्राणांच्याच निरांजनी होती... इथे प्राणांच्याच निरांजनी होती...!!"



हिमांशु डबीर

११-ऑगस्ट-२००९

किल्ले वासोटा

किल्ले वासोटा

किल्ल्याची उंची - ४२६७ फूट (समुद्रसपाटिपासून)

कठिणता - मध्यम

पायथ्याचे गाव - कुसापूर

गडावर जाण्यास लागणारा कालवधी - कुसापूर पासून ४ तास

गडाची माहिती -

या किल्ल्याच्या नावाबद्दल अनेक आख्यायिका प्रसिध्द आहेत. ब्रम्हर्षि वशिष्ठ ऋषिंच्या कालखंडापासून हा किल्ला अस्तित्वात असल्याचे पुरावे सापडतात. असे म्हटले जाते कि वशिष्ठमुनींचा एक शिष्य येथे आला होता, कोयना नदिच्या तीरावर वास्तव्य करायला. त्याने या किल्ल्याला अर्थात त्याकाळी येथे असलेल्या पर्वताला वशिष्ठ मुनींचे नाव दिले! पुढे या वशिष्ठ पर्वताच्या नावाचा अपभ्रंश होवून ते नाव वासोटा असे झाले. यामध्ये किती तथ्य आहे हा भाग वादाचा विषय ठरू शकतो. दुसरी आख्यायिका अशी, कि शिलाहार कालखंडामध्ये हा पर्वत "वसंतगड" या नावाने ओळखला जात असे, त्या "वसंतगड"चे पुढे "वासोटा" असे नामकरण झाले! हे थोडेफार तर्कसंगत वाटते!

जावळी आणि त्याभवतालचे किल्ले आणि परिसर जेव्हा शिवछत्रपतिंनी काबिज केला तेव्हा त्याचवेळी त्यांनी स्वराज्यात दाखल करून घेतला असे इतिहास सांगतो, तर काहींच्या मते, वासोटा किल्ला प्रत्यक्ष थोरल्या महाराजांनी जि़ंकलाच नाही असे मत असणारा एक प्रवाह आहे! या प्रवाहाच्या मते जरी प्रत्यक्ष थोरल्या महाराजांनी हा किल्ला स्वतः जिंकला नसला तरी जेव्हा ते पन्हाळगडावर कोंडून पडले होते, तेव्हा मराठा सैन्याची एक तुकडी पाठवून त्यांनी हा किल्ला स्वराज्यात सामिल करून घेतला होता. या दोन्ही मतांमध्ये एक गोष्ट सामाईक आहे आणि ती म्हणजे छत्रपतिंचे स्वराज्य विस्ताराचे प्रयत्न!

अजून एक नविन वाद उपस्थित करायला, आधीचे विनाकारण चालू असलेले वाद काय कमी आहेत! हे वाद घालून जे लोक स्वतःला छत्रपतिंचे पाईक मानतात, त्यांना त्यांचे वाद लखलाभ होवोत! सच्चा शिवप्रेमी मात्र या सगळ्या प्रकारांनी खजील होतो, आणि स्वत:लाच विचारतो, "याचसाठी केला होता का अट्टाहास!!" खरंच खूप चांगले आहे, राजे आत्ता आपल्यात नाहीत!

माफ करा मला थोडे विषयांतर झाले, पण भळाळणारी जखम आहे ही!!! कसे थांबवू या वाहाणा-या रक्ताला!

पन्हाळ्याच्या वेढ्यात टोपीकर इंग्रजांनी (राजापूर, कोकण येथील) त्या सिद्दी जोहरला तोफांची रसद पुरविली होती, इतकेच नाही तर स्वतः त्यांच्या "युनियन जॅक"सोबत पन्हाळ्याच्या पायथ्याशी छत्रपतिंच्या विरुध्द लढले होते! "राजकारणा पासून चार हात लांब" असलेल्या या दुटप्पी इंग्रजांना चांगला धडा शिकवायचा म्हणून शिवप्रभूंनी जेव्हा कोकण मोहिम हाती घेतली त्यावेळी या इंग्रजांची राजापूरची वखार कुदळ लावून खणून काढली होती, हेन्री रिव्हींटन, आणि त्याचे साथीदारांना अटक केली आणि त्यांची रवानगी याच किल्ले वासोटावर केली होती!

६ जून १६६० रोजी स्वराज्यात दाखल झालेल्या या किल्ल्यावर १९७९ साली जवळपास २६००० रुपये सापडल्याची नोंद आहे!

पुढे १७०६ साली हा किल्ला ताई तेलीण हिच्या ताब्यात गेला, आणि १० महिन्यांच्या अथक लढाईनंतर १७०७ साली पेशव्यांचे सेनापती बापू गोखले यांनी हा किल्ला परत स्वराज्यात आणला.

गडावर काय पाहाल?

आज या किल्ल्यावर पाहण्यासारखे फार काही शिल्लक नाही! गडावर एक महादेवाचे मंदिर आहे. बाबूकडा नावाचा हरिश्चंद्रगडाच्या कोकणकड्याची याद देणारा "यु" आकाराचा कडा आहे. दूरवर कोकण दिसते, पण त्यासाठी दिवस चांगला पाहिजे, ढगाळ आणि धुरकट हवामान असेल तर नाही दिसत कोकण! एक छानशी माची आहे. "कालकायीचे ठाणे" नावाचे काहितरी आहे, जे आता मला आठवत नाही! या किल्ल्याला भेट देवून आता १३ वर्षे उलटली मला! आणि हे सगळे असताना एक गोष्ट जर तुम्ही केली नाहित तर वासोटा किल्ल्याची तुमची भेट पुर्ण झाली नाहि असे समजा. ते ठिकाण म्हणजे "नागेश्वर"! वासोटा किल्ल्यावर जाताना एक शिखर आपले लक्ष वेधून घेते, ते शिखर म्हणजे "नागेश्वर"! एक खोदलेली गुहा आहे इथे आणि या गुहेत एक शंकराची पिंड आहे. महाशिवरात्रीला अनेक भक्तमंडळी येतात येथे!

जुना वासोटा -

वासोटा किल्ला जो आज आपण पाहातो, तो "नवा" वासोटा आहे, त्याच्या समोरच "जुना" वासोटा किल्ला आहे. मात्र या जुन्या "वासोटा" किल्ल्यावर जाता मात्र येत नाही, कारण रस्ताच नाही जायला. एक तर घनदाट झाडी, पाण्याचे दुर्भिक्ष आणि हिंस्त्र श्वापदांचा मनसोक्त वावर यामुळे दुर्गप्रेमी अजुन या किल्ल्यावर जाण्याचे धाडस करत नाही! तुम्हीहि करु नका!

गडावर कसे पोचावे?

सातारा बसस्थानकातून बामणोली गावाला जाणारी बस पकडावी. बामणोली गावातून कुसापूरला बोटीने जावे लागते. तेथून गडाच्या चढाईला सुरुवात! अन्यथा स्वतःची गाडी असेल तर महाबळेश्वरपासून तापोळा या गावी यावे आणि तेथून बोटीने कुसापूर गाठावे! बोट जिथे सोडते, तेथून पुढे निघाले कि एक ओढा लागतो, तो ओलांडला कि एक छोटेसे मारुतिरायाचे मंदिर लागते, त्या मंदिराला डावीकडे ठेवून गडाकडे जाणारी पायवाट आहे. शक्यतो कोणी माहितगार असल्याशिवाय गडाला भेट देण्याचे ठरवू नका, कारण एक तर चुकण्यासारखे बरेच काहि आहे इथे आणि जंगली श्वापदेपण मुबलक आहेत! मी स्वतः येथे अस्वल आणि नाग खूप जवळून पाहिले आहेत, तसेच बिबट्याच्या पाउलखुणा सुध्दा!

शिवाय बोटीतून उतरल्यावर "पिसवा" आहेतच स्वागताला! पण एकदा का तो ओढा ओलांडला कि मग या पिसवा आपली साथ सोडतात! त्यामुळे बोटीतून उतरण्या आधी आपली पँट मोज्यामधे खोचून ठेवा आणि शक्यतो "बर्म्युडा" घालून हा किल्ला पाहायला जाणे टाळा!

किल्ल्याची चढण, किल्ल्यावरून दिसणारा आसमंत, कोयना धरणाचा जलाशय हे सगळे डोळ्यांचे पारणे फेडणारे आहे! ते डोळ्यांत साठवा, कॅमे-यात कैद करा, पण त्याला नुकसान पोचवू नका. आपण सोबत नेत असलेल्या प्लास्टिकच्या पाण्याच्या बाटल्या, पिशव्या आणि बाकी कुठलाही कचरा गडावर न सोडता, आपल्यासोबतच खाली आणा! आणि जमलेच तर येताना जितका प्लास्टिकचा कचरा दिसेल तोही खाली घेवून या!

जर एखादी गोष्ट तुम्हाला सांभाळता येत नसेल तर निदान तिला बिघडवू तरी नका!

Fort Chavand

किल्ले चावंद

Fort Name: Fort Chavand
Fort Height: 3000 Ft (from min sea level)
Grade: Medium
Base Village: Chavandwadi
Time to reach from Base Village: 45 mins
Fort Description
The Satvahans used to rule over Maharashtra and they build and maintained a variety of forts in the Sahyadri region. The trade route named as "Naneghat", was guarded by various forts like:
1. Jeevdhan
2. Hadsar
3. Chavand
4. Mahishgad
These forts belong to Satwahan era.
After the fall of Bahamani empire, the first Nizam Malik Ahmed captured this fort. Nizamshahi was founded by Malik Ahmed in 1485. Grandson of 7th Nizamshah Burhanshah the 2nd was imprisoned on this fort in 1594. In his attempt to save Nizamshah and thus to create his own empire, Shahaji
Raje fought against Mughals and Bijapur Badshah. But he lost the battle and in the year 1636 he signed a treaty with Mughals in which this fort was handed over to Mughals.
I do not know when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort, but he renamed this fort to "Prasannagad"After the fall of Maratha Kingdom, Britishers, as they did to other forts, destroyed construction on this fort as well. As an outstanding example, you can see half burried temple on this fort.
The fort Chavand is famous for its 7 water tanks. These tanks are aligned to each other. The names of these tanks are:
1. Brahmi,
2. Maheshwari,
3. Kaumari,
4. Vaishanvi,
5. Varahi,
6. Indyayani,
7. Chamunda.
On the North side of the fort, we can see man-made caves. It is said that a secret passage exists here which opens outside of the fort. This was believed to be a secret escape door. Towards the south side of the fort, we can see beautiful view of Kukadi river. The Kukadi rivers originates from
the Kukadeshwar which is located near the fort. The Kukadeshawar is a famous pilgrimage center. Some fortification can be seen towards the western side of the fort. The temple of Goddess Chamunda is located on the topmost part of the fort.Kukadeshwar and Lenyadri are two other places one must visit when this fort is visited.From this fort, one can see fantastic view of mountain Shambhu and Jeevdhan on the west, Shivneri on the east, route of Naneghat along the fort
and Fort Hadsar on the north side. This gives us an idea of the importance geographical position of this fort during history.
Must See
1. Saptamatrika (7 cisterns)
2. Man-made caves
3. Temple of Goddess Chamunda
How to reachOne should reach village Chavandwadi via Junnar. A way to the top of the fort goes along the village school. Within 45 minutes you will reach to the entrance door and from here follow the footsteps.
Food and drinking water
Food and water is available at the base village. But nothing on the top of the fort.
Accommodation Facility
Usually trekkers prefer to stay at the school at the base village.

Fort Korigad

किल्ले कोरिगड़
Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 3000 Ft (from min Sea level)
Base Village: Peth Shahapur
Time to reach to top from Base village: 45 mins to 1 Hour

Fort description
Korigad is situated in the Korbaras maval region. Korbaras maval is located towards the west of the Mulshi dam. Ghangad is also located in the same region. The route that connects to Pali and Lonavala is known as "Sawashni Ghat", Korigad is built near to this route. Fortification of this fort is still intact although the buildings on the fort are now completely destroyed. Trekkers and visitors love this fort because they can take a walk on the fortified walls of the fort to see the entire fort.
The Amby Valley lies at the foothills of this fort and the fort offers majestic view of the houses build in this valley.
Alongwith the forts Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Tung, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj incorporated this fort in Swarajya during 1657.When Maratha empire fall down against the Britishers, Col. Prother attacked this fort on 11 March 1818 and after a fierce fight, he was able to capture the fort on 14 March. It is said that he managed to shoot a cannon ball aimed at the ammunition storage center on the fort and thus the fort surrendered! Alongwith the victory over this fort, the Britishers managed to capture the Ghangad as well.

Must See
There are steps created from the base of the fort till the top of the fort. This makes everyone to visit the fort irrespective of age!
1. Caves and water cisterns while climbing the fort from Peth Shapur

2. An Idol of Lord Ganesha

3. Korai Devi Temple - The idol of Korai Devi is around 4 Ft high.

4. Deepmal - Located outside of Korai Devi temple5. Canons ( there are 6 cannons on the fort). The biggest cannon is known as "Laxmi" and this can be located near the Korai Devi temple.

6. View of Amby Valley

7. Lake - Two large ponds are available on the fort.

8. Mahadev Temple

9. Vishnu Temple
You can see Nagphani Point, Matheran, and forts like Tung, Prabalgad, Karnala can be seen from this fort.

Ways To Reach:
One way that I know is from Peth Shahapur. You can reach Peth Shahapur via Loanvala either by your own vehicle or by public transport. There is yet another way to reach this fort, but I am unaware of that route.

Accommodation Facility:
Usually there is no need to stay on the fort as the fort can be seen completely in one day, still if you want to stay, you can stay in the temple.

Food and Drinking water facility:
You have make your own arrangements for food and drinking water.

Fort Vajragad

किल्ले वज्रगड

Fort Type: Hill Fort

Fort Height: 4400 ft (approx) from min-sea level

Base Village: Narayanpur

Time to reach from base village: 1 to 1.5 hours (via Purandar)

Grade: Easy

Fort Description:

Today, the Fort Vajragad has nothing to offer except few basic ROCK-CLIMBING learning skills. The fort is very close to the Fort Purandar. Fort Vajragad is also known as "Rudramal". When Mughals, under the leadership of Mirzaraje Jaysingh, attacked the kingdom of Chatrapati Shijavji Maharaj, their army surrounded the Purandar fort alongwith the Fort Vajragad. It was the Fort Vajragad which fell to Dilekhan's army and thus making it more easier for the Mughals to launch severe attack on Purandar fort. The location of both these forts i.e. Fort Purandar and Fort Vajragad is such that, if anyone of these fort fell to enemy's hand, the other fort will fell automatically.After the Treaty of Purandar, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj handed 23 forts to Mughals. Vajragad was one of them. The main entrance i.e. Maha Darwaja of this fort is still in good condition and shows the strength of the fort.
How to reach Vajragad from Purandar?

When you enter Purandar via Bini-darwaja, proceed towards the statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. One pathway will go towards your left hand side when you are facing the statue. Take that pathway and proceed on the same. The fort Vajragad is at your right side. The pathway do not have directions/signs to take turn towards the fort. You have to take a right turn which slightly shows a minor incline and from the bushes you have to find out the way to the main door. From the Statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it will take around 30-45 mins to reach to the main door of Vajragad(if you are not lost).

How to reach?

Own Vehicle:

1. From Pune Satara Road via Katraj GhatYou can visit this fort by taking Pune Satara road. Take a left turn at KETKAVLE. Again take the road going towards the left side where the right side road will take you to the Balaji Temple. This road will take you to Narayanpur. At Narayanpur, you visit the Shri Gurudev Datta Temple and the Mahadeo temple. This Mahadeo temple was built in Yadava's dynasty.Keep going ahead of Narayanpur, you will find a road going towards your right. Take this road and this road will take you directly to the foothills of the fort.

2. From Dive GhatYou can visit this fort by taking the Dive Ghat route as well. After crossing the Dive Ghat, you will come in the SASWAD village. After crossing the ST Stand in Saswad, you will find a road going towards your right hand side. This road will take you to Narayanpur. Before Narayanpur, you will find a signboard indicating road towards Purandar. This road is at your left hand side. This is the same road decsribed above.
Via Pune

S.T. bus to Saswad from Pune takes us to the foothills of Purandar fort. Pune-Narayanpur bus is also available to reach up to the base village, Narayanpur.Via SaswadS.T. bus to Bhor from Saswad will drop you at the bus-stop of 'Purandar Ghat matha' in Narayanpur village. A road on the left side along the two houses situated on mountain ahead leads to Bini Darwaja of Purandar which can be reached approximately in 45 minutes.

Food and drinking water facilty:
Food and drinking water is not available on the fort. Either you carry your own or get it from the Purandar Fort.
Accomodation:
Accomodation is not available on Vajragad.

Kille Malhargad

किल्ले मल्हारगड

Type: Hill Forts

District: Pune

Height: 3100 Ft.

Time to reach-
From Sonori Village - 45 mins
From Zendewadi - 1 hour

Grade: Easy

Fort Description

This was the last fort that Maratha's built and also supposed to be the last built fort in Maharashtra. This fort was built by a Peshwa Sardar called "Panse". Panse was cheif-in-charge of TOF-KHANA of Peshwa. Thorle Madhavrao has visited this fort. Panse also has a palace in the village Sonori. This village is at the foothills of this fort. There is a saying that a Tunnel from this palace which takes us to the Fort. But I have not seen any evidance of this yet. It may exists though. As we all know that a tunnel exists in Pune's Shaniwarwada that opens on Parwati.

This fort is also known as SONORI FORT as the Sonori village is the base village of this fort.
The main aim of building this fort was to keep a check on Dive Ghat.

There is also a saying about why the name is MALHAR-GAD. When Panse started the construction of this fort, the workers said they see blood coming out of the soil. So to stop this, Panse prayed the GOD MALHAR also known as KHANDOBA of Jejuri. Jejuri is near by this fort.

Jejuri is a holy place where KHANDOBA is worshiped. Khandoba is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
And Panse said that if the blood stopes, he will name the fort after Khandoba. After his prayer the blood stopped and Panse named the fort as MALHAR-GAD.

Must See
This fort is very small fort and can be completely seen in around 45 minutes. The walls of this fort are not as huge as we are used to see when we visit Rajgad, Torna and Raigad!!!

After entering through the door on eastern side and then taking left, we can see some partial leftovers of the fort. A dry well can also be seen. As you go further, you can see a pond.

The water in the pond is not drinkable. Yet another well is located at the top of the fort on the way to a bastion, which is also dry. There are two entrances near this bastion. One below it is blocked and one on the right side is open. The road, which comes from Zendewadi base village, meets at this door.

You can see two temples one temple which is larger than the other is of Lord Mahadev and the smaller is of Lord Malhar.

You can see palace of Panse in Sonori village. The palace has got 6 bastions and temple of Lord Ganesha and temple of Lord Laxmi-Nayaran.

How to reach?

There are two ways to reach to fort Malhargad
1. From Sonori
This village is situated at a distance of 6 k.m. from Sasvad. Daily three buses depart for Sonori from Sasvad. Malhargad can be seen from this village. One can climb up the fort along the ridge of the hill, and moving along the side of the Tower, we reach at the entrance door of the fort.

2. From Zendewadi
There is an off-shoot route to Zendewadi village, after Dive ghat along the Pune-Sasvad route. The Zendewadi village is at a. distance of about 2 k.m. from this off-shoot. Plantation of Zendu can be seen. After passing this village we have to reach a cleft, upto which Malhargad is not visible. A well fortified Malhargad can be reached from this cleft in half-an-hours time.

Drinking water and accommodation

Only 5-6 people can just be accommodated in the temple of Lord Mahadeva on the citadel. Also one can reside in the local schools at Sonori or Zendewadi.But one has to carry ample water and food with him/her.

Fort Purandar

किल्ले पुरंदर

Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 4560 Ft (from sea level)
District: Pune
Base Village: Narayanpur
Time to reach from base village: 45 mins to 1 hour
Grade: Easy
Fort Description
As Lord Indra occupies an undisputed position among gods and goddess, same is the status of Purandar among other forts. Its mythological name is "Indraneel Parvat". As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Hanuman attempted to carry Dronagiri mountain range, a portion of it slipped off his hands and fell down to form "Indraneel Parvat".

The fort, being quite a huge one was a good place for defence. It had the capacity to house many soldier-troops, foods grains and ammunition which proved sufficient for long durations during wartime. Nonetheless, the fort hosts strong fortified places from which a watchful eye can be kept
over surrounding areas.

The history of this glorious fort dates back to the Bahamani Regime. Chandrasampat Deshpande of Bedar is the man who conqured this fort. The fort was reconstructed by Chandrakant Deshpande and was completed with great zeal by one of his family associates Mahadaji Nilkanth. Later, around
1489, the fort went to Nizamshah. Nizamshah's brave sardar Malik Mohammed captured this fort. Further, it went into Adilshah in 1550.

When Adilshah was angry by the activities of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he ordered Fattekhan to attack Maharaj. He at the same time ordered his soldiers to attack Shahaji Raje and Shivaji Raja's elder borther Sambhaji Raje. Swarajya was very small at that time and the army was also very less in numbers. At this time, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to try and convience Niloji who was then in-charge of Purandar fort. Maharaj knew that there is some restlessness on the fort on who will be the successor to Niloji. Maharaj sensed this opportunity and asked Niloji to take him inside the fort to battle with Fattekhan. Niloji was on good terms with Dadoji Kondadev. And felt sad to know that Dadoji is no more! So agreed to help Maharaj and allowed him and his army to enter the fort.Looking at such humble approach of Maharaj with some soft corner for Dadoji Kondadev, Niloji readily accepted this and invited Shivaji and his followers to occupy one of the 'machis' of the fort and thus acknowledged the gratitude. Out of three brothers, Shankarji stayed with Maharaj.

With this fort as base, the Marathas entered into battle with Fattekhan. Maharaj won the battle but suffered a heavy loss. Baji Pasalkar, a brave warrior was killed in the battle. Baji Pasalkar was like a father-image to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later in 1655, Maharaj nominated Netaji Palkar as
the "Sarnaubat" of the fort.In Vaishakh Shuddha 12, shake 1579 (16 May 1657), Purandar saw birth of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

In year 1665, Mirza Raja Jaisingh attacked this fort alongwith Dilerkhan. At this time Murarbaji Deshpande was incharge of this fort. To manage a break-through and destroy the enemy who had surrounded the fort, Murarbaji decided to launch an all-out attack on the enemy. He selected 700
best soldiers out of total 2000 infantry available on the fort. Murarbaji fought a brave battle, but ultimately was killed by Dilerkhan. Dilerkhan was stunned by the brave fight displayed by Murarbaji. After his death, Vajragad, an fort adjcent to Purandar was captured by Mughals and that resulted into fall of Purandar as well. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to enter into treaty with Mughals and agreed to surrender 23 forts to Mughals. The treaty was made on 11 June 1665.
Here is the
list of all forts that Maharaj surrendered to Mughals.:
1) Purandar,
2) Rudramala (Vajragad),
3) Kondana (Sinhagad),
4) Rohida,
5) Lohagad,
6) Visapur,
7) Tung,
8) Tikona,
9) Prabalgad,
10) Mahuli,
11) Manaranjan,
12) Kohoj,
13) Karnala,
14) Songad,
15) Palasgad,
16) Bhandargad,
17) Nar-durga,
18) Margagad,
19) Vasantgad,
20) Nangagad,
21) Ankola,
22) Khirdurga (Sagargad)
23)Maangad.

In year 1670, Aurangazeb broke the treaty and Nilopant Muzumdar on 8th March 1670, Nilopanth Muzumdar established control over the fort. After death of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangazeb conquered the fort and renamed it as 'Ajamgad'. Shankarji Narayan argued with Mughals and took
control of the fort. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj handed over the reigns of the fort to Peshwas.
In year 1775, Sawai Madhaorao was born on this fort.In year 1818, Britishers took control of this fort as Maratha Empire was went down!

Must See

Purandareshwar Temple
This is Lord Mahadev's temple built in 'Hemadic' style of architecture. The temple houses approx. 1.25 to 1.5 feet high statue of Lord 'Indra'.

Delhi Darwaja
This door, facing north, is still in a good condition. As the road turns near the Darwaja, we can see a temple of Goddess Laxmi. A leftward route from the bifurcation ahead leads us to the other end of the Citadel. The same road leads us to some water cisterns. The rightward road from the
bifurcation leads to yet another door (Darwaja). Two statues of lions guard either sides of this Darwaja.

Kedareshwar Temple
This temple is of Lord Kedareshwar. During Mahashivratri thousands of pilgrims visit this temple. 'Deepastambha', can be seen in front of the temple. This temple is a topmost part of the fort. We can see the forts like Rajgad, Torna, Sinhagad, Raireshwar, Rohida, Malhargad and Karhe-Plateau from here. At the rear end of this temple there is a fortified place called as 'Koknya'

Bini Darwaja
The only door to Purandar Machi,enroute from Narayanpur as we approach Purandar fort. The door is still in good condition. As we enter through the door, we can see the provisions for the guards to hide and attack enemy. These are called as the Gatehouses - Paharekaryandiya Devdya. As we
proceeds further, the khandakada immediately catches our attention.

Purandareshwar Temple
Once you enter through the door, the road branches, one straight ahead whereas the other towards the rear end of fort. As we move on, we come across the vintage military camps and a few bungalows. The same road leads to the foothills of the citadel, where we can see the temple of
"Purandareshwar".
Also, the statue of Murarbaji in his fighting stance gives us the feel of his courageous nature and it takes us back to those glorious days.

Khandakada
As we enter and proceed along this Delhi-Darwaja, we see a huge rock extending eastwards. This is nothing but 'Khandakada'. At its end lies a bastion. After visiting this place, it is advisable to return to the Darwaja for our further journey towards the right end uphill. We get to see here the
remnants of few structures like 'food-grain storage rooms' as also of a castle. A few water reservoirs are also located here. As we go ahead, we come across Kedar Darwaja. Although, it may not be in a good condition today, however, its historical value and importance can't be overlooked.

Rameshwar temple
This temple is located towards the rear end of Purandareshwar temple. Constructed during the start of 'Peshva' dynasty, built by Balaji Vishwanath. This was a private temple of Peshwas. Moving further ahead we come across the remains of an ancient two storied bungalow called as 'Wada'. It was in the same 'Wada' that Sawai Madhavrao was born. Behind it is a well, which is in a good condition even today. Moving further ahead, the road bifurcates, one that leads to the foothills of citadel whereas the other towards 'Bhairav Khind'. As we move towards the road leading the
citadel, after a walk of 15 minutes, we come across 'Dilli Darwaja'.

Padmavati Lake
It can be seen if we walk just a little ahead of the great Murarbaji Deshpande statue.
Purandar MachiComing back up to Delhi Darwaja, one can take a straight route, which leads to 'Purandar Machi'. We get to see many dilapidated remains along this route.

Murarbaji Deshpande's Statue
The statue of Murarbaji Deshpande was established in 1970 to the right after we go through Bini Darwaja.

Shendrya Bastion
There is bastion called SHENDRYA build in alignment with the fortification which is North-west to citadel & behind the Padmavati Lake.

Bhairav Khind
Enroute to Purandar Machi, is the 'Bhairavkhinda'. A statue of the Great Maratha, 'Shivaji Maharaj' can be seen here. On the right hand side we see
the 'Rajale lake' which also the source of water supply for Purandar Machi.

Ways To Reach
Own Vehicle:
1. From Pune Satara Road via Katraj Ghat
You can visit this fort by taking Pune Satara road. Take a left turn at KETKAVLE. Again take the road going towards the left side where the right side road will take you to the Balaji Temple. This road will take you to Narayanpur. At Narayanpur, you visit the Shri Gurudev Datta Temple and the Mahadeo temple. This Mahadeo temple was built in Yadava's dynasty.Keep going ahead of Narayanpur, you will find a road going towards your right. Take this road and this road will take you directly to the foothills of the fort.
2. From Dive Ghat
You can visit this fort by taking the Dive Ghat route as well. After crossing the Dive Ghat, you will come in the SASWAD village. After crossing the ST Stand in Saswad, you will find a road going towards your right hand side. This road will take you to Narayanpur. Before Narayanpur, you will find a signboard indicating road towards Purandar. This road is at your left hand side. This is the same road decsribed above.

Via Pune
S.T. bus to Saswad from Pune takes us to the foothills of Purandar fort. Pune-Narayanpur bus is also available to reach up to the base village, Narayanpur.
Via Saswad
S.T. bus to Bhor from Saswad will drop you at the bus-stop of 'Purandar Ghat matha' in Narayanpur village. A road on the left side along the two houses situated on mountain ahead leads to Bini Darwaja which can be reached approximately in 45 minutes.

Food and Drinking Water
You have to make your own arrangement for food also you can find RAJA's (a person whose name is Raja) canteen where you can get the food.
Drinking water is available in the canteen and also suggested that you carry ample water with you.

Accommodation Facility
With permission from the military officers, you can stay in the military camps, bunglows located on the fort.

Fort Kothaligad (पेठचा किल्ला)

किल्ले कोथलीगड (पेठचा किल्ला)

Fort Type: Hill Fort

Fort Height: 3100 Ft (From sea-level)

District: Raigad

Base Village: Peth

Time to reach from base village: 1 hour

Grade: Easy to Medium

Fort Description
Kothaligad is also known as "PETHCHA KILLA" (पेठचा किल्ला) . Kothaligad is situated in Shahapur. Shahapur is approximately 21 KM towards North-East of Karjat. Karjat, is a famous railway station between Pune and Mumbai. Karjat is more famous for its WADA-PAV. This fort is more commonly known as "PETHcha Killa" i.e. Fort of PETH because of the village PETH situated at the bottom of this fort. This is a small fort. The fort attracted major attention during Chatrapati Sambhaji Mahraj's era. Auranagazeb ordered his soldiers to attack Peth (Kothaligad). Abul Kadar was incharge of this operation. He placed hes men in surrounding region of this fort to get informatoin about the strength of this fort. Mankoji Pandhere was the person who helped Abul Kadar to acquire critical information about the fort. As soon as he had his first opportunity to attack the fort, he ordered a group of 300 soldires to launch the attack. Maratha soldires managed to push them back but few of these soldires managed to reach to the "MAGAR-KOT" door of the fort. After reaching to the door, these mughal soldires started shouting "OPEN DOOR.. OPEN DOOR". Maratha soldiers felt that their men has arrived to pick up the weapons and opened the door. Thus Mughals managed to enter the fort and defeated the maratha soldiers. Very next day, Marathas blocked all the ways going towards fort. Abdul Kadar's position on fort was very critical as the ammunition was either destroyed or used in the battle. Abdul Kadar managed to hold on to the fort for almost 15 days. As the news of Abdul Kadar's position reached to Abdul Aziz, yet another mughal soldire, he ordered his son Abdul Khan to go to support Abdul Kadar. Maratha soldires led by Naroji Trambak prevented him to reach to the fort. A battle broke out between marathas and mughals. Naroji was killed in the battle. Naroji was beheaded and it was hanged in the middle of the road. Thus Mughals managed to establish complete control over the Kothaligad. The keys of the fort was sent to Aurangazeb as a symbol of victory. Auragazeb was not sure about whether Mughals really have captured the fort or its a rumor? So he sent his men to the fort to confirm the victory. After confirming the victory, he rewarded Abdul Khan. Aurangzeb renamed this fort as "MIFTAHULFATEH" means Victory Key. After this many attempts were made from Marathas to capture this fort but they went without success.

Must See

The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. After reaching to the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialty of the cave. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved that takes us to the pinnacle.
Some canon balls are scattered in the fort. Kalwawantinicha Mahal, Nagfani, Siddhagad, Malanggad, Chanderi, Prabalgad, Manikgad, and Matheran all these surrounding historical places are visible from top of the fort Peth.

How to reach?
1.

Reach Karjat by railway, take ST bus for Ambivali via Kashele from Karjat railway station on Mumbai-Pune route. The distance from Karjat to Ambivali is around 30 Kms. A road leads to village Peth from Ambivali. A tiring pathway leads to the fort door from village Peth.

2.

Reach Karjat by railway, take local train to NERAL station. From Neral reach to Keshele village by local conveynance and take the bust to Ambivali from Keshele.

Food and Drinking water
Its better to arrange on our own.

Accommodation
The cave on the fort is the best place to spend a night.

Fort Tung

किल्ले तुंग

Fort Type: Hill Forts
Fort Height: 3000 ft.
District: Pune
Base Village: Tungwadi
Time to reach from Base village: 40 to 45 minutes
Grade: Easy

Fort Desription
This fort is also known as "KATHINGAD. As the name suggests, we may assume that the trek of this fort is very difficult, but in reality this is a very easy fort to trek. Due to its unique PEAK shape, you can easily spot this fort from a long distance as well. There is no significant history available about this fort. In 1657, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort alognwith all other forts located in Maval region. Netaji Palkar was appointed to protect this region. In Purandar Treaty, this fort was surrendered to Aurangazeb. Marathas won the fort back in around 1670 after Aurangazeb borke the treaty.

Must See:
The top of the fort is very small, it takes only 1 hour to see it. Your way towards the fort goes along the temple of Hanuman. From here we can go further by steps. After few minutes we reach at yet another Hanuman Mandir. Next to this is the main entrance to the fort. At right side we see Ganesh Mandir. At the backside, we see water trench. From here we march towards citadel.We see temple of Tung Devi. Opposite to this temple we can spot a cave in the ground.

How to Reach?
All ways to the fort go from the base village Tungvadi. After 45 minutes we reach at the top. One hour is enough to see the fort.
From Pune via Chandani Chowk
Reach to Chandani Chowk. Proceed to Paud village. Take immediate right turn after Paud Bus Stand. Go along the route till you
spot familier site of Tikona to your right and Tung to your left. Prior to Tikonapeth (please ask the villegers, I forgot the name of this village), take a left turn to reach Tungwadi. This route is very good after rainy season as the beauty of nature is in full swing this time.

From Lonavala
From Lonavala station catch a bus for Bhamburde or Ambavne. Get down at Ghusalkhamb. From here, after walking for 1 and 1/2 hours, we reach Tungvadi. Distance between Ghusalkhamb and Tungvadi is 8 km.

By Kamshet-Morve bus from Tikona Peth
One can also board Kamshet-Morve bus from Tikona Peth at 11 a.m. and get down at Tungvadi stop. After 45 minutes we reach Tungvadi.

From Tikona Peth
Many people plan trek of Tung & Tikona together. Trekkers preferably visit Tikona first. From Tikona Peth (village at base of Tikona) one should go towards Kale Colony. From Bramhnoli village we can reach Kevre gaon by launch. From here we reach Tungvadi within 20 minutes.

Food and Drinking Water
One has to arrange for food and drinking water on his/her own.

Accommodation
The trek to Fort Tung is a ONE Day trek. But still if you want you can stay in Maruti Mandir and Bhairoba Mandir

Fort Visapur

किल्ले विसापूर

Fort Type: Hill Forts
Fort Height: 3038 Ft (from Sea-level)
District: Pune
Base Village: Bhaje (Near Malavali)
Time to reach from Base Village: 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
Grade: Easy to Medium
Fort Description

Many historical events are known and are related to Lohgad than Visapur. Lohgad and Visapur played an important role in guarding trade routes and the Bhaje/Bedse caves. Visapur is much larger fort than Lohgad. Fortification on Visapur is very beautiful; still not many records are available about this fort.
Visapur fort along-with Lohgad falls in Nane Mawal region. After Bahmani rule went down, Nizamshah captured this fort. While Shahaji Raje was fighting with Mughals to protect Nizam, but the combined powers of Adilshah and Mughals defeated Shahaji Raje. In a treaty with Mughals, this fort was surrendered to Mughals. (treaty of Mahuli)
Chatrapati Shivaji Raje, in his early years of establishing Maratha Kingdom captured this fort along-with Lohgad and various other forts in the surrounding region. This fort was again surrendered to Mughals when Chatrapati Shivaji Raje signed the Purandar treaty. (year 1665). During year 1670, when Aurangazeb broke the treaty, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was able to establish his rule on this fort.
Shahbuddin a mughal sardar attacked Lohgad in year 1682, around 60 Maratha soldiers were killed in the battle. Maratha soldiers escaped to Visapur where Shabuddin chased them and Marathas were moved to Kusapur village.
Coloner Prother on 4th March 1818 attacked and captured Visapur fort and on the very next day Lohgad fall into his hands without firing a single bullet.

Must See
1. The Fortification
The fortification of this fort is very strong and is well-built on a very large plateau. The fortification makes this fort as one of the strongest forts.

2. Huge Stone Wheel
This wheel was used to grind the mixture of lime, jaggery and lead. The mixture was used as cementing material for buildings.

3. Bastion on the west side of the fort
This bastion is completely within the main ramparts. This is very rare piece of construction.

How to Reach?
There are three to four known ways to reach the fort of Visapur. We have to reach at Malavali station. From there we can reach top by following ways

From village Malavali
This route is a bit confusing and we may need guide to reach the fort from the village itself. When the Bhaje caves come to our sight we leave stairways and go to the right side. For walking for about 20 minutes we can see some small huts. From here the way through forest takes us to the broken stairs. When we start climbing these stairs there is a small temple & two big caves which can accommodate about 40 people. These stairs take us to the fort of Visapur.

From Gaimukh Khind
On the same route that we take to Lohgad from Bhaje village, we take a left turn in the Gaimukh Khinda. This route will also take us in the forest but its much more better than the first route. This seems to be the main entrance, as it is in front of the main door to Lohgad.

From Village Patangaon
The third route is from the base village named Patangaon on the western side. Here the way is less confusing, and this joins the way on the first route. This was the way towards the trade route, and some cisterns are on this way. Also two caves and carved idol of Lord Hanuman is seen here. This route is very pleasant.

Food and Drinking water
Food is not available; you need to carry your own food.
It is advisable that you should have ample water with you!

Accommodation
There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.

Tikona

किल्ले तिकोना

TIKONA

Fort Type: Hill forts
Fort Height: 3580 ft.
District: Pune
Base Village: Tikonapeth
Time to reach from Base village: 1 hour
Grade: Easy

Fort Description:

This fort is also known as Vitandgad. We all know Lohgad and Visapur. Fort Tikona is located just behind them. This region is known as Pawana Maval.
The region of Bor Ghat and vicinity has many routes that connect western coast to the cities on Deccan plateau. These routes during their times were protected by these forts. There are Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Tung. These forts used as guardians of various routes near by. Also the caves near by these forts need protection, so these forts also played a role of protector of these caves. (Bedse Caves, Karle Caves, Bhandara and Bhaje caves). Although the routes near by are now a days referred as OBSOLETE, they were very important trade routes during history.The caves here belong to the Buddhist era, it is said that these forts must have been constructed around 1000 AD.
Nizamshah captured this fort in 1585. There is very little evidence available about how long this fort stayed with Nizamshah, but Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1657 alongwith Lohgad, Visapur, Mahuli, Songad and Karnala. Fort Tikona, due to its location, gives complete control over Pawana Maval. In year 1660, Netaji Palkar was assigned a task of ensuring security of this fort. With the Purandar treaty, this fort was surrendered to Mughals. But as the treaty was broken in year 1670, Marathas were able to capture this fort.
Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb's son (Akbar) had a meeting and Akbar was invited to stay on this fort. But the weather on the fort didn't suit him. In year 1818, British and Maratha had a fight on this fort. During this fight, the fort was damaged to a larger extent and till today it remains in a very critical condition!
This is a very small fort and you can see the entire fort within an hour. After you enter the fort, take a left turn and you will see a water tank and a cave. 10 to 15 people can be accomodated here. But during rainy season it's not suitable to stay. Also, as the entire fort can be seen in an hour, trekkers prefer not to stay on this fort. Go ahead from this point you will see a stair-case, this stair-case can be tiring as it's almost as high as 3 floors at a stretch. We can see water tank and fortification. This entrance is quite fascinating and a great example of construction. Going further ahead you will see a way going towards your right. This route will take you to the top of the fort. You will see a Mahadev Temple, a water tank and remaining fortification.
From this spot, you can see Lohgad, Visapur forts towards your right (if you are facing to the west side) and fort Tung can be seen. Fort Tung can be easily identified with its unique PEAK. You can also see the Pawana dam, Bhatrahi hill, Morse Hill ,Jambhuli Hill and the entire Pawana region. This will give you an idea about the strategic position of this fort and its importance during history.

Must See:
1. The Entrances 2. Caves 3. Mahadev Temple 4. Carving of Lord Hanuman 5. Water tanks

How to reach?
1. From Pune by local train
Get down at Kamshet and from Kamshet proceed to Kale Colony. You will find a bus from here to Kale colony as well as you can find private vehicles that will take you to Kale Colony. From Kale colony, you will get a vehicle to reach to the base village i.e. Tikonapeth. Also from Kamshet, you will be able to catch a bus at 8:30AM to Paud or Morse. This bus will drop you at Tikonapeth.
2. From Pune by your own vehicle
You can either follow the same route till Kamshet and then take above route to reach to Tikona or else try the following route. I love this route as it goes through hilly regions and villages. From Pune come to the Chandani Chowk. From Chandani Chowk, proceed to Paud. At Paud Bus Stand, take immediate right turn and keep driving on this route till you see the familier site of Fort Tikona. Reach Tikonapeth within 1.5 hours from Pune and start your trek.

Food and Drinking water
Food is not available. You need to carry your own food.

Drinking water
It's my advice to carry water with you rather than depending on the water available here.

Accommodation
10 to 15 people can be accomodated in the cave, except in the rainy season.

Harishchandragad

किल्ले हरिश्चन्द्रगड

Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 4000 Ft
Base Village: Khireshwar
Time to reach from base village: 4 to 4.5 hours
District: Ahmednagar
Grade: Medium to tough

Fort description:
This fort is very to very very ancient fort. Microlitic man's remnants have beed found on this fort. Various Puranas like Agnipuran and Skandpuran include many references of this fort. The origin of this fort is said to be in the Kalchuri dynasty during 6th century. Sage Changdev who had written the "TATWASAR" used to meditate here during 14th century. The constructions on the fort suggests that diverse culture existed here. The carvings on the temples and in the caves indicate that the fort belongs to medieval period as it is related to Shaiva, Shakta and Naath pantha.
There is no significant evidence of any battle/war that might have taken place on this fort, but Marathas captured this fort from Mughals in 1747. As Maratha kingdom went down in 1818 this fort also captured by Mughals.

Must see:

1. Harishchandreshwar Temple:

This is very beautiful temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed from one single stone. Also one more fascinating thing about its construction is that the temple is constructed in TOP to BOTTOM fashion. This temple is a fine example of construction and carving sculptures in stones that was famous in ancient India. The height of this temple is about 16 meter from its base. River Mangalganga originates near this temple. Water near the temple can be used for drinking purpose.On the left side of the entrance is a Devnagri inscription, which is about saint Changdev.

2. Saptatirtha

There is one well-built lake called "Saptatirtha". Many temple-like constructions are seen on its bank and idols of Lord Vishnu were present. Now a days these idols have been moved to the caves near by. This lake was a prime source of drinking water on the fort, but negligence of the trekkers has caused a lot of damage to it. The damage is so severe that today we cannot even imagine to swim in it!! (Wake-up we are destroying our own heritage!!!)

3. Kedareshwar Cave

If we go towards the right side of the Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a gigantic cave. This cave is known as Kedareshwar cave. There is a huge SHIV-LINGA in this cave and this SHIV-LINGA is completely surrounded by water. The total height of the Shiv-Linga is 5 ft from its base and the water level is waist high. It's difficult to reach to the Shiv-Linga as the water here is very cold. One cannot reach to this cave during the monsoon as large and forceful water stream flows across the way.

4. Kokan Kada (Kokan Cliff)

This is the most famous spot of this fort. The cliff provides a breathtking view of surrounding region and the SUN-SET. Important part of this cliff is that, the cliff is concave in its topmost approach. This makes it very difficult for climb. Also due to its difficult nature, the trekkers have managed to conquer this cliff for very few times.One more interesting thing about this spot is that, it is said that one can see a circular rainbow from here. Many are there to claim to have seen the circular rainbow from here.

5. Taramati Peak

This is the highest point of the fort. Leopards can been seen (if you are lucky) here. This point also provides the view of Naneghat and forts near by.

6. Nageshwar Temple (located near Khireshwar - the base village)

How to reach?
One can take his own vehicle to reach the fort. The buses from State Transport (ST) are also available to reach to Khireshwar.Please enquire at Shivajinagar/Swargate/Pune Station bus stands for timings.

From Pune, take the Nashik highway. After you cross Narayangaon, you will come across the ALE-PHATA. Alephata is located at around 2 hours and 30 minutes.Take left turn at Ale-Phata and the road will take you towards Malshej Ghat. You need to look for the KHUBI-PHATA. Khubi-Phata is loacated at around 40 kilometers from Ale-phata. At Khubi-phata, take right turn towards Khireshwar village. The distance between Khubi-phata and Khireshwar village is around 5 kilometers.
If you are coming from Mumbai, after Malshej ghat look for the Khubi-phata and then follow the same route described above.

Way from Khireshwar:
The route from Khireshwar is common approach towards the fort. There are many arrows marked by various trekkers to guide us in our way to top. The route takes us in the famous PASS called as TOLAR KHIND. This pass connects Ahmednagar to Nashik. You reach in Tolar Khind in 1.5 hours from Khireshwar. Here you can find a carving of TIGER. This is called WAGHOBA. From this place you take a left turn towards up side. Within few minutes you will come across to the famous and fascinating ROCK-PATCH. Railing are fixed on this rock-patch to enable a safe trek to the fort. Once you cross this rock patch, you come to a plateau region. You have to cross 7 hills (follow the markings) to get to the Harishchandreshwar temple. This walk is about 2 to 3 hours depending upon the speed and stamina! (Me and my friend have completed this trek within 3 hours 15 minutes. This is our time from Khireshwar base village to the Harishchandreshwar temple). Usually after starting from the base village i.e. Khireshwar, it takes 4 to 4.5 hours to reach to the Harischandreshwar temple.

Food and Drinking water
Food arrangements are available on the fort. But its a great experience to cook food for yourself!! Drinking water is also available on the fort.But you should take good care during mansoon season.
AccommodationIts always a good idea to reach at the base village one day earlier to the actual trek. Trekkers need to stay in the base village for one night. Below are some options that are available:
1. In the base village i.e. Khireshwar, local school is the best option to stay for the night.
2.Villagers also make arrangements to stay. They sometime even serve the breakfast and tea.

Accomodation on the fort
Many people can be accomodated in Ganesh caves & caves near the temple of Harishchandreshwar.

Fort Lohgad

किल्ले लोहगड

Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 3400 Ft (from Sea-level)
District: Pune
Base Village: Bhaje (near Malavali)
Time to reach from Base village: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy
Fort Description:
Lohgad was a important fort during Satwaahan period. Its now almost 2000 years (may be more than that), when Saatwahan used to rule. The caves near the fort (Bhaje and Bedse) were used by Budhhist monks for meditation. Fort Lohgad is accompanied by another fort (twin-fort as few people call) called Visapur. (I will write about fort Visapur in my coming posts)These forts were primarly built to keep watch on the surrounding regions such as Nane Mawal, Korbaarse Mawal and other regions. After Bahmani kingdom went down, this fort was under Nizamshah's rule. Nizamshah captured this fort around year 1489. And remained in Nizamshahi till 1630. From 1630, the fort was under Adilshah's control. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1648 i.e. 2 years after he captured Torna. Netaji Palker was made in-charge of this fort and its sourroundig regions. This fort and nearby villages came under fire when Mirza Raje Jaysingh launched attack on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
During the Purandar treaty, this fort was handed over to Aurangzeb. This treaty was made during year 1665. When 1670, Aurangazeb broke the treaty, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort. In 1700 when Aurangazeb was in Deccan region to destroy the Maratha kingdom, this fort went to Mughals. Soon after this the fort was again captured by Maratha's. Nana Phadanwis was key perosn to re-construct the fort. He renovated the 1st, 2nd and 4th entrance of the fort. He also built a lake on the fort.Laksmi Kothi is considered to be the place where he kept all his wealth. In 1818, Colonel Prother captured Visapur fort and Lohgad fall to his hands without even firing a single bullet.
The entrance of the fort is almost 200 years old (as Nana Phadanwis renovated it). When we enter through Ganesh Darwaja, we can look for a stone on which it is scripted that this construction was initiated and completed by Dhondhopant under (control of) Nana Phadanwis. Between Narayan darwaja and Hanuman darwaja there a two godowns which were used to store the grainary. After entering the MAHA Darwaja, we come across an old Dargah. The remains of Court (Sadar), Lakshmi Kothi. One can stay in Lakshmi Kothi.
If we proceed ahead of Old dargah towards the right side, we could spot a small temple of Lord Shankar. Continue your trip on hte fort, you will see a small lake and water reservoirs. Continue your walk for next 10 minutes, you will see a much more bigger lake. This lake was constructed by Nana Phadanwis. The lake is polygonal with 16 sides. The construction of this lake is woth-watch. Also you will find an inscription on the wall, which tells that this lake is built by Nana Phadanwis.
Continue your journey towards western side of the fort, you will come across the famous spot on the fort, VINCHU KATA. (Scorpion's sting). This portion was used to keep an eye on any activity that may take place in its vicinity. At the end of this portion i.e. Vinchu Kata, you will find a ARMORED Bastion. (chilkhati buruj)
Must see
1. All four entrances
2. Vinchu Kata
3. Lake constructed by Nana Phadanwis
4. Lord Shankar temple
5. Bhaje Caves
6. Bedse Caves
How to reach?
There are multiple options available to reach this fort.
1. Your own vehicle
Take old Pune-Mumbai road, take left turn to go to Malawali. Cross the railway-crossing at Malvali station to reach to the base village Bhaje. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the base village
2. Local train
Get on to any local train from Pune to Lonavala. Get down at Malawali station and take a walk to the base village.
3. There are few treks conducted by various trekking organizations like Yuvashakti and others. Usually these treks begins at Lonavala and reaches to Lohgad. This trek is usually very famous during the rainy season. It is referred as VARSHA-SAHAL. I am not aware of this route, so plese contact proper organizations to get the details of this route.
Food and Drinking water
Food is available at Lohgadwadi and we can also carry our own food. Drinking water is present throughout the year.
Accomodation
Nearly 50 people can be accomodated in Laxmi Kothi.

Sinhagad

किल्ले सिंहगड

Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 4400 Ft (from Sea-level)
District: Pune
Grade: Easy-Medium
Fort Description:
Sinhagad fort is located near Pune city. The fort is towards the south-west to the Pune city. The fort was also known as "KONDHANA". This name was given after a sage Kaundinya.
Temple of Kaundinyeshwar and the caves on the fort indicates that the fort had been built approximately 2000 years back.
When Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj started to build his kingdom, he captured this fort by playing a wise move of politics. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gained control over this fort in year 1647.
This made Adilshah of Vijapur furious he ordered Fatehkhan to attack Shivaji and simultaneously he ordered Afzalkhan, Baji Ghorpade to attack Shahaji (Father of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). Shivaji Maharaj defeated Fatehkhan near Purandar fort, but Shahaji raje was captured at the hands of Baji Ghorpade and Afzalkhan. Now the situation was at one end there is a joy of victory and at the other end there is fear of loss of father. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, then decided to play yet another masterpiece! He contacted Mughal King Shahjahan and conveyed a message that he and his father are ready to work for him, but currently Shahaji Raje is in Adilshah's custody. If Shahjahan helps Shivaji to rescue his father, then they will serve Mughals. Adilshah came to know about this move from Shivaji and he got worried that Mughals will launch an attack on him to demand Shahaji's release. So after consulting the delegates, Adilshah decided to release Shahaji Raje. But he demanded Sinhagad fort in return. Thus Sinhagad went back to Adilshah in 1647. Although Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was able to capture the fort again, it stayed little with him as during the Purandar Treaty, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had to surrender this fort to Mughal Sardar Mirza Raja Jaysingh. After the
treaty was broken, in year 1670, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort once again। This time even though the fort came under his command, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had to suffer the loss of his beloved friend and gallant soldier Tanaji Malusare। on 4th February 1670, Tanaji Malusare attacked the fort। He climbed the fort from the area which is now a days known as "Tanajicha Kada" (Cliff of Tanaji). He died on this fort while fighting with Udaybhan (Udaybhan was in-charge of this fort). A fierce battle broke out between Tanaji and Udaybhan. During the battle Tanaji lost his shield and thus started to protect him against Udaybhan's sword using his hand. Finally both died in the battle. Maratha soldier's saw that their leader is dead, they started to ran away from the battle place, at this critical time, Suryaji, brother of Tanaji, took the control of the situation and made an inspiring speech to the soldiers. The soldiers returned to battle and captured the fort. As the news of Tanaji's death reached to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he broke into tears. At this moment, he said "Gad aala pan Sinha gela". Many of us still believe that after Tanaji's death, Kondhana was renamed to SINHAGAD, but its not true. The fort was called as Sinhagad even before the death of Tanaji. (Refer Raja Shivachatrapati by Babasaheb Purandare)
After this battle, Sinhagad remained under Maratha control till 1689. After death of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangazeb captured this fort. Again in 1693, Maratha took control over this fort. On 3rd March 1700, Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj died on this fort. His tomb is still present on the fort. In 1703, Aurangazeb again managed to capture this fort but he managed to control the fort for next 4 years only as in 1707 Maratha's took the control again. Since then till 1818, the fort remained in Maratha kingdom.
Must See
Rajaram Samadhi:
This monument was built in the memory of Rajaram Maharaj.
Pune Darwaaja:
From Pune, via Aatkarwadi village, we reach Pune Darwaaja we come across three consecutive entrances, of which third one was built during the era of Yadavas. We can see fine sculpture on it. On the way here, we notice an entrance through a distance, which is called Dhondse Darwaja. To reach this there is a tar road.
Khand Kada:
After entering Pune Darwaaja, we come across this peak from where we can observe the region of Purandar fort and the rivers Mula and Mutha.
Kalyan Darwaaja:
This is the entrance to the fort for those who come via Katraj Ghat. In older days, this door was used as the main gateway between Sinhagad and Raigad.
Daru Kothar:
On entering Pune Darwaaja, on the right we observe this building.
Kondhaneshwar:
When we follow the way rightwards along the Rajsadar, we reach this ancient temple of Lord Shankar.
Amruteshwar Mandir:
This temple of Bhairav is located leftwards to the Konadhaneshwar temple, at a few minutes walk.
Statue of Tanaji:
Behind Amruteshwar temple, after going upwards for few minutes, we can see this admirable monument.
Zunjar Buruz:
This bastion lies to the left after entering Kalyan Darwaaja.
We can see Rajgad, Torna, Lingana and Raigad and Purandar forts from here.
Tanaji Kada:
This pinnacle is quite thrilling and lies beyond Zunjar Machi. It is a great attraction for hikers.
Western point:
This point, as it is named, is the westernmost and is the place to keep the watch.
Kadelot point:
This peak lies at a few minutes walk from the western point, and is the most suitable place to keep a watch on the extensive Pune city.
Lokmanya Tilak Bungalow:
The bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak is situated on the fort. He used to come here many a times. His works like Geetarahasya were completed here. In 1915 Gandhiji and Tilak met here.
Gandhiji whenever come to visit Pune, he always used to drink water which was specially brought for him from this fort.
Netaji Subhashchandra Bose also visited this fort.
Ways To Reach:
1) Pune-Khadakwasala-Donje-Golewadi junction-Aatka: From Swargate bus stand in Pune, you will get a bus to village of Aatkarwadi। From here, a walk of one & half hour (few trekkers may take 2 hours as well)takes us to the topmost point
The path is tiring; hence early morning is best time to climb. This route takes us directly to Pune Darwaaja.
2) Pune-Kondhanpur:The Bus will take us to Kondhapur village। From this village, we enter the fort from Kalyan Darwaja। It takes 1।5 hours to reach to the fort from this wayThis way is more simpler than first one.
3) Trekking from Katraj Ghat to Sinhagad:It is a favourite of many trekkers. Geton to any bus via Katraj Ghat from Pune early morning, and alight at the Katraj tunnel On the top of the tunnel is the peak known as Vrindavan, from where the trek starts. It is about 6-7 hours trek and we reach the fort by evening. If you do not know the proper path, please join the treks arragned by Yuvashakti and/or Zep. This trek is most enjoyable during Full moon night as well as during the rainy season.
Accommodation
MTDC resort is available on the fort. You may book a room here to spend the night on the fort. Or if you want to add more thrill to the experience, you can spend the whole night in the cottages which during the day time are used as hotels.
Food and Drinking Water
The fort being commercialized, many restaurants are available.
The cistern Devtake provides water throughout the year.

Pratapgad

किल्ले प्रतापगड

Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Height: 3505 Ft (From Sea Level)
District: Satara
Base Village: Wada Kumbroshi
Time to reach from Base Village: Maximum 1.5 hours
Grade: Simple
Fort Description:
PRATAPGAD is situated on the western side of the famous hill station, Mahabaleshwar. It lies in Satara district of Maharashtra. The route from Poladpur (on Mumbai-Goa Highway) to Pargaon is called as Parghat, whereas the later portion of the road is called as Ambenali Ghat. This fort enabled to establish a good control over these Ghat sections. The river Koyna flows at the foot-hills of this fort. The surrounding of the fort is covered with thick forest which is famous by the name, JAWALI. This fort was initially recognised as the Bhorpya Dongar (Hill) until Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj completely reconstructed it, which was later recognised as ‘PRATAPGAD’. The construction of this fort was done under supervision of Shivaji Maharaj’s Prime Minister, Moropant Trimbak Pingle.
This fort has got significant historic importance due to the the famous temple of “Bhavani Mata”, constructed by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the event of Assassination of Afzalkhan on it.
Assassination of Afzalkhan: The Badi Begam Sahebin, wife of Adilshah of Vijapur, used to efficiently handle all the operations of kingdom of Adilshah. When Fatehkhan and other mighty soldiers had got defeated by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, she ordered Afzalkhan to attack Shivaji Maharaj.
Afzalkhan was very mighty not only with power but he was a very good planner. Once in his earlier days he had almost captured Aurangzeb. At that time Aurangzeb was a Prince of Mughal forces. But somehow Aurangzeb managed to escape from Afzalkhan.
Afzalkhan was provided with a very huge army including camels, elephants, horses and etc। When he started his march towards Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a famous elephant died! This was at that time, referred as ill-fortune. But Afzalkhan was not a person who would believe in such incidents. To keep the moral of the army at higher level, Adilshah sent a very famous canon MULUK-MAIDAN to the army of Afzalkhan. Afzalkhan knew that it would be difficult to capture Shivaji while he is in the mountain regions of Sahyadri. So he planned his attacks on the Hindu Gods like Tuljapur and Pandharpur. He destroyed all those temples that were in his route. But Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj didn't responded to his move. He remained in the dense mountain region of Sahyadri. This time Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to move to the Pratapgad fort to fight against Afzalkhan.
Interesting point in battles of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

If you observe the tactics adopted by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj carefully, then you will notice that he always fought the battle from the borders of his Kingdom.

Example

1. He fought against Fatehkhan from Purandar fort. At this time, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom was very small and even Shirval was not in his territory

2. He fought with Afzalkhan from Pratapgad which was again on the borders of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

3. He fought his first land battle with Adilshahi forces near Panhala fort and defeated the Vijapuri force. Panhala was again at the border of his kingdom

4. He decided to fight with Siddi Johar by staying on Panhala fort which again was on the borders of his kingdom. This was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he always tried to protect his people (villagers and etc) from the sufferrings of battles.

Only Shahistakhan managed to enter inside his kingdom and we all know what happened to him... But if you see why he was able to enter in Pune, you will notice that, at the time Shahistakhan attacked on Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja's kingdom, he was fighting with Siddi Johar from Panhalagad. Otherwise Shahistakhan would have also been stopped beyond the borders!

Now coming back to Afzalkhan. As he saw that Shivaji is not coming on the open grounds to fight, Afzalkhan decided to attack him in Sahyadri. But Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj sent his Foreign Affairs Minister (referred as VAKIL at that time) to Afzalkhan. The Minister convinced Afzalkhan that Shivaji is very afraid of Afzalkhan and feel very guilty to come to see him. It would be better if Khan himself comes to visit Shivaji. After a long negotiation it was decided that, Khan will meet Shivaji Maharaj at pre-decided place which is acceptable to both of them. Both will bring 10 soldiers (body-guards) with them. The bodyguards will stay at an ARROW-DISTANCE (Arrow-distance means the place where the arrow will land after firing it from an bow) Only Khan and Shivaji will meet inside the tent and Shivaji Maharaj will surrender. It was also decided that both of them will be armed at the time of meeting.
Although Khan was showing that he cares about Shivaji, his main purpose of the meeting was to kill Shivaji. Therefore Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj planned a trap. He ordered Netaji Palker to go to the Radtondicha ghat (Jawali and Mahabaleshwar region), Moropant Pehwa, Shamrao Nilkantha, Trimbak Bhaskar, Haibatrao and Balaji Shilimker in sourrounding regions of Pratapgad and Kokan. They were instructed that they will charge the Afzalkhan army after hearing the cannon balls fired from Pratapgad.

A ‘SHAMIYANA’, the tent, was built for the meeting on the plateau of the fort. It was well decorated with gold, silver and diamonds. Afzalkhan was the first person to come to the meeting place. Maharaj came there with his bodygaurds. The bodygaurds were Jiva Mahale, Yesaji Kank, Sambhaji Kawji and others.
At the time of meeting, Maharaj saw that Sayyed Banda (bodygaurd of Afzalkhan) was present inside the tent. He said if Sayyed Banda is inside, he will not go to the meeting. Evetually, Afzalkhan ordered Sayyed Banda to go out of the tent. Maharaj entered the tent, and Afzalkhan spreaded his arms hugged Maharaj. He nabbed Maharaj in his arms and attacked him with the Katyaar (knife). Shivaji Maharaj were having armour to protect him and quickly he took the "Wagh-nakhe" (tiger-claws) and tored Afzalkhan's stomach. Afzalkhan was shouting for support. When Sayyed Banda heard his scream, he ran inside the tent and attacked Maharaj, his first blow was on the head of Maharaj and Maharaj got injured. Jiva Mahale came in and killed Sayyed Banda. Thus there is a saying (Because of Jiva, survived Shiva)
Cannon balls were fired from Pratapgad to signal the forces stationed at various places to launch the attack on un-prepared army of Afzalkhan. The end result of this battle was that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj emerged victorious.
Must See

Tehalni Buruj (Watch-Tower):
This is on the western side of the fort. This fortified place is adjacent to the currently existing vehicle parking bay. This Watch-tower was used to keep an eye on the enemy in the surrounding area.

Mahadarwaja:
A road on the left side of the Watch-tower takes us to the entrance steps of the fort. Mahadarwaja lies here in between the two bastions. Cannon can be seen placed at this door. After taking a left turn from this door, two other doors are visible but they are not in use any more.There are total four lakes on the fort, Rahat lake being the largest among them. On the eastern bastion lie the ponds known as ‘Naske Tale’ and ‘Gode Tale’.
The stone from which Goddess Bhavani Mata’s idol is carved has been brought by Shivaji Maharaj with the help of King Leelasen. This stone was extracted from a mountain situated at the convergence point of three rivers namely; Trishul Gandaki, Shwet Gandaki and Saraswati. The idol of Bhavani Mata has been carved by Nepali craftsmen. With the assistance of Moropant Peshwe, it was permanently established on Pratapgad in 1662 A.D.
Just outside the temple, there are two huge stone pillars having rows of lamps, which are called as ‘Deepastambha’. Besides it, there lies an Assembly hall (‘Sabhamandap’) and inside it, is a ‘Ghanta Rangamandap’.
Infront of the idol, a ‘Shivpindi’ made of transparent crystal stone can be seen. Apart from this, there is a sword of the Hambirrao Mohite, over which his name is engraved along with a sign of ‘6 Ribits’. (One ribit was awarded to a person who kills 100 enemy soldiers).
Cultural Library:
Some recently established refreshment centers can be seen while moving towards citadel. Within those establishments, on a higher platform, is situated a cultural library. It displays olden coins, dresses of people of those days and vintage paintings of Marathi-style. One can also view a 15minutes slide show arranged by the library officials which gives us information about Pratapgad in brief.
Temple of Lord Hanuman:
This temple lies before the entrance door of citadel. The idol of Lord Hanuman was established by Samarth Ramdas Swami.
Sadar, A Meeting Platform: As you enter through the door of the citadel, you come across an open space. This is called as ‘Sadar’. Important meetings and discussions used to take place on this Sadar. Opposite to this lies the Kedareshwar Temple.

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj:
As we go ahead from Kedareshwar temple, we comes across a huge statue of Shivaji Maharaj mounted on horse-back with sword in his right hand, raised up towards the sky, and bridle in left hand. This statue has been created by Shri. Kamat, a craftsman from Mumbai, on 30th November 1957. This statue was unveiled by our Late Prime Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru.
Apart from above mentioned places, there are many other structures, viz., ‘Yeshwant Buruj’ to the east, ‘Surya Buruj’ near Hanuman Temple to the south and besides it lies a secret-doorway, ‘Rajpaharyachi Dindi’, a place to keep watch-on to the north of the fort.

Tomb of Afzalkhan:

A tomb is built at the place where the meeting between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzalkhan took place. This is the same place where Afzalkhan was killed.

How to reach?

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to see the fort completely.

On the route to Mahabaleshwar from Poladpur, lies a village ‘Wada Kumbroshi’. Pratapgad is situated at about 4 kms from this village. One has to take a right turn from the road to Mahabaleshwar from Poladpur. Since, the entire stretch of road is asphalted, State-Transport buses take you upto the base of ‘Tehalni Buruj,’ where there is a parking lot available.
From Mahabaleshwar: ‘Pratapgad Darshan’ bus service is available from Mahabaleshwar.

Food and Drinking water:

Various Restaurants are there on the fort.
Drinking Water Facility:Perennial source of drinking water is available on the fort.

Accomodation
Maharashtra Government Rest House. Rooms for accommodating 25 to 30 people are
available with prior booking (during season) on the following address: Vishramdham – Pratapgad,Taluka : Mahabaleshwar,District : Satara
Also the schools on the fort can provide shelter.