Mountaineering the Shivneri Fort in Junnar for the duration of Hindavi Swaraj Mahotsav
Shivneri Fort in Junnar, near Pune is an ancient fortification and an indispensable component of the Maratha military services architecture in Maharashtra. While it guarantees excellent views of the vistas all around, its most major declare to fame arrives from being the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the finest warriors in record. The fort has a potent basis and has usually been acknowledged for standing at a vantage level, preserving a guard on the previous trading route of Desh to Kalyan. Despite transforming many hands and being below the command of Britishers, the fortification has been invincible. It never ever lost its sheen. And even nowadays, it shines as a wonderful landmark and acquaints us with critical sides of history. This calendar year, I had the option to join the neighborhood celebrations or the Shivneri festival for the 394th beginning anniversary of the valiant Maratha King- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja at Junnar.
Regarded by quite a few names ‘Tiger of the Sahyadris‘, or the ‘Father of the Navy‘, Shivaji Maharaj is not just a King, a Maratha ruler, or God-like figure, he is an emotion for the persons of the condition of Maharashtra. He is regarded as the epitome of bravery, sacrifice and great governance. And this was obvious in the jubilation in the crowd that had thronged Junnar. The vibe was contagious. People today of all ages could be seen dancing on the streets, actively participating in the cultural systems, getting aspect in marathons, and some, operating within the fort with a burning torch of flame to take back to their village. Shivneri Pageant or the Hindavi Swaraj Mahotsav was a 3 times grand affair this 12 months. To mark the situation, a condition-of-the-art tent town experienced been established up by the Wadaj Dam, and various cultural programmes, mother nature trails, journey sports activities and farm visits ended up also been organized by the state tourism board to not only salute the great leader but also to place these undiscovered gems of Sayadris on the travelling map. Junnar, this classy little city is bounded by the Western Ghats and is not only house to age-aged temples but also has the largest and longest cave excavations in India. To my ignorance, I experienced not even listened to of Junnar right before this. This comes as a gorgeous reminder that India is a lively place and we know quite tiny about it. Also, our society-loaded areas never ever stop to amaze.
Shivaji Maharaj
Shivneri Competition
When in Junnar, you must visit the Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort draws a ton of focus for its historic significance. The fort is perched on major of a hill and appears to be like a Shivlinga when noticed from a bird’s perspective. Shivneri was underneath the Yadavas of Devagiri and they have been the ones who named it- Shivneri. However not considerably is still left of the fort, it instructions an aura not like any. Some 300-350 measures consider you as a result of 7 doors of the fort. It is finest to have a nearby guideline with you who can make clear the importance of each and every of these doorways and show you some of the significant places as well. If you are on your individual, you need to continue to keep an eye for the Shivai Mata temple, the Buddhist caves complexes, inscriptions inside the caves, Badami Talav (drinking water tank), the Ambarkhana granary, and a memorial of Shivaji Maharaj. At the top rated, you will also discover the Kamani Mosque, and Shiv Kunj, a pavillion were Shivaji was born. Within the setting up, two statues of young Shivaji and his mom, Jijabai, which have been mounted during the refurbishment of the fort.
The Shivneri fort is incredibly effectively-preserved and it guarantees picturesque viewpoints
Climbing to the leading and exploring the ruins of Shivneri Fort will have to be on prime of your checklist if you are in Junnar or nearby. There are two routes to get to the major of the citadel. A person may perhaps opt for the protected stone measures or problem oneself with a hard hiking route. It is an uncomplicated hike which allows you to value the record and nature about you. I was amused by the landscape sights it features. Dams of Yedgaon, Vadaj, Dimbhe, Pimpalgaon, and Manikdoh are positioned all over the fort. Fantastic breezy climate can make you finish the climb within an hour. There is a mix of stairs and plain walkways as properly. Our group took some extra time simply because we appreciated the immersive heritage path. Our information, Siddharth Kasbe retained us engaged by conveying the relevance of each and every of the gates – Maha Darvaja (major gate of Shivneri Fort), Ganesh Darvaja, Piracha Darvaja, Hathi Darvaja, Kulup Darvaja, Mena Darvaja, Shivai Devi Daravaja. He also translated the scripts inside the Buddhist caves and manufactured us mindful of the significance of the Shivai Devi Temple. Jijabai applied to pray to her and find her blessings in the course of pregnancy and later on, Shivaji was named soon after her.
Shivai Devi Temple – The Goddes just after whom Chhatrapati Shivaji was named
It is an effortless to average hike to the best of the Shivneri fort
There are seven gates
The style and design of the fort exudes an extraordinary defensible aura, with steep rocks on four sides, huge gates trying to keep an eye in all directions, and a strongly developed citadel. Shivaji expended his early days below. He obtained quite a few techniques and his schooling within this very previous fort. There have been references and factors uncovered in this fort space that day again to the 1st century Advert. Historians advise that the fort was self-sufficient in more than a single way. The preparedness for the siege was such that the storage place experienced a inventory of grains that would be ample for 1000 families for 7 decades.
Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace is pretty much like a pilgrimage for the Maharashtrians. Whilst he is acknowledged to have set terrific examples of making the most effective use of marine electric power and watershed management, he is also identified to have declared Hindavi Swaraj (self-rule) or excellent governance for the to start with time when India was staying looted by the outside rulers. 1 will have to stop by Junnar to come across out more about him and uncover the other gems of the location like Lenyadri caves, Malshej Ghat, Jivdhan Fort, Naneghat, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Wadaj Dam, Kukdeshwar Temple, and Vighnahar Ganapati Temple of Ozar. You will be amazed with the magnificence of the Sahyadris.
Explore the Saydris. The Western Ghats are wonderful!
