Shivneri fort is the birthplace of Great Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was born here on 19 February 1630 (some accounts points to 1627), and spent his childhood at the fort. It was not clearly known that who have built this fort but the origins are traced back to Satvahana Period.
It is one of the well maintained forts of India and a must visit place in the books of travel enthusiasts.
This fort is one of the important one in the life pointers of the King Shivaji ,others are Raigadh and Rajgadh.
This Fort is situated in the vicinity of Major cities like
Mumbai and Pune near Junnar. It is around 100 Kms from Pune. We took the
Pune-Nashik highway and take a detour from Narayangaon to reach Junnar.This fort can also be clubbed with a trip to nearby Bhimashankar.
Shivai Temple
Shivaji was named after the Goddess Shivai whose temple
still adorned this fort.The photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Maha darwaza, Ganesh darwaza,Peer darwaza, Hatti darwaza, Shivai darwaza, Mena darwaza and Kulup darwaza.
After visiting the temple you have to cross 2 more
gates Mena and Kulup darwaza to enter the main fort.The first structure that
you will observe would be a dilapidated but beautiful that is known as
Amberkhana. It was built in Black stone and primarily was used as the quarter
for Malik Ahmad,a Bahmani commander .Later it was used for multiple purpose's
like granaries, stable for horses and Elephants.
After a walk of 5 min from here ,you will witness large water tanks known as Ganga Jamuna. These are perennial water sources now engulfed with dirt and moss.
Further you will see a monument dedicated to
Shivaji Maharaj known as Shivkunj. This memorial is having a metal statue of Shivaji with
his mother Jijabai.
Shivkunj
Kamani Mosque
Just in front of these mosque lies the Kamani Mosque with
it's white colored arch's that is visible even from the base town of
Junnar.This mosque was built by Mughal Kings.
The birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj
From Kamani Mosque ,you will be able to see a large room like
stone structure with a balcony.This is the actual birthplace of Shivaji.It was
reconstructed in year 1925 by Shahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur.
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| A symbolic cradle at the birthplace. |
Inside this 2 story structure ,you will be able to see Shivaji's statue and a cradle on the ground floor.The upper floor is dark and
cool. You can spend some quite time here by memorizing the aura and feel of great warrior king Shivaji. The windows are of old Jharokha type style. The
surroundings are mostly in ruins ,might be the ruins of the palace.
Badami Tank
Just in front of Shivaji's birthplace ,there is a square
shaped water fountain surrounded by stone flooring. As you move ahead you will
see a big artificial pond known as Badami Talao. The way just besides this pond
will take you to the Takmak Tok also known kadelot. This is the extreme point
of the fort and was used to throw off the prisoners who were sentenced to
death.This is the point from where you have to start your return journey. There
is no other way to descend the fort,you have to use the same path to descend.
Kadelot
While descending you must observe a stone monument just
above the Shivkunj.This is known as Koli Chauthra,that was built in the memory
of Hundreds of kolis(fishermen) who were massacred by mughals in 1650.
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