Have you ever heard of a fort that requires crossing seven doors to reach the top? Well, welcome to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located near Junnar town in the district of Pune. This fort is not only an ideal destination for history lovers but also an adventure for those who want to explore all that it has to offer.
The government has put in a lot of effort to ensure that visitors have a good time here, including a proper parking facility at the base of the fort, drinking water, washrooms, and dustbins placed at various locations. So no need to worry about running out of essential amenities.
To reach the fort, you can head towards Junnar village from Pune, a distance of around 100kms. If you have your vehicle, you can drive till the foothills of the fort where you can park safely. For those traveling by public transport, get ready to walk for about 2kms from Junnar to get to the base of the fort, but the effort is worth it.
Dr. John Friar of the East India Company visited this fort in 1673, and in his book, he mentioned that this fort could hoard sufficient food to meet the needs of one thousand families enough to last for 7 years. Talk about being prepared!
The fort has undergone several changes of hands, from being under the control of the Chalukya of Rashtrakut Empire to the Yadavas, Bahamani Empire, Mughals, and finally the Maratha Empire. .
The fort’s shape is like Shiv-Pind, which is Shiva’s sacred symbol, and there’s a small temple of Goddess Shivai and idols of Jijabai and Shivaji in his childhood. Fun fact: Jijamata, Shivaji’s mother, was shifted to the Shivneri fort during the night under the protection of 500 strong cavalry when she was pregnant. She then took a vow before Goddess Bhavani Shivai that if she begets a son, she will name him after the goddess. And thus, the great Shivaji Raje was born.
Apart from the fort’s rich history, there are also many places to explore, such as the temple of Goddess Shivai, which has 6-7 caves. And don’t forget to check out Ambarkhana, which used to store food grains and has undergone significant damage over time.
In conclusion, Shivneri Fort is a must-visit destination for all those seeking adventure, history, and unique sights.
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