Forts in Maharashtra stand as the testimony to the bravery and martyrdom of the Maratha warriors. The forts proclaim the grandeur and the glory of the Marahta Empire. Shivneri too is not an exception.
Shivneri fort, 105 km away from Pune, holds its own importance in the history of Maharashtra. Shivneri is the birthplace of the King Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire in Maharashtra.
Historical Background:
Shahajiraje Bhonsale, Shivaji’s father served Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur. He was a general in his army. That was the period of anarchy in Maharashtra with the wars between the Adil Shahi and the Nizam Shahi having becoming the order of the day. When the Queen Jijabai, Shjahaji’s wife, was pregnant, Shahajiraje was a bit concerned regarding the safety of his family and so he moved his family to Shivneri Fort.
Shivneri is indeed a massive fort with steep rocks on all sides and sturdily built bastions. In such a safe and sound place did Queen Jijabai give birth to Shavaji on 19 February 1630. There is a small temple of Goddess Shivai inside the fort. Shivaji was named after Goddess Shivai. Shivaji spent most of his childhood on the fort Shivneri. It is here itself that he acquired all his skills, war techniques and underwent a rigorous training which were to be useful in future in the establishment of “ Hindavi Swaraj” ( Self Rule of the Hindus). Jijabai played an important role in Shivaji’s up bringing on Shivneri.
Statues of Mother and the Son:
The statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji on the fort are a great work. People bow down before these great mother and son. Ganga and Jamuna are the two water springs on the fort providing ample water throughout the year. There is a water reservoir on the fort. It is known as ‘Badami Talav”.
Other attractions:
Yet another attraction is of course the famous Lenyadri Ganesh Temple which lies just two km away from Shivneri Fort. Lenyadri is a beautiful piece of carvings and makes one of the Ashtavinayaka (eight important Ganesh) temples in Maharashtra. Dhamankhel Kulaswami Khandoba temple too is just three km Away from Shivneri.
A picturesque natural beauty of the Konkan platue can be enjoyed from the Nane Ghat here near the fort. Another fort called Jivdhan too easily approachable from Shivneri.
Trekking
Fort Shivneri is one of the difficult forts to trek. If dated back to olden times it is a mind boggling route which cannot be trekked without guidance. Adventurous groups choose this fort to feel the thrill of trekking.
How to Reach:
To reach the fort Shivneri, you have to pass through Junnar. Buses are available from the Junnar bus stand to the fort. It will be just a two km journey by road. Regular bus service to Junnar is available both from Swargate and Shivaji Nagar bus stands. So it is quite easy to reach Junnar from Pune.
Food:
No special facilities for food and accommodation are available on the fort. If you plan a trip or a trek to the fort, it is advisable that you carry your own food.
So set out on a trip to this birthplace of the great King Shivaji and experience the solemnity of the place.
If you have visited Shivneri Fort in Pune, please tell us more about it through comment.
Shivneri Fort in Pune on Map
Shivneri Fort in Pune
