Torna Fort is also known as Prachandgad. The Marathi word prachand means ‘huge’ in English. The name Prachandgad itself suggests the spread of the fort. This huge fort is perched in the
great Sahyadri Ranges in the district of Pune in Maharashtra state of India and boasts to be the
tallest in the district with an altitude of 1405 meters from the sea level.
Historical Significance:
Every fort in Maharashtra has its own historical significance. So does Torna. This is the first fort
captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in his fifty year legendary career. He captured Torna in
1646 at the age of 16 and thereby declared his revolt against the tyrannical Mughal Empire.
Torna thus becomes the nucleus of the Maratha empire.
History of the Fort:
It is said that the fort was constructed in the thirteenth century by the Shaivas i.e. the followers
of Lord Shiva. Near the entrance of the fort you can see the temple of Tornaji Devi also known
as Menghai Devi. The fort has been named Trona after Tornaji Devi. It is also said that the fort
was named so owing to the large number of toran trees present on the fort.
In 1643 when Shivaji captured the fort, he renamed Prachandgad as Torna. He also built several
towers and monuments on the fort in order to strengthen the defense of the fort and to
enhance the beauty and the grandeur of the place.
In the 1700s after Sambhajiraje’s (Shivaji’s son) assassination, the Mughals got hold of the fort
once again. After this victory Aurangzeb, the then Mughal Emperor, renamed the fort as
Futulgaib. The source of this word could not be traced; but its meaning is Divine Victory. The
name denotes the difficulties Mughals had to face while trampling down the solid defense of
the Marathas. The fort was restored to the Marathas under one of the clauses in the second
treaty of Purandar.
As a Tourist Spot:
Torna makes one of the most popular historical monuments in the district. Especially during the
rainy season, the site attracts oodles of tourists. Moreover, lovers of adventure look at Torna
as a paragon for trekking. The fort is undoubtedly difficult to climb up and thus stands as a
challenge for the trekkers. Over the last decade the Government of Maharashtra has been
trying to develop the site as a tourist spot and also to preserve the significance of the fort as a
historical monument.
A number of monuments and structures erected by the Marathas on the fort have been an
invitation for the lover and students of history as well as for the tourists all across the world.
1) Bini Darwaaza:
The spectacular aerial view of the surrounding region is the main attraction of the Bini Darwaaja. If you are coming from the village Velhe which lies at the foothills of the fort Bini Darwaaza is the main entrance for you.
2) Kothi Darwaaza:
The road from the Bini Darwaaza takes you to the Kothi Darwaaza. From here you can go to the stone carved steps that lead to the Tornaji Temple. You see beautiful idols of goddess Somjai and goddess Tornaji in this temple.
3) Hanuman Batsion:
To the eastern part of the Kothi Darwaaza stands a sturdy bastion called Hanuman bastion. The idol of Lord Hanuman here will catch your attention.
4) Bhel Bastion: Zunjar Machi
Slightly ahead of the Hauman Bastion you reach the Bhel Bastion. The famous Zunzar Machi lies in the eastern part of the Bhel Bastion. This machi had remained inaccessible till a few years ago when a short rock-climbing session was successful. Later an sturdy iron ladder has been put on the wall of the fort making the access to the Zunjar Machi easier.
5) Budhla Machi:
Yet another attraction on the Torna fort is the Budhla Machi. “Budhla” is a Marathi equivalent for English ‘vessel’. If observed minutely, the structure of this Machi looks exactly like a vessel kept upside down. From here you have a route heading towards the Sanjeevani Machi on the Rajgad. The route to Sanjeevani Machi springs through the Alu Darwaaza.
How to reach?
Torna fort is an important tourist place in Pune district. You can reach the fort via Khed Shivapur, Nasrapur or Baneshwar. Once you reach the village called Velhe at the foothills of the fort, you can start your treck to the fort. It is indeed a thrilling experience.
Food and Accommodation:
As far as food is concerned I would recommend carrying your own food. You do get something to eat at the foothills. Besides there are a few hotels on the fort providing a few dishes.
As for the accommodation, the temple of goddess Mengai is the best place on the fort to stay in.
So, plan a trip or a trek to this first pillar of the Hindavi Swaraj.
If you have visited Torna Fort in Pune, please tell us more about it through comment, so that it would be easier for updating the recent add in and around the fort.
Torna Fort in Pune on Map
Torna Fort in Pune
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hw much time torna gad takes to trake?
at wht time we should start to trake?
wht is total distance top to bottom (km) of torna
trake
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