Sajjangad, Satara, Maharashtra

While returning from Mahabaleshwar, we had these two options: Sajjangad and Ajinkyagad. We had already seen Ajinkyagad so we chose Sajjangad this time. We reached Satara in the afternoon, had lunch and then went ahead. This fort is 18 km from Satara.

This fort is famous for Sant Ramdas Samadhi (final resting place) and thus a place of pilgrimage for his followers. 

Sant Ramdas is very popular for his teachings. His advice narrated to his Shishya Kalyan Swami is written in Dasbodh. Sant Ramdas was spiritual guru (teacher) of Shivaji Maharaj and was requested by Shivaji to make Sajjangad as his permanent monastery.

 This fort was built by Bahamani emperors in parts between 1347-1427. Later it was under Adil Shah dynasty. 

Adil Shah was defeated by the Mughals and it then came under the Mughal rule. It was then conquered from them by Shivaji Maharaja on 2nd April 1673.

This fort has 2 doors, first one is called Shree Chatrapati Shivaji Mahadwar, as can be seen in the picture above.

This is the second door and it is called Shree Samartha Mahadwar. 

 
The fort spreads over an area of 1525 square meters and has two lakes named Ghodale (lake meant for horses) and Sonale (lake with potable water).
  

As you enter the fort you will see this...

Places to see inside fort include Ramdas Swami Monastry, ShreeRam temple, Bramhapisa Maruti temple, Hanuman temple (Dhaabyacha Maruti).

Things which were used by Ramdas Swami daily are kept in this room.

The fort is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. Accommodation is available free of cost in the dharmashala. Food is also given to devotees as prasad in the afternoon.

 

Lord Hanuman

 

As you can see the fort surroundings are scenic and beautiful.

Many Devotees Visit this fort Especially during Shiv Jayanti and Ram Navami.
 

We had an awesome time here......:) :) 

Pratapgad Fort, Satara, Maharashtra

 We  had this awesome road  trip to Mahabaleshwar during the winter season...and  as always we also explored some surrounding areas too. One of them was Pratapgad fort which is about 22 km from Mahabaleshwar. As we were travelling by our own car we didn't have any problem regarding transport. You can park your vehicle down and hire a guide just like us, we hired one and he gave lot of information about the fort :) ( there are plenty of them )... Its okay if u haven't carried anything to eat or drink ..as there are some stalls on top where u could enjoy some snacks or cocum sharbat, jamun sharbat (juice).

   

  As u can see here u have to climb quite a few steps to reach

the upper part of the fort. The fort is about 1080 meters above

sea level. This fort was built in 1656 , Shivaji's Minister Moropant

   Trimbak Pingle followed the royal command given by Shivaji Maharaj, 

   and along with Chief Engineer Hiroji Indulkar turned this plan into reality.

        

Many strategies were used for protection and security of the fort  against the enemies.

   Secret door

     Tulja Bhavani Temple

 
   

Shivaji Maharaja was devotee of  Goddess Tulja Bhavani.

             
           
  Some Cannons used by Shivaji's army, they are said to be very heavy.

                                
                             

   Lord Hanuman temple

                         
                          

Lord  Mahadeva Temple

   

A very famous Afzalkhan (army chief served Adil shah dynasty, Bijapur) and

Chatrapati Shivaji meeting wherein Afzalkhan was killed by Shivaji Maharaja

by his tiger claws (metal claws attached to fingers) was on this fort.  Afzalkhan

  tried to stab Shivaji with his dagger while pretending to hug him, but Shivaji Maharaja

was saved as he was wearing armour which protected him, he then in self defense

killed Afzalkhan with his tiger claws. Afzalkhan tomb ( burial )as well as of his

bodyguard Sayyad Banda is at foot of the fort. Due to some issues it is now

closed for visitors.

           
               

 People who were caught for betrayal or for other serious crime 

were tied in a sack and thrown from the hill.

17 foot high bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaja.

                                        Presentation outside a Cocum sharbat stall,

                                                 in order to attract customers  :D

 Shops selling beautiful hats, key chains, posters, handicrafts 

made form sea shells were common. 

(That's my hand :P )

                        
                             

   Lower part of the fort.