Shivneri Fort is very important in the history of Maharashtra. The main reason for this is that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in this fort on 19 February AD. It happened on 1630.

Important information about the fort – Shivneri Fort

MULTIPLIER	DESCRIPTION
name	Shivneri
Google Map Location	Look on the map
height	3500 feet
type	Giridurg
Range of climb	medium
place	Pune District, Maharashtra, India
Nearest village	Junnar
mountain range	Naneghat
Current status	the best
Installation	1170

Shivneri Fort – Video

History of Shivneri Fort: An Epic

Shivneri Fort is estimated to have been built between 8th and 10th centuries. Shivneri Fort has a temple of Bhavani Devi and she herself guards the fort. According to a legend, before the birth of Shivaji Maharaj, his mother Jijabai visited Bhavani Devi and prayed to him for a son. The goddess blessed him and soon Shivaji Maharaj was born.

The village ‘Jirnanagar’, ‘Junner’ i.e. Junnar is famous since AD.

Ancient times

• The Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Sakas and conquered Junnar and its surroundings.
• Naneghat was an ancient trade route and forts were built to guard it.
• Satavahanas dug many caves.

medieval period

• Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties ruled Shivneri.
• Between 1170 and 1308, the Yadavas established the kingdom and gave the fort a modern look.
• In 1443, Malik-ul-Tuzar defeated the Yadavas and captured the fort.
• Later the Nizamshahi was established and in 1493 the capital was shifted from the fort to Ahmednagar.
• In 1565 Sultan Murtija Nizam kept his brother Qasim in prison.

Bhosale and the Maratha Empire

• In 1595, the fort and Junnar province came to Maloji Raja Bhosale.
• In 1629, when Jijabai was pregnant, Shahaji Raja took her to Shivneri overnight with 500 horsemen.
• Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630.
• In 1632 Jijabai and Shivaji left the fort and in 1637 the fort fell under the Mughals.
• Despite several attempts, Shiva Raya could not conquer the fort.
• In 1716, Shahumharaja brought the fort under Maratha rule and later it was transferred to the Peshwas.

Peshwa period and rebellion

• In 1755, Nana Saheb Peshwa kept Tulaji in captivity on Shivneri.
• In 1764, the Kolas of Shivneri and Purandar forts revolted.
• In 1765, the Mahadev Kolyas staged a second revolt and captured the fort under the leadership of Santaji Shelkande.
• In 1818, the fort was captured by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Importance

• Shivneri Fort is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the inspiration for the founding of the Maratha Empire.
• The history of the fort is full of many battles and rebellions.
• Even today this fort is a symbol of Maharashtra’s glory and heroism.

Architecture:

• The construction of Shivneri fort has been done from Shilakhand.
• The fort has several towers, gates, and towers.
• Shivbada is the highest point on the fort and offers a panoramic view of the area.
• Bhavani Temple is the holiest place on the fort.

Walk to the fort

There are two main ways to reach the fort.

Wait for the chain

Going to Junnar town in the back of the fort, one can pass by the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There is a temple on the right side of the road immediately after going one kilometer from the road on the left side of the square. From the temple is reached the top, a path that goes along one of the black walls of the Shivneri fort. It takes about an hour to go through this route and it is a bit difficult.

Path of seven doors

If you walk from the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the left side, the tarmac road takes you to the steps of the fort. Seven gates are required to reach the fort by this route. First Maha Darwaza, Second Pir Darwaza, Third Permission Gate, Fourth Elephant Darwaza, Fifth Sepoy Darwaza, Sixth Phatak Darwaza and Seventh Kulabkar Darwaza. It takes one and a half hours to reach the fort through this route.

Geographical location of Shivneri

Shivneri Fort is located near Junnar city in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is situated at an altitude of about 1024 meters (3360 ft) in the Sahyadri mountain range.

• Latitude Longitude:
  • Latitude: 19° 11′ 56″ N
  • Longitude: 73° 51′ 34″ E
• Nearby cities:
  • Junnar – 2-3 km away (at the base of the fort)
  • Pune – about 90 kms away
• Geographical Features:
  • Situated in the hilly area of ​​Sahyadri, the fort is almost rocky and steep.
  • Mawla region is around the fort.
  • The construction of the fort has benefited from its geographical location.

how will you go

From Mumbai

• Via Malshej:
  • Mumbai to Junnar (via Malshej Ghat): About 220 kms
  • Junnar to Shivneri: 8 to 9 KM (via Ganesh Pass)
  • Total Distance: 228 to 229 Kms
  • Travel Time: One Day (Mumbai to Shivneri)
• By train:
  • Mumbai to Pune: There are many trains available like Deccan Queen, Shivaji Express.
  • Pune to Junnar: One can travel by local train or bus.
  • Junnar to Shivneri: One can travel by taxi or auto rickshaw.

From Pune:

• Via Narayangaon:
  • Pune to Narayangaon: 75 kms
  • Narayangaon to Junnar: 15 kms
  • Junnar to Shivneri: 8 to 9 KM (via Ganesh Pass)
  • Total Distance: 98 to 99 Kms
  • Travel time: 3 to 4 hours (Pune to Shivneri)
• ST Bus:
  • Pune to Junnar: Many ST buses are available.
  • Junnar to Shivneri: One can travel by taxi or auto rickshaw.

Some stories and folklore related to Shivneri Fort:

1. Formation of Shivneri:

• According to a folklore, Lord Shiva built Shivneri Fort overnight.
• According to another story, the Yadava king Bhillam built this fort in the 13th century.

2. Childhood of Shivaji Maharaj:

• Shivaji Maharaj spent his childhood at Shivneri Fort.
• He was trained in swordsmanship, horse riding and archery from his childhood.

3. Motherhood of Shivaji Maharaj:

• Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, Jijabai taught him bravery, courage and ethics.
• Jijabai played an important role in inspiring Shivaji Maharaj to become an ideal Hindu king.

Other Folktales:

• Shivneri Fort is believed to have a secret underground water passage.
• There is also a story that there was a demon king in the fort.
• Many past events are believed to have taken place at Shivneri Fort.

Note: These stories and folklore may or may not contain some historical facts.

Shivneri Fort: Today’s Status and Tourism

Status Today:

• The Shivneri Fort is under the maintenance of the Archaeological Department.
• Most of the structures of the fort are in good condition.
• The fort has many historical structures and monuments, such as Shivbada, Bhavani Temple, Torna, Buruj, and Kaidkhana.
• The fort has several facilities available for tourists, such as a tourist information center, drinking water, and restrooms.

Tourism:

• Shivneri Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
• Millions of tourists visit the fort every year.
• Tourists can enjoy trekking, rock climbing, and other adventure activities at the fort.
• A panoramic view of the area can be seen from the fort.
• Many festivals and events are organized at the fort, such as Shiva Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Tourist Attractions at Shivneri Fort:

Historical Buildings:

Place of Birth:

The Vastu where Shivaji Maharaj was born is called “Janamsthan”. It is a popular attraction for tourists.

Bhavani Temple:

This temple of Devi Bhavani is the oldest temple at Shivneri Fort.

Gadchir:

This is the highest part of the fort and offers a panoramic view of the area.

Torna Door:

It is the main entrance to the fort and has elaborate carvings.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi Temple:

This temple is located at the base of Shivneri Fort and is dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj.

Scenic Beauty:

• Shivneri Fort is a beautiful fort in the Sahyadri mountain range.
• The fort is surrounded by dense forests and hilly terrain.
• The fort offers a panoramic view of the area.

Other attractions:

• The fort houses a small museum where items related to Shivaji Maharaj’s life are displayed.
• There are many routes for trekking and camping at the fort.
• Tourists can visit the fort on horse or mule.

Tips for Tourists:

• A good physical fitness is required to visit Shivneri Fort.
• Shivneri Fort is open throughout the year.
• It is best to visit the fort early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Comfortable footwear is a must while climbing the fort.
• Sufficient water and light food should be carried at the fort.
• Drinking water, food and other essential items must be carried at the fort.
• The fort is more crowded in summer.
• Visiting the fort during monsoons can be dangerous.
• Travel times and distances are approximate and may depend on mode of transport and road conditions.
• Weather and road conditions should be checked before starting the journey.
• As per the available information, there is no need to take a ticket to enter the Shivneri Fort. But to park the car at the base of the fort, you have to pay a little money. The price varies according to the type of car. Estimated cost is as follows: Car – Rs.50 and Bike – Rs.20.

Photos and Views:

Shivneri Fort is a historical and culturally important place. He is a symbol of Maharashtra’s glory and heroism. For tourists, Shivneri Fort is an unforgettable experience.

Note : While writing the above information reference has been taken from some books and Wikipedia .

• हिंदी में पढे – शिवनेरी किला
• मराठी मध्ये वाचा – शिवनेरी किल्ला – शिवरायांचे जन्मस्थळ