MightyHikers: August 2025

Sunday, August 3, 2025

#35# Jivdhan Fort (Naneghat)

MightyHikers

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki jai.....

Jivdhan Fort (Naneghat)

LOCATION: 197 kms from Mumbai, 127 kms from Pune, 30 kms from Junnar.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September or you can travel any time throughout year.

Jivdhan Fort

The fort was looted and destroyed by the British upon siege between 1815 and 1818

Jivdhan is a part of the 'Famous 5' trekking destinations among trekking enthusiasts. Chavaand, Hadsar, Shivneri, and Naneghat are the other destinations in the Famous 5 trek.

This is a high difficulty grade trek due to the misleading jungle tracks and the necessity and knowledge of using climbing equipment.

The rock cut steps are wonderfully carved, which lead to the kalyan gate. There are hooks attached on the walls of the rock cut steps near kalyan gate, which makes it easy for regular climber.

It is said that the boy king Murtaza Nizam Shah III, last nominal ruler of Nizamshahi, was held by Shah Jahan on this fort.

Chhatrapati Shahaji maharaj rescued the boy king because he had promised that while he was alive, nothing would happen to the boy.

Fort Information:

Location Details : Jivdhan Fort

Base Village : Ghatghar or Naneghat.

Nearest Railway Station : Pune

Fort Height : 3757 ft

Difficulty : Med - High

History:

The fort originated during the Satavahana era. Every entry point on the forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have a 'Kalas' and Lord Ganesh carved on it.

The nearby Naneghat (Toll collection booth) was used for commercial purpose by traders to help in easy movements of goods. As this was an important pass joining the seas to the mainland, it was heavily guarded from enemies.

The Jivdhan fort stood as an important guard fort to protect the interests of various kingdoms. The last emperor of Adilshahi of Ahmednagar was little Murtaza. He was kept as a prisoner by the Mughals at Jivdhan fort.

In 1635 the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj released him from the prison and declared him a King of Ahmednagar. Jivdhan to Naneghat has an open field of 2–3 km, which gives any clear indication of enemy approach.

In 1818 the fort was captured by Col. Prother of the East India Company and later destroyed parts of the fort.

#History in Details:

Jivdhan Fort's history is intertwined with the Satavahana dynasty and later the Maratha empire, playing a significant role in protecting the Naneghat trade route. Initially built during the Satavahana period, it served as a defensive outpost and a vital part of the trade route network. Later, it became a strategic fort for the Marathas, even holding a young prince captive before Shivaji Maharaj's father, Shahaji Maharaj, intervened. The fort was eventually captured and damaged by the British during the Anglo-Maratha wars.

Here's a more detailed look:

Satavahana Era: The fort's history begins with the Satavahana dynasty, who established rule in the region and built forts like Jivdhan to control trade routes.

Naneghat: Jivdhan Fort is strategically located near Naneghat, a major trade pass that connected the coast to the mainland.

Maratha Empire: The fort was later incorporated into the Maratha kingdom's defense system.

Captivity of Murtaza Shah III: In 1633, the last Nizamshahi ruler, Murtaza Shah III, was held captive at Jivdhan Fort before being rescued by Shahaji Maharaj.

British Capture: During the Anglo-Maratha wars, the British captured Jivdhan Fort and severely damaged its structures and defenses.

Present Day: Today, Jivdhan Fort is a popular trekking destination, offering a glimpse into its rich past and the stunning views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountains.

# Satavahana period

The Satavahana period in Indian history refers to the rule of the Satavahana dynasty, which spanned roughly from the 1st century BCE to the early 3rd century CE.

They were a powerful dynasty that emerged in the Deccan region of India, succeeding the Mauryan Empire.

The Satavahanas are also known as the Andhras in the Puranas.

Territory and Power:

The Satavahana kingdom encompassed present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, with influence extending to parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. They established their rule in the upper Godavari valley and expanded their territory significantly.

Key Rulers:

Some notable rulers include Simuka (the founder), Krishna (Kanha), Satakarni I, and Gautamiputra Satakarni, who revived the dynasty's power.

Trade and Commerce:

The Satavahanas were actively involved in maritime trade, connecting the Indian subcontinent with regions across the Indian Ocean, including Southeast Asia, the Roman Empire, and East Africa.

Cultural Contributions:

The period saw significant developments in art, architecture, and literature. The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, contributing to religious diversity. They are also known for constructing rock-cut caves, stupas, and temples, including the Amaravati Stupa and the cave complexes at Ajanta and Nashik.

End of the Dynasty:

The Satavahana dynasty gradually declined, with the last important ruler being Yajna Sri Satakarni, and the empire eventually fragmented into smaller kingdoms.

# Bahmani Kingdom

Bahmani Kingdom (1347-1526 A.D.) was established by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347.

The Bahmani Kingdom is also recognized as the first Muslim Kingdom in the Decca region.

The Bahmani Kingdom rose into a prominent kingdom in the South and posed a formidable challenge to the mighty Vijaynagar kingdom.

The Bahmani kingdom was divided into five smaller kingdoms in the later phase.

Mahmmad Gawan, the prime minister, led the Bahmani kingdom to its peak. He was a trader from Persia. The foundations of the Bahmani kingdom were destroyed after the sultanate lost a war to King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.

# Deccan Sultanates.

The Bahmani Sultanate, after its decline, fragmented into five independent kingdoms, collectively known as the Deccan Sultanates.

These were: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Golconda, and Bidar.

1. Bijapur: Founded by Yusuf Adil Shah, it was ruled by the Adil Shahi dynasty.

2. Ahmednagar: Established by Malik Ahmad, it was ruled by the Nizam Shahi dynasty.

3. Berar: Founded by Fateh Ullah Imad Shah, it was ruled by the Imad Shahi dynasty.

4. Golconda: Founded by Quli Qutub Shah, it was ruled by the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

5. Bidar: Established by Amir Ali Barid, it was ruled by the Barid Shahi dynasty.

These kingdoms emerged in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as the Bahmani Sultanate weakened. They eventually became part of the Mughal Empire.

How to reach Jivdhan fort:

By Road: Base Village for Jivdhan fort is Ghatghar.

From Mumbai or Kalyan:

1. From Kalyan bus stand take a any bus towards Ahmednagar get down at Bankar Phata (Junnar).

2. From Bankar Phata take any local bus or private sharing jeep or taxi to Junnar ticket fair Rs 25 to 50.

3. From Junnar bus stop to catch MSRTC bus going towards to Naneghat.

4. MSRTC buses regularly travel between Junnar and Naneghat. You can inquire at the Junnar bus stand about the specific bus routes and timings.

To reach Jivdhan Fort using MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses, you'll need to first travel to Junnar, then take a connecting bus or other transport to the base village, Ghatghar or Naneghat.

By Train: Pune station which is around 125 kms.

By Air: Pune airport which is around 120 kms.

Reference Link:

# Forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki jai.....

1. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/kothaligad-peth-fort-karjat.html (Budget Trip: 250 (Public transport).

2. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/dhak-bahiri-fort-kamshet.html

3. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/sarasgad-fort-pali.html

(Budget Trip: 400 (Public transport).

4. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/31-murud-janjira-fort-murud.html

5. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/vasota-fort-vyaghragad.html

6. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/06/29-fort-asherigad-fort-palghar.html

(Budget Trip: 200 (Public transport).

7. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/06/22-fort-mahuli-fort-bhandar-durg.html

(Budget Trip: 200 (Public transport).

8. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/28-fort-tringalwadi-fort-igatpuri.html

9. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/visapur-fort-lonavala.html

10. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/tung-fort-kathingad-lonavala.html

11. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/tikona-fort-vitandgad-lonavala.html

12. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/lohagad-fort-lonavala.html

13. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/korigad-fort-lonavala.html

14. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/mightyhikers-chhatrapati-shivaji_21.html

15. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/nhavigad-fort-ratangad-fort-baglan.html

16. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/bhaskargad-fort-nashik.html

17. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/harihar-fort-harshagad-fort.html

18. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/rajgad-fort-pune.html

(Budget Trip: 300 (Public transport).

19. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/torna-fort-pune.html

(Budget Trip: 300 (Public transport).

20. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/ankai-and-tankai-manmad.html

(Budget Trip: 400 (Public transport).

21. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/rang-mahal-chandwada-ahilyabai-holkar.html

(Budget Trip (Range Trek include Rang Mahal, Chandwad, Indrai and Rajdher Fort and camping): 700 (Public transport).

22. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/indrai-fort-chandwad.html

23. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/rajdher-fort-chandwad.html

24. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/chandwad-fort-chandwad.html

25. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/mightyhikers-chhatrapati-shivaji_22.html

(Budget Trip: 300 (Public transport).

26. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/malhargad-killa-sonori-or.html

(Budget Trip: 150 (Public transport).

27. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/chhatrapati-shahu-palacekolhapur.html

(Budget Trip: 150 (Public transport).

28. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/2025/07/35-hargad-baglan.html

(Budget Trip (Range Trek include Salher, Salota, Mulher, Mora, and Hargad Fort and camping): 1200 (Public transport).

30. https://bhimashankar.in/

31. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimashankar_Temple

32. https://mightyhikers.blogspot.com/p/bhimashankar-temple-bhimashankar.html

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Bhimashankar Temple (12 Jyotirlingas)

MightyHikers

Bhimashankar Temple (12 Jyotirlingas)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki jai.....

Bhimashankar Temple (Bhimashankar)

LOCATION: 195 kms from Mumbai, 110 kms from Pune, 207 kms from Nashik, 77 Kms from Junnar, 73 Kms from Narayangaon.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September or you can travel any time throughout year.

Bhimashankar Temple

# Introduction

Bhimashankar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva situated in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a key pilgrimage centre and contains one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The temple's Shiva lingam is one of the five Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. The temple's vicinity has rare plant and animal species. The mandir is located in Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range.

The Bhima River originates from the Bhimashankar village, and the hills of the Manmad village are present near it, there are old rock carvings of the God Bhimashankar, Bhootings and Amba-Ambika on these hills.

# Temple Information:

Bhimashankar Temple

Location Details: Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range

Base Village: Bhimashankar.

Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan and Pune

Difficulty: Esay.

# Temple Information:

Bhimashankar Temple

Location Details: Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range

Base Village: Bhimashankar.

Nearest Railway Station: Kalyan and Pune

Difficulty: Esay.

# History:

According to Namdev, a saint in the medieval era, Saint Jnaneshwar went to Tryambakeshwar and then Bhimashankar. Namdev himself has also visited this place.

Bhimashankaram shrine and the Bhimarathi river have been talked about in writings as far back as the 13th century; however, the current construction of the temple seems to be fairly new.

The temple is built in the Nagara style, which combines traditional and modern designs. The temple hall was constructed during the 18th century by Nāna Phadnavis of Peshwa.

The village of Kharosi was granted to the temple by King Shivaji. The daily religious observance was funded through the financial resources derived from the people of the area.

He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the others in Menavali, near Wai, in front of a Shiva temple on the banks of the Krishna River, the Banshanker Temple in Pune, the Omkareshwar Temple in Pune, and the Ramlinga Temple in Pune (Shirur).

Chimaji Appa (brother of Bajirao I) donated a big bell to the temple, which is visible in front of the temple. This is one of the many Portuguese colonists' church's bell, which Chimaji and his army brought from Vasai fort as souvenirs after defeating the Portuguese at the Battle of Baçaim on February 1739.

This type of bell is also present at the Khandoba temple and Naro Shankar mandir in Nashik.

# Architecture:

The architectural style of Bhimashankar is characterised by the use of the Nagara style, which is commonly found in northern India. The building style has some similarities to the Hemadpanthi style, which is common in the Deccan region. It is claimed that the old temple was built on a Swayambhu Shiva Linga.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the Ling is located precisely in the center of the Garbhagriha (Sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. The garbhagriha and antarala are constructed using indigenous stone in the Indo-Aryan architectural style, which is also commonly found in Jain temples. The pillars and door frames of the temple are covered with intricate carvings of deities and human figures.

In the 18th century, Nana Phadnavis built the Sabhamandap; he also designed and built the shikhara. The Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj endowed this temple to facilitate religious ceremonies.