RAIGAD – The King’s Fort

Raigad means the King’s Fort – The King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Fort as it is the First capital of independent Marathi kingdom or “Hindavi Swarajya”. The article reveals exhaustive information about the Raigad Fort; including its history, trekking, how to reach it by public transport, best time visits, nearby places, and our thoughts at the end.

The “Sabhasad Bakhar” (Ancient letter) reveals about how Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj selected histroical raigad fort as the first capital of the Maratha empire.

Translation in English:

‘The King observed that mountain of “Rairi” was the best place, steep on all sides and tallest of all, the whole mountain being a seamless rock. Daulatabad (Another Large Fort) is also good, but less tall than this one. This fort is taller and better than Daulatabad and hence the best place for the throne.’

Short Raigad Fort Information

Rairi Fort was built by Chandrarao More who was the king of Jawali. It was seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. Maharaj renovated and expanded the fort and then renamed it as ‘Raigad‘.  

This 2700 ft above sea level fort is now an important link between the Deccan plateau and Coastal Maharashtra. Graded as the most secure and most appropriate location by the King himself, the fort stands proudly showing the strength of the Maratha Empire. The fort is of great pride for the Maratha and is a reminder of the bravery and audacity.

While most of its parts are in ruins now, the fort still boasts of the brave history of Marathas. European Historians have described Raigad as

“The Gibraltar of the East”

What is the history of Rajgad fort?

Raigad has been witnessed the rise and also the downfall of Swarajya as Shiv Rajyabhishek (The Coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj) was the most significant event in the history of India in which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj became the King of the newly formed Maratha kingdom after a struggle of more than 300 years.

But on 3rd April 1680, Shivaji Maharaj passed away on this fort, which was the most devastating moment for the Maratha regime.

Where is Raigad Fort located?

Raigad fort is situated Pachad village which is 25 km north of the modern-day Mahad town in Raigad District. Being situated comparatively near to the sea, with Mahad being in reach, and at the same distance from Mumbai, Pune, and Satara.  

Who built Rajgad Fort?

Key aspect of the Raigad fort from an architectural point of view is that if someone sees the fort from the foothills; it looks like a huge mountain and no fortification can be seen. This proved very beneficial to misguide and confuse enemies as there were similar mountains all around.

Construction of Raigad fort is not possible without chief architect/engineer Hiroji Indulkar & his team. While building fort, he even mortgages his home and belongings as Raigad was facing a fund issue when Shivaji Maharaj was in confinement of Aurangzeb. When Maharaj Safely returned to Raigad and He overwhelmed by all the amazing work and sacrifices done by the Hiroji and asked Hiroji what can do in return. Hiroji requested he only wants that his name inscribed on one of tile and that place on of the entrance of Jagdishwar Temple so that whenever Maharaj visit this temple, his foot indirectly touches Hiroji’s Name. Maharaj implemented Hiroji’s wish and this tile still in good condition just ahead of the Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj that showing loyalty, selfless and dedication towards work by Hiroji Indulkar.

What is special in Raigad fort?

One of the reasons for the uniqueness of Raigad Fort is having numerous fortifications such as Rock Cut Entrances, historical monuments, Ancient Temples, Natural water resources & Ruins that still in good condition and each one of them having their respective stories that take you back into the pages of History & surely inspire you whenever you visited.

Nane Darwaja

One of Entrance of Raigad situated at the base of the fort through which one of the natural trail passed towards the fort. this entrance having temple of lord hanuman and unknown.

Fortified Wall

It covers base portion of Takmak Tok & Hirkani Cliff which include Mahadarwaja(Main Entrance)

Mahadarwaja

All the route to the fort passes through the “Maha Darwaja” (Huge Door) which is previously closed at the time of sunset. This is a ‘Gomukhi’ kind entrance which protected by two bastions Jai & Vijay on both sides of door and Curvy way to prevents the elephant to get inside the fort

Canon

This series of canons lies just ahead of upper portion of Mahadarwaja

Gangasagar Talav

It was named as ‘Gangasagar’ because the waters from seven main rivers of India which were brought for Coronation ceremony of Maharaj were poured into this lake and it became the main source of water on the fort.

Upper Portion of Raigad Fort

Sapt Manzil

It was used as Watchtower as these pillars were said to be almost five-story high from remaining carvings. There is also a small stairs route inside the wall to enter into this place.

Palkhi Darwaja

The convoy of the king and the king himself used this entrance.

Baalekilla

Highest point of Raigad fort that having queen palaces, grainary storage, royal rooms and several ruins.

Raani Niwas

Queen Palace which has a ruined large rooms with a bathroom system. There are a six spacious Palaces for 6 queens of Maharaj. 4 Palaces are connected whereas the last 2 are separated by walls.

Dhaanyache Kothar

It having 3-grain storage rooms

Khalbat Khana

This is a underground secret chambers used for private discussion.

Ashtpradhan Niwas

This is the remnants of Minister’s Quarters

Mena darwaja

This was supposedly the private entrance for the royal ladies of the fort that lead to the queen’s quarters.

Hirkani kada

A woman by the name of Hirakani from a nearby village had come to sell milk to the people living at the fort. She happened to be inside the fort when the gates got closed and locked past sunset. Hearing the cries of her infant son back at the village echo after nightfall, the anxious mother couldn’t wait till dawn and courageously climbed down the steep cliff in pitch dark all for love for her little one. She later repeated this extraordinary feat in front of Shivaji Maharaj and was bravely rewarded for it. In appreciation of her courage and bravery, Maharaj built the Hirakani Bastion over this cliff.

Sinhasan of Shivaji Maharaj

Throne was made of 32 Maund(around 1280 kn) of Gold and studded with diamonds. This enclosure had been acoustically designed to aid hearing from the doorway to the throne

Rajsadar

Remnants of two huge courtrooms which were used to address people.

Nagarkhana

As its name Suggest, the loft on this building was used to play huge drums during certain times in a day.

Wadeshwar Mahadev Mandir

Ancient temple having a Lord Shiva’s idol as well as Nandi(bull) at outside

Wagh Darwaja of Raigad Fort

This is secret entrance hidden in the below region of Wadheshwar Mandir and is not visible from the top. You need to figure out and follow natural trails from Kushavart talav and move ahead to Wagh Darwaja and it’ll take maximum half hour to reach here. There is no sign of any path going down from this entrance.

Son of Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Rajaram had escaped through this entrance when Raigad was surrounded by Mughal’s ‘Zulfiqar-khan’

Holi cha Maal

A wide-open ground used to celebrate Holi festival

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue

Shirkai Mandir

A small temple of Shirkai Bhavani who is a Presiding deity of the fort.

Bajaarpeth

The marketplace which having 42 shop structures built on a high plinth in such a way that one can shop even while riding a horse. Each shop has space to sell the goods and two rooms for storage and a large passage behind two rooms. It used to serve approx. 2500 people who used to stay on the fort.

Takmak Tok

One can view the execution point called Takmak Tok, a cliff from which sentenced prisoners were thrown to their death. This area has been fenced off.

Jagdishwar Mandir

JAGDISHWAR – GOD OF THE WORLD

Temple having big Shivalinga with a tortoise carved on the floor with Nandi at outside.

Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

One of important memorial of Maharaj not only in Raigad but also in Maharashtra as Ashes of Shivaji Maharaj is kept inside the hollow base.

Translation in English:

“This majestic building of Jagdishwar which brings happiness to all is built on the word of Shivaji Maharaj on the auspicious muhurta in the Hindu year of 1596. The architect by name Hiroji built all wells, ponds, gardens, roads, pillars, monuments and palaces. These will remain till the sun and moon are there in the skies…!!”

Bhavani Tok

It the farthest point on the east side so you need to walk for half an hour.

Bhavani Mandir

Last fortification of Raigad lies just below Bhavani tok so you need to descend about 10 minutes to reach here. you will surely discover the beautiful and peaceful side of Raigad fort by watching surrounding sceneries of sahyadri mountains.

OLD RAIGAD FORT

How to reach Raigad Fort?

By Public Transportation –

First you can reach Mahad by Express Trains & Maharashtra State Transport ST bus available from Mumbai and Pune.

There is ST Bus available from Mahad Bus stand which goes directly to the base of fort otherwise you can catch any ST that going to Nizampur village and get down at Pachad Naka which is about 2 km from Base of Raigad  

Also, there is Tumtum(6 seater Auto) from Mahad Bus stand and it also goes directly to the base village which charged about 50 rs per.  

I caught ST from Borivali Nancy Colony around 10 PM and reach at Pachad Naka around 4 AM.  

Raigad Fort Trek

Because of its historical importance, easy to reach and also richness in fortifications & ruins, Raigad is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Maharashtra. There is three-way to reach the top of the fort.

1)Via Chitta Darwaja:  Easy

This route is for all common people as there is a total of 1737 rock steps from start to end to reach the top. So it requires high endurance as steps are in height.

Note : You will missed to visit Nane Darwaja, Andherya caves if you take this route.

Time to Ascend: 2 hrs Max.

Time to Descend: 1 hrs Max.

2)Via Nane Darwaja: Moderate

This route is ideal for trekkers as it goes from the jungle and then it meets the above first route just before Mahadarwaja. Now this route is well made and marked by government & local authorities.

Note : You’ll be missed to visit Khubladha bastion and Valusare Khind if you take this route.

Time to Ascend: 3 hrs max.

Time to Descend: 1.30 hrs Max.

3)Via Ropeway:

For those who are not fond of trekking, there is a Ropeway to reach the Raigad Fort which takes only 5 minutes. The cost of the ropeway is in range of 180-300 and varies depending on the age of the person.  

Note : Coming from Mahad, take left road (in photo) if you are going through Chitta and Nane Darwaja route, otherwise go straight till the end for Ropeway.

Time to Explore

Since it one of the largest fort of Maharashtra, it has a number of fortifications explore. So it will take a maximum of 2 Days to complete the Exploration of Raigad fort.  

Facilities at Raigad Fort

Few eateries and hotels are there nearby the fort and even there is MTDC Canteen in the Hirakni buruj region of the fort.   

Even local people who stay behind Bajarpeth(market) and some of on another side of Jagdishwar Temple also arrange delicious Marathi meal items like Pithal-Bhakri, Thecha, rice, etc on the cheapest cost.  some local sells Water Bottle(30rs), Lemon Juice, Taak, etc.

Parking Facilities

There is a lot of paid parking space available. Bikes, four wheelers, and Volvo buses can be parked easily.

Accomodation in Raigad Fort

There are many hotels nearby the vicinity of Raigad fort Maharashtra. MTDC resort with good accommodation facilities is also available in Raigad. 

As per our experience, there is one forest officer who also in charge of the place known as ‘Dharmashala’ at just ahead of Hatti Talao. I don’t idea about the exact money he charges but sure that it will be low as this room is specially made for common trekkers. I have stayed at this forest officer’s home in free of cost. He is very friendly, helpful and very popular among people who visiting Raigad fort number of times on special occasions. He also provides water for bathing and other activities as there are separate toilet and bathroom at just a few steps ahead from his home.  

USEFUL LINK

For Ropeway Charges, MTDC hotels booking and other Information regarding Raigad, you can check the official website of Raigad: https://raigadropeway.com

Surroundings of Raigad Fort

Lingana Pinnacle which is popular for adventure activities like Rock climbing and Rappelling is situated to the east side and Kokandiva to the north. If the skies are clear, we can see Famous trekking forts like Historical Rajgad-Torna on the east and Pratapgad, Vasota and Makarandagad on the south which provides some beautiful trek routes in Maharashtra.

If you are a hardcore trekker or you desire to experience Sahyadri more closely, then you can also plan range trek from Sinhagad-Rajgad-Torna-Raigad. Do refer blogs and other important information before planning this range trek as it is one of the hardest still worthful to do once in a lifetime.  

Nearby Places of Raigad Fort

Waghbil (Tiger’s Cave)

This is a hidden place near the Raigad fort. While going toward Raigad from Pachad, you’ll see two holes into the mountain located opposite to the Raigad. The route to Waghbil goes from behind the shop at a few distances from the base of Stairs route of Raigad which requires hardly 5 minutes to reach.

What is best time to visit Raigad Fort?

The ideal time to visit the Raigad Fort is from November to March as winters are not harsh here. The weather remains pleasant, and you will enjoy trekking or ropeway the most during winters. Summers are hot in Raigad as the mercury reaches up to 50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, March to June is generally avoided by tourists.

Devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj not only in Maharashtra but all around the globe come together on special occasions like Shivajayanti (Birthday of Shivaji Maharaj), Shivarajyabhishek, Diwali and celebrate this festival in traditional ways.   This is one of the unique experiences that you don’t have to be missed in your lifetime.  

ADVICE

• Do take a guide if you are not aware of Raigad history; they are pretty knowledgeable.

• Follow all instructions and timing and all the rules displayed by govt.

• Don’t litter and Keep the place clean.

• Avoid long weekends/and vacations due to rush.

• Respect all the fortifications in the fort whenever you visit as Raigad fort is the temple for billion admirers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Final Thought about Raigad Fort

“Raigad is not just a tourist spot; it is a sacred place of pilgrimage which holds the imprints of the grand vision of Hindavi Swarajya as cherished by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” 

JAY BHAVANI.. JAY SHIVAJI..

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RAIGAD- A Life Changing Experience

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