RAIRESHWAR – Oath of Swarajya

Raireshwar has a temple famous for its historical importance. It’s said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cut his little finger and took the oath by dripping blood onto the Shivling of Raireshwar Mandir. Thus, Raireshwar temple played a part in Maratha’s history. The article reveals exhaustive information about the Raireshwar temple; including its history, location, how to reach it by public transport, trekking, best time visits, facilities, nearby places, and our thoughts at the end.

What is Raireshwar Famous for?

At the age of 16, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his colleagues took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya (Hindu Kingdom) in Raireshwar temple in 1645 against foreign attachers like the Mughals, Adlishahi.

That is how the revolution of Swarajya began in Raireshwar temple, and then, Shivaji Maharaj and his Maratha Maavale conquered their Torna fort in the Pune region as their first fort in the same year. Later on, they also won a number of forts in the Sahyadris and established their Hindu kingdom as per the oath.

Finally, on June 6, 1674, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj become the king of Maratha empire.

What was the Oath of Swaraj in the Temple of Lord Raireshwar?

Oath of Swarajya in English

“Friends, now our path is clear.

We shall all strive to attain our aim and work for it until it is achieved.

We will have our own rule, our own kingdom. It will be yours, mine and everybody’s kingdom.

We refuse to live as slaves anymore.

Let us take this oath with Lord Raireshwar as a witness as we give ourselves completely to the great task of establishing our own kingdom.

God thinks that this kingdom should take shape as ‘Hindavi Swarajya’.

We shall ensure that God’s wish is fulfilled.”

Why is Raireshwar Important?

Apart from historical importance, the deep valleys, very high pinnacles, huge plateau, long trunks, difficult turnings, and dense trees make the Raireshwar region thrilling to explore in the monsoon.

Therefore, Raireshwar has also become one of the most famous destinations in the Bhor region because of its natural heritage and hospitality of local people.

What is the History of Raireshwar?

Under the guidance of Mother Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji realized that he must stand against the mighty Mughals in the north and Adil Shah in the south.

One day, he gathered some of his close friends and visited the Raireshwar temple. During that period, the place was not easily accessible and hence provided a perfect spot to plan the rebellious movement, all the way back in 1645. 

Though no written proof has been found, the local villagers still believe that Shivaji Maharaj cut his little finger while taking the oath to form a kingdom and guaranteed a safe and prosperous life for its citizens. Maharaj had gotten a priest from Karnataka, by the name of Shiva Jangam, who monitored the oath-taking by Shivaji Maharaj. And, it was interesting when we got to know that all 45 families on top of Raireshwar are Jangams now.

Where is the Raireshwar Temple Situated?

This historical temple located in an enormous plateau called ‘Raireshwar plateau’ which surrounded by thick woods and it lies in between Pune and Satara region at height of 4500ft above sea level. The base village for Raireshwar is Korle village in Bhor Taluka of the Pune region.

Out of the total land, around 3500 hectares belonged to locals who lived in the Raireshwar plateau and the rest were under the forest department. Schools for local children are built on the plateau and the lifestyle of locals is also very well developed due to the availability of electricity and other day-to-day needs.

Who is the God of Raireshwar?

On the Raireshwar plateau, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a lovely shivling that is routinely maintained by residents. There is idol of Lord Ganesha at the entrance of the Shivling.

This temple is situated rather deep in the interior, hence not seen in the first glance.

Raireshwar Temple

Raireshwar temple is very old and of stone structure, but it was later reconstructed in the 18th century.  There is a large portrait of Shivaji Maharaj and his friends inside the temple.

Though the Raireshwar temple is a few centuries old, it’s totally different from the traditional structure as it is covered with only a metal roof. It is a very simple, non-descript, and unglamorous place almost dilapidated, not as grand as Taj Mahal.

Raireshwar Map

How many Steps are there in Raireshwar Fort?

After reaching the Raireshwar plateau, there are around 400 stairs, followed by a series of metal staircases that lead you to the top of the plateau.

Metal Ladder

This series of ladders are placed on a tricky patch. 

RAILINGS

There are a number of railings placed at the exposed portion of the first ladder and then the steps portion and even at the cliffs of the top of the plateau.   

Gaumukh Lake of Raireshwar

On top of Raireshwar, there is a big lake named ‘Gaumukh’.

Gaumukh Watertank

The drinking water resource of Raireshwar. The Nandi face is located at the outflow from where water streams continuously flow.

Devi Mandir of Raireshwar

There is also the well-made temple of the local goddess that lies next to the Raireshwar temple.  

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj

Currently, this statue of Maharaj is placed separately inside the Devi mandir for unknown reasons.

Even though it is an old picture, This was built just ahead of Devi Mandir.  

Natural Heritage in Raireshwar

Sevel Soil in Raireshwar

This is another wonder of Raireshwar. At the end of the plateau, there is a portion where you can see 7 different colors of the soils.

How to Reach Raireshwar?

PUNE – BHOR by Any Transport – KORLE by ST or Local Jeeps – RAIRESHWAR PLATUE by Private Vehicle or by Trek– RAIRESHWAR TEMPLE via Hike.

There are several transport options, like state transport buses and local jeeps, to reach base village Korle from Bhor City.

You can catch Korle ST from the Bhor ST stand and alight at Korle village.

Bhor Ghat is filled with many cascades and mountains. The valleys are steep, and the roads are narrow. That makes the ride even more adventurous. The road soon leads to Raireshwar, a picturesque hamlet with lots of gems in it. There were rice fields spread across acres of land, and it was green everywhere.

Offbeat Trek Raireshwar via Korle Village Route

After walking straight for about 10 minutes on tar road from Korle ST stand, you will have 2 roads, one is another tar road on the left through which you can reach directly to the base of Raireshwar plateau if you are coming by private vehicle. 

Another is a natural trail that meets the tar road just before Raireshwar plateau.

The easy trail route from Korlai village is made for trekking purposes. It takes a maximum of 2 hours to reach the Raireshwar plateau from Korle village by walk.

After reaching the Raireshwar plateau by any one of the routes, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the Raireshwar temple.

Raireshwar via Titedharan Korle Route

You need to reach Ambawade village via Bhor by any public transport, and you can reach the Raireshwar plateau directly via the Tite Dam in Korle village, but it takes a maximum of 3 hours, which makes it the hardest route to reach Raireshwar.

Rairi-Bhor Route

This is the rare route from village Rairi to reach Raireshwar. This route is also known as “Sambardaryachi Waat.”. 

How to Reach Raireshwar via Wai?

SATARA – WAI by Any Transport – RAIRESHWAR PLATUE by ST or Local Jeeps – RAIRESHWAR TEMPLE via Hike.

There are both state transport buses and local jeeps available from Wai village in the Satara region that directly take you to the Raireshwar Plateau.

What is the Difficulty Level of Raireshwar Trek?

If you opt to visit the natural track from Korle village via Bhor, it is an easy trek for even beginners, and the scenery is particularly beautiful during the monsoon season.

The Raireshwar trail is also quite easy, wide, and well-made, and it provides spectacular scenery of Kenjalgad and the surrounding mountains, as well as some unknown seasonal waterfalls during the monsoon.

At the foot of the Raireshwar plateau, one can reach it by private vehicle or by trekking from Korle village.

After a 10-minute walk from Raireshwar Plateau, several stairs are created, followed by a pair of iron ladders in the final stage that lead us to the summit of Raireshwar Plateau.

The trail from here to Raireshwar Temple is well-built with stiles, and after 5 minutes of trekking, we came upon the lovely Gaumukh Lake. Moving along the same path, we arrive at the Raireshwar Lord Shiva Temple in 10 minutes.

Food Facilities in Raireshwar

Local villagers provide simple Marathi food on demand at a cheap cost.

Most villagers use water stored in the Gaumukh Tank, which is good in taste and quality.

Stay in Raireshwar

There is a big Dharmshala built near the temple for visitors.Nearly 20 people can be accommodated in this Dharmshala, but it doesn’t have any walls, so it will be difficult to stay in the monsoon and winter seasons. But you can set up your tent there.

Car Parking

Vehicles can be parked at the Raireshwar plateau stop.

Local Guide in Raireshwar

Mr. Shivaji Jungam, a local villager, provides accommodation in his home as well as pure vegetarian food and breakfast at the lowest possible rate. You will also have access to bathing and restroom facilities at his home. You can hire him as a guide or ask him for information about Raireshwar-Kenjalgad and other range treks or treks in the adjacent mountains.

You can contact him if you are planning to visit Raireshwar or Kenjalgad.

Which Fort is near to Raireshwar?

The views of Kenjalgad, Kamalgad, Rohida fort, Makrandgad, Pratapgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Torna fort, Lingana, Tung fort, Tikona fort, Lohagad and Visapur fort can be seen in very clear atmosphere.

The Raireshwar trek is often combined with the Kenjalgad trek to make it a two-day trek, as there are camping and homestay facilities available at Raireshwar.

You can also do Raireshwar– Aswalkhind(Nakhind)- Kamthe range trek but you need to hire a guide from Raireshwar.

The Hanging Bridge, Nageshwar temple, and the monument of ‘Shri Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv’ must be seen in these surrounding villages.

Final thought about RAIRESHWAR

“Even there is no historical proof of an Oath of Swarajya taken by Maharaj,

But the unique energy you will feel when you step in there.. Any words are worthless!!!”

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Hope you like our exahustive information about Raireshwar?

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