shiv linga nandi Chavand is a hill fortress situated 30 km from the modern-day town of Naryangoan in Junnar...
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Chavand is a hill fortress situated 30 km from the modern-day town of Naryangoan in Junnar Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra, India. The fort, which rises 1,036 meters (3,399 feet) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri
mountain range. The fort was looted and destroyed by the British upon
siege. This is one of the forts known as the 'Famous 5'. Chavaand,
Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan
and Naneghat form the Famous 5 trek. The fort has remnants of
construction that are more than 800 years old. Village of Chavandwadi
lies at the base of the fort. Under the rule of Shivaji this was known as Prasannagad.
History
Founder of Nizam Dynasty, Nizam Ahmed was the first Nizamshah who acquired the fort of Chavand after the dissolution of the Bahmanid Empire. The seventh Nizamshah was Burhanshah II. Bahadurshah's grandson was imprisoned 1594 and was taken away to this fort. Bahadurshah is the nephew of Chandbibi. In 1636, the Mughals got the fort of Chavand by signing a treaty with the Nizams.
Mythological references
1) The forts named after the names of great sages (for e.g. Vasota, named after Vasistha) are pre-ancient forts.
2) The forts decorated by Buddhist carvings and sculptures (for e.g. Shivneri) are ancient forts.
3) Forts belonging to the medieval period are related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath.
4) The goddess Chamunda is an idol of destruction of evil, with a terrifying appearance, armed with weapons. The deity belongs to Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka.
Spots to view :
1.
Saptamatrika
(The seven cisterns) : The British in
their attack have destroyed many a construction in the eighteenth century. Here
a temple half buried in the earth can be seen. As we go ahead on the left, we
can see 7 water tanks aligned along each other. These have much mythological
significance, & their names are as follows: Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari,
Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrayani & Chamunda, the most powerful goddess of all.
2.
Human made
caves : As we proceed towards the
northern direction around the fortification, we can see that a proper way was
constructed hereby to move around to keep watch. On the north side of the fort,
human made caves are situated where the fortification ends. Here it is said
that a secret passage exists, amidst the wall, right below the caves. As we go
the south side, we can have a beautiful view of the river Kukdi that originates
from Kukdeshwar, a famous pilgrimage near the fort. On the southeastern side,
no fortification exists as steep fall dominates this place. Again as we proceed
westwards, we can see the fortification here. This fort being strongly secured
was used for imprisoning Bahadurshah Nizam in 1594.
3.
Temple of
goddess Chamunda : On the topmost
part of the fort, i.e. on a small hillock, is situated the temple of Goddess
Chamunda. Here rises the question, that who brought this deity here in
Maharashtra, which is predominantly from the provinces of Bengal, Bihar &
Mysore. The answer is also quite simple. Naneghat had been the main route for
transport of goods that came from other provinces via harbour of Sopara &
Kalyan, the place of junction. Some well established businessman from Mysore,
who came through Naneghat, must have established Chamunda here. Folks were unable
to utter Chamunda, & they called it as Chavand, hence was named the fort.
The places in the
region of Naneghat reflect the rich culture of Satvaahan dynasty, and the
well-developed artistic works that existed during this era. The temple of
“Kukdeshwar” must be visited when we go to Chavand. The simplicity of this
place is worth experiencing. The caves of Shivneri and “Lenyadri”, another
famous pilgrimage, are worth visiting.
From the top of the fort, we can have a glimpse of the mountain of Shambhu & the fort of Jeevdhan on the west, Hadsar on the north, Shivneri on the east & the route of Naneghat along the fort. The topmost part of Shivneri is clearly visible from here. Along with a rich geographical position, the fort also has a rich history, which can be stated in a few steps.
From the top of the fort, we can have a glimpse of the mountain of Shambhu & the fort of Jeevdhan on the west, Hadsar on the north, Shivneri on the east & the route of Naneghat along the fort. The topmost part of Shivneri is clearly visible from here. Along with a rich geographical position, the fort also has a rich history, which can be stated in a few steps.
How To Reach :
The way to the top of the fort goes along the village school, from the western side of the fort. From here, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the entrance door. From here the footsteps take us to the plains, on which we can see the remnants of many constructions.
Map:
source : en.wikipedia.org | trekshitiz.com | itsmytravelogue.blogspot.in | Google maps |
