Friday, October 3, 2008
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is where Shivaji was born. Shivaji’s father Shahaji was general of Nizam of Ahmednagar, who controlled the fort. Shahaji brought his pregnant wife to the fort as it was safe. Jijabai named her son ‘Shivaji’ after Shivabai Devi, the Goddess of the fort. Shivaji is believed to have made several attempts to capture the fort, but without success. Much later, his grandson captured it.
Day 1
Junnar is the base of Shivneri. It is about 257 km from Mumbai via Chakan/Pune (less than 200 km if one takes the Malshej Ghat route), and 110 km north of Pune. We took the Mumbai-Pune Expressway till Wadgaon, turned left from there and drove via Chakan, Khed, and Manchar to Narayangaon. Junnar is about 20 km from Narayangaon.
Day 2
Two of the famous Ashtavinayakas are situated around Junnar. Shri Vigneshwara temple is at Ozar, about 27 km from Junnar. Sri Girijatmaka temple is at Lenyadri, is about 20 km from Junnar, off the Junnar-Malshej route. As the name suggests, it’s located inside a cave carved on top of a hill. There are steps leading to the temple. We returned via Malshejghat (35 km from Lenyadri) and Kalyan to Mumbai. Since it was pouring heavily when we passed Malshej we couldn’t enjoy the numerous waterfalls on the way. We were not prepared to get drenched like the many families we saw on the road.
Shri Vigneshwara temple at Ozar seen from a distance
View from the river bank close to the temple. The first photo was taken from the bridge (see the white car)
A colourful house on the way
Tomato fields
A view of Shivneri Fort
Vineyards
Steps leading to Lenyadri Sri Girijatmaka temple
The temple is in one of the caves
Views from the top
Tomato farm
Villagers going for Ganpati immersion
Road to Malshej
Gushing stream on the way
Ideal for a dip, if you are prepared
Rains prevented us from capturing the beautiful Malshejghat ...
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