Durg Durgeshwar Raigad

 We learn about history; we speak about history but are we witness of that history?

  These forts are real witness about that great history. Raigad is one of the most important forts in the history of Marathas.

Raigad is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Maharashtra. Trek to Raigad takes about 2 hours to reach the top of the fort. One can experience the splendid natural beauty of Raigad in the monsoon season. June to October is the best season to enjoy the eye-pleasing views of surrounding Sahyadri Mountain Range. In monsoon season, local people set food stalls in between the trekking route of Raigad. Overall, it is an exciting trek. 

History:

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won this fort in 1656 in a battle with Chandrarao More, a feudal lord ruling a part of the Western Ghats. Due to the fort's massive size, steep slopes and easy communication with the mainland and the sea, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj chose this fort as his capital in 1662.Raigad fort 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.

Accessibility:  

Railways: The closest railway station is Veer railway station which is 30km from the fort.

Road: One may take the Mumbai-Goa highway (NH 17) up to a town called Mahad, Mahad is 28 KM from the fort, ST buses and private vehicles are available for transportation.

Way up to the Fort: There are two options to ascend the fort, one may trek their way up the fort, which is a climb of 1450 steps taking about 2-3 hours depending on one's pace and second being the Ropeway, through the ropeway one reaches the mountain top in only 5 minutes while enjoying the scenery around them.

Architecture:    

The true mastermind behind the Raigad Fort architecture was the visionary architect, Hiroji Indulkar. Every nook and cranny of Raigad Fort reflects his architectural expertise. The Durbar Hall that houses the throne of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The Durbar Hall is believed to be an example of an acoustic architectural arrangement. If you whisper anything from any one corner of the Durbar, it can be easily heard at the throne. When you walk out of the Durbar and walk down the lane, you can spot the sculpture of Chhatrapati Shivaji on a throne. It is placed right in the centre of the marketplace. If you walk further to the right, you will find the Jagadishwar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). The samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his loyal dog ‘Waghya’ are placed in the front of the temple.

Time required for trek: 2 hours. 

 Trek level: Medium 

Things to see in Raigad Fort:

• Rani Vasa, a complex consisting of six chambers where Jijabai Shahaji Bhonsle, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji, stayed with other queens.
• Palkhi Darwaza, a special passage used by the King and his convoys.
• Raj Bhavan, the royal court where the king announced his verdicts on trivial matters to the people of his kingdom.
• Raj Sabha or a huge complex where a huge number of people gathered on occasions of joy, sorrow, or importance.
• Royal Bath, a bathing area strictly used by the royal family members. It has an impressive drainage system that is inspired by modern technology, way ahead of its time.
• Watch towers, used to spot enemies from afar.
• Holi Cha Mal, a huge open ground where Holi celebration took place every year.
• Hirakani Buruj, a robust bastion built over a clifftop named after a strong woman who managed to climb the cliff without fear.
• Takmak Tok, a solid gigantic rock cliff at 12,00 feet, which offers picturesque views of the valley.

 

The uniqueness of Raigad 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.

This fort has witnessed various historical events and has managed to retain its old-world charm beautifully. It still flaunts the grandeur of the Marathas through its architecture, which draws a variety of tourists every year. 

प्रौढ प्रताप पुरंदर क्षत्रिय कुलावंतस... सिहांसनाधीश्वर... योगीराज... श्रीमंत श्री छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज की जय!

Let's keep our history alive!!