- Shivneri
Shivneri Fort is a historic military
fortification located nearJunnar which is around 105 km fromPune , a city in theIndia n state ofMaharashtra . It is known as the birthplace ofShivaji also known as Shivaji Maharaj, who would go on not only to rule Maharashtra but to found theMaratha Empire .Shahaji
Bhonsale , Shivaji's father, was a general in the army of theAdil Shah ,Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wifeJijabai during her pregnancy as there was constant warfare going on.He,therefore moved his family to Shivneri fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly-built citadel.Shivaji was born at the fort on 19 February 1630, and spent his childhood there. Inside the fort is a small temple of goddess Shivai Devi, after whom
Shivaji was named so.He acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while establishing "hindavi swaraj" (self-rule). He learnt the early lessons of "swaraj" on this fort.There are statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji. In the fort there are two water springs, namely Ganga-Jamumna, which have water throughout whole year.Two kilometers away from this fort there are the
lenyadri caves which is one ofAshtavinayaka temple in Maharastra. Also about 3 kilometers away there is a Dhamankhel kulaswami khandoba mandir at dhamankhel village.Near to the fort is Nane ghat to give a great view of Konkan Plateau and natural scenery. Close from here there is another fort named Jivdhan which is famous for trekking. If one goes by the road to the fort he has to go through 7 doors to reach the actual fort.
At the centre of the fort is a water pond which is called 'Badami Talav'. To the South of 'Badami Talav' are the statues Jijabai and child Shivaji.
[http://www.pune.org.uk/excursions/shivneri-fort.html link Fort]
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