We often read the history of Shivaji Maharaj’s feats and achievements at Shivneri or listen to the stories from historians. The songs and historical ballads of his bravery still gives us goose bumps. The stories of his adventures still remind and rewind us to history.
The trade route of Naneghat was very famous in the olden times. Many trades and traders depended on this route for business. Most of the rulers of that time then built fortresses around this route to track it and hold power. Shivneri was also one of them. This fort was first ruled by the Shakas and later by the Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas. Junnar village was a good market for trade on this route of Naneghat and since Shivneri was located near Junnar, it also had unique significance. It was during the reign of the Yadavas that Shivneri attained the glory of becoming a huge fort.
Regular buses are available from the Shivajinagar bus station in Pune to Junnar. On the Pune-Nasik route, one can reach Shivneri near Junnar, via Narayangaon. Enroute from Mumbai, Malshej Ghat offers another track to reach Junnar. From the village of Junnar again, there are two ways to reach the actual fort.
| Location | Junnar, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra |
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| Type of fort | Giridurg (Hill/ Mountain Fort) |
| Height of the fort | 1067 meters above sea level |
| Important Historical Records of Shivneri |
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| Map | Click here |
History
In 1595, when this fort was under the Nizam's territory, Maloji Raje Bhosale was rewarded and conferred with the Shivneri fort and Junnar area in recognition of his loyalty. Shahjiraje and Jijabai's eldest son Sambhaji was married to the daughter of Sidhojirao Vishwasrao, the commander in chief of Shivneri. Later, when Shahjiraje’s wife Jijabai was in her pregnancy, she was sent to Shivneri for safety by him. The Shivneri fort hosts a temple of goddess Shivaai Devi. Jijabai had taken a vow to keep a fast in respect of Bhavani Shivaai Devi. She also vowed that in case she gives birth to a son, she will to name him after the revered goddess.
In due time, Jijabai gave birth to a son and, according to her oath, the child was named Shivaji. This child later became Shivaji Maharaj who not only became a figure of great esteem and respect in Maharashtra but across the entire nation as well. Being Shivaji Maharaj's birth place, Shivjayanti – his birth festival is celebrated here with great fanfare, both as per English and Hindu calendars.
Places to Visit On The Fort :
The Seven-Gate Route : If one takes the path on the left side of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in village of Junnar one can reach the foothills of the Shivneri fort. The route is good enough for vehicle and transport too. One needs to pass through the “seven doors” to reach the fort. First, comes the main door (Maha Darwaaza), second the Peer Darwaaza, third the permit door, fourth the elephant door (Haathi Darwaaza) , fifth is the Sepoy door (Sipahi Darwaaza), sixth the gate door and lastly seventh the Kulaabkar door. As one walks ahead on the fort, one can easily see the Lenyadri Mountain and caves towards the north. These are spread over the Junnar region. Some of them are considered to be the bastions of Lord Ganesh. Lenyadri is one of the eight holy places of Ashtavinayak and thus has regular visitors here throughout the year.
The Chain Route : From the village, a small trail leads you to the wall of the foothills of the fort. With the help of wall-mounted chains, one can reach to the top using the small steps carved in the wall itself. This path is difficult, but it leads to Shivaji Maharaj's birth place directly.
Tourism Arrangements on the Fort : The forest department’s planning and efforts of maintaining cleanliness and green forestry in the fort area is commendable. In particular, the park built on the fort is a great tourist attraction. Electricity and water too are well provided on the fort.
Temple of Goddess Shivaai : While passing through the seven doors mentioned earlier, as soon as one crosses the Sipaahi Darwza, the temple of 'Shivaai Devi' is seen on the right side, deviating from the main road. An idol of Goddess Shivaai adorns the temple. Some caves can also be seen in the premises at the back side. Currently, the renovation work of the temple is underway and the premises have been beautified.
Ambarkhaana (Grain Store) : As soon as one crosses the seven doors to reach the fort, one immediately can see the Ambarkhaana in front. This place was earlier used to stock grains, when the fort was the inhabited with people. However, today it stands in a much dilapidated state and the remains of the same are the living testimony of it.
Koli Chauthara (The Fisherman's Stand) : Moving ahead from Ambarkhaana, there are two ways to go to the fort, one of which leads towards the front-facing mound. A platform or a stand is built on this mound. After defeating the Nizams, the attention of Adil Shahi and the Mughals had swayed from their border areas. Taking advantage of this, the fishermen of the Mahadev tribe tried to reclaim the area. The Mughals captured Shivneri attacking the fishermen in response. The newborn army of the Fishermen clan immediately could not hold stand in front of the mighty Mughals. The Mughals oppressed them terribly. The Fishermen were killed brutally. It is to this genocide that the place owes its name. The place was named "Koli Chauthara" i.e. the fishermen's stand. Over the time, a tomb was erected here with two Persian inscriptions on it, to mark this ruthless event of history.
Shivakunj : The other way out of Ambarkhaana leads to Shivkunj. Multiple water tanks charcterize this route, the famous Ganga Jamuna tank also being one of them. The statue of Jijamata and Baal Shivaji made in Panchdhaatu (alloy of 5 metals) – an initiative of the Maharashtra Government, stands here and is worth a watch. There is a mosque nearby, with an underground tank. Moving ahead, one witnesses the Hamamkhaana (The Royal Bath Blocks). Shivaji Maharaj’s actual birthplace is closely situated in the north direction too.
Shiva Janmasthal (Shivaji’s Birth Place) : Shivaji was born in a room built on the lower floor of a two-storeyed building made of stone. His statue stands tall here. The village of Junnar and its surrounding area can easily be seen from the second floor of this building.
Badami Taaki (The Almond Tank) : Going further from Shivaji’s birthplace towards the execution point(Kadelot Tok), a spherical water tank built completely in stone can be seen. This is the Badami Taaki.
Execution Point(Kadelot Tok) : This spot built on the north side of the fort, was the place where criminals were pushed off the cliff from the fort as a punishment or execution. The Lenyadri mountains appear to be very close from here.
The tales of bravery of the Hindavi Swarjaj founder Shivaji Maharaj are associated with the mountains and valleys of Maharashtra. Most of the mountain forts that witnessed this great history, still stand tall with pride. These forts helped a great deal in the establishment of Swaraj. A stroll on Shivneri to reminisce Shivaji Maharaj’s memories and to witness the architecture here is an unforgettable experience in itself.
