Shivneri - Shivajis Birthplace

The birth place of the great Maratha ruler has become a pilgrimage of sorts for quite a few history buffs.  Located near Junnar in Pune district, it is a 3 hour drive from Bombay. The drive takes you through a very scenic route amongst lush greenery known as the Malshej Ghat. There is no proper accommodation nearby the fort so the best place to stay would be the MTDC resort near to Malshej. 

rock cut steps leading to the main entrance

 

an old palace now in ruins

There are two routes to climb, one via stone steps carved out of the rock face and the other via a rough hazardous path.  Enroute the pathways are littered with a variety of minerals and occasional volcanic strata, a delight for a geologist. A strong rock face on one side and a steep drop on the other had made this fort very difficult to conquer for many an invader.

one of the several Gates to the fort - the Ganesh Gate

As you start your climb you are taken in by the numerous huge gates guarding the precincts against invaders, a local guide informed us that there were 7 such doors known as Maha Darwaza, Parvangicha Darwaza, Hatti Darwaza, Peer Darwaza, Shipai Darwaza, Phatak Darwaza and Kulambkat Darwaza. The sheer size and massiveness of some of them leave you awestruck . You need to be careful about the monkeys on the trails as they may make a grab for your bags assuming there is something worth eating inside

the plaque on the memorial

the view from inside the palace where Shivaji was born

Shivaji was born here on February 19, 1630. He was named Shivaji after the residing deity Goddess Shivai, who is believed to have been his custodian and protector.   At the center of the fort is a water pond which is called 'Badami Talav'. Closeby to the 'Badami Talav' are the statues of his mother Jijabai and a young Shivaji. In the fort there are two water springs, called Ganga and Yamuna, which have water throughout the year.  A small palace like structure now stands at the place where Shivaji was born. A Plaque engraved on the wall elaborates on the historic significance of the place

 

 

on the summit overlooking the palace and memorial