Pargad Heritage Run
🏰 Pargad Fort – A Historic and Strategic Legacy
Location: Chandgad, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
Height: 2,420 feet
Fort Type: Hill Fort
Fort Range: Kolhapur
Difficulty Grade: Medium
Area: 48 sq. km
📖 Historical Background
Pargad Fort is a strategically significant hill fort located on the border of Maharashtra and Goa. Built in 1676 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after his successful campaign against the Portuguese of Goa, the fort was established to keep a vigilant eye on the territories of Adilshah, the Portuguese, and the Khems of Sawantwadi. Shivaji Maharaj personally attended the inauguration of the fort and appointed Rayba Malusare, son of Tanaji Malusare, as the fort’s keeper along with a garrison of 500 soldiers. Shivaji Maharaj’s command was clear — the fort was to be protected at any cost until the end of time.
In 1681, the fort withstood an attack by Shahazada Muazzam and Khawas Khan, though Vithoji Malwe, the head of the arms warehouse, was martyred during the battle. His shrine was later built on the fort. After the Maratha rule, the fort came under the control of the Chhatrapati of Kolhapur. The British continued paying salaries to the fort’s garrison leaders until 1949.
🏰 Architectural Highlights and Structures
- Fortified Walls – The fort’s east, west, and north sides are lined with cut stone walls. The southern side features a steep valley descent.
- Rock Cut Steps – The fort can be accessed via 360 stone steps that lead to the top.
- Bastions – The fort features multiple bastions, including:
- Bhalekar, Fadnis, Mahadev (on the west-north wall)
- Malwe, Bhande, Jhende (strategically positioned for defense)
- Cannon Remnants – Three cannons can be seen near the entrance.
- Hanuman Temple – Located near the main entrance, facing a stone shrine.
- Vitthal Rukmini Temple – Built during Shivaji Maharaj’s reign using stones from the Gandaki River in Nepal. Its structure resembles the Bhavani Temple at Pratapgad.
- Ganesh Temple – An ancient temple located behind the Vitthal Rukmini Temple.
- Shivaji Maharaj Statue – A prominent statue of Shivaji Maharaj on horseback stands proudly within the fort premises.
- Ancient Wells and Tanks – The fort houses 17 ancient wells, of which only 4 are currently functional.
- Shrine of Vithoji Malwe – Built to honor Vithoji Malwe, who was martyred in 1681.
🌄 Natural Beauty and Landscape
- Surrounded by dense forests and valleys, the fort offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range.
- The area is rich in biodiversity, with medicinal plants, unique flora, and several bird species.
- During the monsoon season, the fort is enveloped in mist, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.
- The fort’s cool climate and abundant greenery make it a perfect trekking and exploration destination.
🚶♂️ Trekking and Accessibility
Trekking Routes:
- The trek to Pargad Fort begins at the base village and includes 360 stone steps leading to the fort.
- The trek takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- The route is lined with dense forest and steep rock faces, making it moderately challenging.
How to Reach:
- By Road:
- Reach Chandgad from Kolhapur or Belgaum.
- State transport (ST) buses are available from Chandgad to Isapur and Pargad base.
- By Private Vehicle:
- From Belgaum, take the route via Shinoli – Patane – Motanwadi.
- Parking is available at the fort base.
🍴 Accommodation and Food Facilities
✅ Accommodation: Available on the fort (basic level).
✅ Drinking Water: Potable water is available from the fort’s wells and tanks.
❌ Food: No food facility available; carry your own supplies.
🌟 Fascinating Historical Figures and Artifacts
- Balkrishna Malusare – The 11th-generation descendant of Tanaji Malusare.
- Kondaji Shelar – Descendant of Shelar Mama (an important figure in Shivaji’s army).
- Kanhoba Malwe – Descendant of Vithoji Malwe.
- Ancient Weapons and Artifacts:
- Tanaji Malusare’s sword and Shivaji Maharaj’s shell necklace are preserved by the descendants.
- Similar necklaces are kept at the Royal Palace of Satara, Bhavani Temple at Pratapgad, Mahalakshmi Temple at Kolhapur, and Bhavani Temple at Tuljapur.
- During Dussehra and the Hindu month of Maagh, ancient weapons and artifacts are displayed to the public.
🎯 Key Attractions and Landmarks:
✅ Shivaji Maharaj Statue
✅ Vitthal Rukmini Temple
✅ Ganesh Temple
✅ Hanuman Temple
✅ Ancient Cannons
✅ 360 Stone Steps
✅ 17 Ancient Wells
✅ Mahadev and Bhavani Temples
✅ Shrine of Vithoji Malwe
✅ Shrine of Lady Tulsibai Malwe (built in 1680)
🔍 Interesting Facts:
- Pargad Fort was one of the few forts where Shivaji Maharaj himself was present during the inauguration.
- The fort played a key role in safeguarding the western front of the Maratha Empire against Portuguese and Adilshahi invasions.
- Pargad Fort remains one of the best-preserved forts in Maharashtra, reflecting the strategic brilliance of the Marathas.
💡 Why Visit Pargad Fort?
✔️ Immerse yourself in Maratha history and military architecture.
✔️ Experience the thrill of trekking through misty trails and ancient pathways.
✔️ Witness the spiritual and architectural legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
✔️ Discover rare artifacts and relics of the Maratha Empire.
➡️ Explore the Glory of Maratha History – Experience the Spirit of Pargad Fort! 🌳🏃♂️🏅
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