Raigad - Capital of Maratha Empire

 Raigad

    Raigad district is a district in the western part of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The old name of this district was Colaba district. It got its name from the fort named Colaba in the district. When Barrister Antulay was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he changed his name to Raigad.

    Raigad district, also spelled Raigad district, is a district in the state of Maharashtra, India. The district headquarters is Alibaug. This district was earlier called Colaba district, but it was renamed as Raigad which used to be the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji and where he built Raigad fort. This fort comes in the city of Mahad, which is about 200 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Goa highway. The fort stands on a mountain at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level.

    In this district, you can see the ancient historical buildings, the beaches that attract tourists, the free flow of nature, the attractive places in the Western Ghats. The historic Elephanta Caves at Gharapuri still mark you today as witnesses to the rich culture of that time.

    The magnificent and chiseled forts of different periods in Raigad district still survive today… Raigad fort, Murud. Janjira fort, Colaba fort Sudhagad fort still fascinates us. Due to the different cultural traditions, languages, religions that exist in this district today, the citizens of this district have created their own identity of the district.

    Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University of Technology is the only technology university in Maharashtra located in Raigad district!

    There are many small and big islands like Gharapuri, Colaba, Janjira, Khanderi, Underi, Casa, Karanja. Some places in Raigad district used to be inhabited by Bene-Israeli Jews. The Agari community lives in large numbers in this district.

    Rice is the main crop in Raigad district. Most of the area under cultivation is 70% of the area under cultivation, followed by Nachani and Wari in some areas. Mango is cultivated in the soil, kokum (ratambi) trees are also planted here and their yield is obtained. Due to the wide coastline of the district, natural fisheries is the main occupation here. Renava, Pedwe, Paplet, Surmai, Bangada, Curly, Ravas, Hyde, Saranga, these types of fish are found in large quantities in the sea here. Advanced technology and mechanical boats have made fishing easier and easier than ever before

    Raigad district has a large number of industrial estates and is developing industrially. Rohe, Panvel, Karjat, Pen, Sudhagad talukas cover about one fourth of the total geographical area. There is free movement of wildlife in these forests and animals like tiger, sambar, fox, wild boar are found here.

Trees like Mango, Chinch, Ain, Khair, Saag are found in these forests. The power station at Khopoli is gaining recognition as the first hydropower plant in the state of Maharashtra.

Two of the Ashtavinayak temples of Ganapati are located in this district. 1) Ballaleshwar at Pali 2) Varadavinayak at Mahad near Khopoli.

Must Visit Places in Raigad :

1. Raigad Fort
2. Mahad
3. Pali
4. Matheran
5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
6. Elephanta Caves
7. Shrivardhan
8. Khopoli
9. Murud-Janjira Fort
10. Sudhagad 

Raigad Fort :

    Raigad fort is one of the historical forts of the district and the number of tourists visiting this place is increasing day by day. This fort was formerly known as Rairi but Shivaji Maharaj himself named it Raigad.

    Raigad, invincible, huge and huge, is invincible and is also known as Gibraltar. Chhatrapati Shivaji made Raigad his capital due to the beauty of the fort, its huge size, the fort being surrounded by Sahyadri mountains for four reasons and obeying the wishes of his father Shahaji Raje. Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took place here on 6th June 1674, when the famous scholar Gagabhatta of Kashi crowned him. Maharaj lived here during his last days and he also ended up at this fort. Shivaji Maharaj's Samadhi is also on this Raigad.

    While visiting this fort, Jijabai's mansion of Pachad, Mahadarwaja, Mashidmorcha, Khubaldha Buruj, Nana Darwaza, Chordindi, Hatti Talao, Stambh, Palkhi Darwaza, Mena Darwaza, Raj Bhavan, Gangasagar Talao, Shirkai Deul, Maharaj's Samadhi, Jagadishwar Temple, Waghdarwaza, Kushavart talav, Hirkani Tok, Takmak Tok, Vaghya Kutryachi Samadhi should be visited.

    You have to climb 1400.1500 steps to reach the fort. Now a ropeway has also been arranged at this place.

Mahad :

    Two of the Ashtavinayakas are in Raigad district and a large number of devotees are seen here to pay their respects.

    This temple of Varadavinayaka in Mahad village in Khalapur taluka near Khopoli village would have been full of devotees for 12 months. It is said that this temple was renovated in 1725 by Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa commander. In addition to the Varadavinayaka temple, you can see four elephant idols as guards around the temple.

    There are also idols of Navagraha devta, Shivling of Mahadev and Mushka installed. Large queues of devotees can be seen here on Maghi Chaturthi

Pali :

    Ballaleshwar of Pali is the eighth Ganapati among the Ashtavinayakas. The idol of Ballaleshwar is facing east and the rays of Suryanarayana fall on the idol in the morning. This form of the left sonde idol is very attractive and you can see real diamonds in the eye of this idol.

    Earlier, the entire temple was built in a wooden structure in 1760. Later, Mr. Fadnis rebuilt the temple in a stone structure and a new temple came into shape. It is said that this temple was renovated by Moreshwar Vitthal Sindkar in 1640. The most ancient bell that can be seen in this temple is the one that Chimaji Appa got from Sasti and defeated the Portuguese in the battle of Vasai and it has been built in this temple.

    This temple in Pali village is about 60 km from Karjat in Raigad district, is at a distance. This shrine is very close to Amba river and Sagargad fort.

Matheran :

    Matheran is a cool place in Raigad district. About 803 m. Or Matheran is situated on a plateau 2600 feet high. The whole head is covered with variety as well as dense bushes and red footpaths. Most of the plateaus here have collapsed to the east-west and south. These edges are called points. The names of these points were given by the English who founded Matheran, so the names of those points are in English.

    Matheran is a separate mountain range, slightly detached from the main range of the Sahyadri. This mountain range starts from Malang fort of Kalyan. 

    The climate of Matheran is not too cold or too hot. There are 150 types of trees in the forests of Matheran. There are various species of medicinal plants. This forest is divided into evergreen and semi-evergreen. Therefore, Jambul, Hirda, Behda, Khair and Pandhari trees are suitable for high rainfall.

    The highest number of monkeys is found in Matheran. Like monkeys, cats, deer and rabbits are here. In addition, leopards sometimes come up from the lower forest; But they are not heard of harassing people. Rarely is a cow or a goat killed by a leopard. Birds like Bulbul, Dayal, Lark, Copper, Kingfisher, Cormorant, Robin, Barbet etc. are found in large numbers in the bird life here. Paradise Flycatcher is a white, long-tailed bird.

    Some tourist point of Matheran are :

•  Charlotte Lake - 

                                        About 1 to 1.5 km from the market. I In the distance is this pond. The main reservoir of water on Matheran is sharlote point. During the monsoons, the reservoir begins to overflow. The force of the waterfall that forms at that time does not last long without hitting the chest. Charlotte Lake has no choice but to spend the evening well into the rest of the season.

•  Panorama point - 

                                        This point is at the northern end and has a valley to its east and west. To the east, you can see Neral, while to the west, you can see Gadeshwar Lake and the road to Panve. Only for watching the sunrise many people come here. But the sunset can also be seen from here, as there is a sun set point to the west. Apart from this, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Maldunga Point, Hart Point are all to the west of Panorama Point, from all these points the sunset looks great. If you reach the panorama before 6 in the morning, you can see the sunrise. The longest distance from Panorama Market is 5.5 km. I Is at a distance. Mountberry is just as long. Hajimalang, Chanderi, Peb are one after the other. Below this is the fort of Peb. If you stand facing Peb, you can see Gadeshwar Lake in the western valley on the left. Neral to the east and the main Sahyadri range from Siddhagad to Bhimashankar to Khandala can be seen in front.

•  Sunset Point or Porcupine - 

                                                           The hill in front of this point is Prabalgad. It is also rich in forest resources. But due to lack of water reserves, it could not become a place of cool air. It is understood that during the British rule, the British tried to make Prabalgad a hill station. Adjacent to the main plateau of Prabalgad is a small cone. The sunset is usually between these cones and plateaus. The distance from the market or post office is about 3.5 km. Is. You can reach the top by trekking through the tiger enclosure below Sunset Point.

• Louisa Point - 

                                  This point is west of Matheran. From here also the view of Prabalgad can be seen in front. 3.5 km from the market. This is the point at the distance. Apart from Luiza, the same scene is seen from small and big points like Chinoy, Rustumji, Malang, Honeymoon. Echo, Edward, King George are the points on the road from Louisa to Charlotte Lake.

•  Echo point - 

                                Due to the huge sloping wall in front of it, an echo is heard here when sound produced, hence this echo point. Many even bring firecrackers to enjoy the echoes.

• Square point - 

                                  This point is south of Matheran. Below here the village of Chowk is visible, hence the name. 4 km from Chowk Point Market is at a distance.

•  One Tree Hill Point - 

                                            Near Chowk Point is One Tree Hill Point. Chowk village can be seen from here. In front of this point is a deep ravine that will make your eyes glaze over. At first glance, it looks like a small footpath leading to a cone through a small ravine. This cone is separated from the main mountain. There was only one tree on this cone for many years. This cone is One Tree Hill Point. Now a lot of shrubs seem to have grown. From here, Mallet first came to Matheran by a road called Shivaji Ladder.

    From here, Khandala, Rajmachi, Nagfani are the ends of the main Sahyadri range. Also seen are Manikgad, Karnala, Ersalgad which is very close.

One Tree Hill Point is 3.5 km from the market. Is at a distance. Getting to the market from here takes Charlotte Lake, Alexander Point, Rambagh Point. There is usually only one view from here.

•  Garbat Point - 

                                  This is a big but neglected point in Matheran. The road to this point is very beautiful. It is a valley on one side and a forest on the other. Still, not many people come here. The sunrise also looks good from here. The road from Karjat comes to Matheran from Garbat Point.

Its distance from the market is 5 km. 

•  Dastur or Mountberry Point - 

                                                            This point is near the entrance of Matheran where the trains stop. To reach Matheran beyond this point, one has to go on foot or on horseback.

•  Rambagh Point
•  Alexander Point
•  Madhavji Point
• Monkey Point
•  Heart point
• Maldunga Point
•  Chinoy Point
•  Rustumji Point
• Malang Point
•  Edward Point
•  King George's Point
•  Little Square Point 

    The train to Matheran runs through the gorge between this ‘Peb’ and the best-known panorama point in Matheran. By making a detour to this point, it enters Matheran. This favorite car of the little ones climbs up from Neral. It covers a distance of 21 km in two hours. One of the major attractions of this trip to Matheran is to enjoy this small train journey.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary :

    The area around Karnala fort near Panvel city is famous for its bird diversity. This area is protected as Karnala Sanctuary.

    About 125-150 species of birds are found in Karnala in a year. About 12 sq. Km. A bird sanctuary has been set up in the area. This sanctuary is situated at a distance of 12 km from Panvel, in the valley of Patalganga, in the five crores of Apte-Kalhaya and Ransai-Chinchwan villages. Fifty-five different birds can be seen whenever you visit this place. Many birds like Malabar, Whistling Thrush, Cuckoo, Fly Catcher, Bhoradya, Tambat, Kotwal, White-backed Vulture, Dayal Shahinasana, Titvi, Heron are found. The sanctuary has three layers of forest. In the lower part there are shrubs like Dinda, Wawding, Karvi. Pangara, Bahawa, Taman are abundant in the central part while Jambul, Sag, Mango and Ain trees are found in the highlands. In addition to birds, there are also animals such as hogs, cats, monkeys, rabbits, etc.

    The sanctuary is located in Panvel taluka of Raigad district, 62 km from Mumbai. Is at a distance. It is the first bird sanctuary in Maharashtra. Birds like Peacock, Bulbul, Dayal, Bhardwaj, Pheasant, Eagle, Eagle, Parrot, Carpenter, Kotwal, Bahiri Sasana, Shahbaz etc. are found in it.

    Along with the bird watching, the main attraction of this sanctuary is the Karnala fort. The fort is a major attraction for trekkers and hikers as the nature path leading to the fort is through difficult and rocky terrain. The Hariyal and Mortaka trails, which are located east of the National Highway, are important for bird watching. Garmal, another nature trail west of the sanctuary's national highway, is home to a wide variety of vegetation.

    Karnala fort is 445 meters above sea level. The ramparts are lined with hillsides, traversing the shadows of dense forests and the melodies of birds. Entering through it, one can feel the grandeur of the cone which looks like a thumb below. The water tank in the belly of the cone amazes. In Prabalgad, Matheran, Rajmachi, Malanggad, Manikgad temples, Karnala fort is still a center of attraction not only for birds but also for tourists.

Elephanta Caves :

    The Gharapuri Caves (Marathi: Gharapurichi Leni; English: Elephanta) are a site located about 12 km from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, India, which is famous for its artistic caves. There are a total of seven caves here. The main cave has 26 pillars, in which Shiva is carved in many forms. These sculptures made by cutting hills are inspired by South Indian sculpture. Its historical name is Gharpuri. The name is derived from the original name Agraharpuri. The name Elephanta was given by the Portuguese because of the stone elephant built here. There are idols of many deities of Hindu religion. These temples are built by cutting the hills. There are nine huge idols of Lord Shankar that show the various forms and actions of Lord Shankar. Among them, the Trimurti statue of Shiva is the most attractive. This idol is 23 or 24 feet long and 17 feet high. This idol depicts three forms of Lord Shankar. Unparalleled seriousness is seen on the face of Lord Shankar in this idol.

    The second idol is of the Panchamukhi Parameshwara form of Shiva, in which there is a kingdom of peace and gentleness. Another idol is of Ardhanarishvara form of Shankar ji, in which a beautiful combination of philosophy and art has been done. In this statue the two great forces of Purusha and Prakriti have been merged. In this, Shankar is shown standing tall and his hand is shown in abhaya mudra. The tridhara of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is depicted flowing from his hair. An idol of Sadashiv is circular in four faces. Here the Bhairav ​​form of Shiva is also depicted beautifully and Lord Shiva is also shown in the pose of Tandava dance. There is movement and acting in this scene. For this reason, in the opinion of many people, the statues of Elephanta are considered to be the best and unique. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati is also beautifully depicted here.  In 1987, the Elephanta Caves have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

    This stone-crafted temple complex is spread over an area of ​​about 6,000 square feet, consisting of a main hall, two side halls, courtyard and two secondary temples. These majestic caves have beautiful embossed sculptures, sculptures as well as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These caves are carved out of solid stone. These caves are said to have been built by the kings of the Silhara dynasty (8100–1260) from the ninth century to the thirteenth century. Many artifacts are made by the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Manyakhet.

Shriwardhan :

•     Somjai Mata Mandir:

                                                This famous temple is the main temple of Shrivardhan and the temple of Shrivardhan's village goddess Devi Somjai. The temple is located in the heart of the city and at the foot of Tambadi hill. The original temple is ancient and is said to have been founded by Agastya Muni. This is a perfect example of ancient craftsmanship. The main temple of the Goddess, a large porch and the courtyard outside the temple is an extension. Devotees are believed to have embers of the Goddess on their bodies, so that evil spirits go away.

• Mr. Laxminarayan Temple:

                                                        Shri Laxminarayan Temple in Shrivardhan is famous. The idol of Vishnu, which is an amazing example of sculpture, is a must see. The black stone idol, about two feet high, is of South Indian style and dates back to the Shilahar period. It looks shiny because of the stone glaze. Vishnuvahana Garuda is at the right foot of this idol and Lakshmi is at the left foot. Apart from this, victory is also standing on both sides. Dashavatars are carved on both sides of Kirtimukha on the effect. This idol belongs to Sridhara in the order of the weapons in the hands of Vishnu (Padma, Chakra, Gada, Conch). But being with Lakshmi may be called Laxminarayan. Carving of necklaces, crowns and impressions, carvings of weapons is an ideal example of fine craftsmanship. From the entrance to the auditorium, a wooden inscription can be seen on the second square. We can easily read this text in Devanagari script. From this it is understood that the temple was renovated on March 29, 1775. On the back wall of the temple, there is still a shlok in the daily prayers of the Peshwa family. There is an eagle idol in a small dome in front of the temple and there is a Maruti temple next door.

Khopoli :

    Under the leadership of Jamshetji Tata, Tata Power commissioned the first major hydropower project at Khopoli. Tata Power has decided to commission a 120 MW project by the end of the century and will add 450 MW to the existing 450 MW capacity in the future. Tata Power's first 12 MW hydropower plant was commissioned on February 9, 1915 at Khopoli. Tata entered the power generation sector with this project which supplies power to Mumbai. On the occasion of this centenary, Tata aims to provide pollution-free energy. With the inauguration of the Tata Power Skill Development Institute, two lakh skilled workers will be created by 2025. The aim is to save Rs 100 crore through the youth participating in the Club Energy program. The target is to generate about 25 per cent of electricity from non-polluting energy sources. 

Murud-Janjira Fort :

    Janjira Fort is located near Murud village in Raigad district of Konkan, Maharashtra, popularly known as Murud-Janjira Fort. Its specialty is hidden in the name of this fort itself, in fact Janjira is an aberration of the Arabic word 'Jajira', which means - island.

    This fort, built at a height of 90 feet above sea level, is also known as "Island Fort", due to being surrounded by water from all four sides. This fort is famous not only in India but in the world for its construction and every year lakhs of tourists come to see it. Janjira Fort is the only fort on the west coast of India, which the British, Portuguese, Shivaji Maharaj, and Sambhaji Maharaj made a lot of effort to conquer this fort. But no one could conquer this fort.

    The structure of this fort is such that there were many attacks to capture it but no one could enter inside this fort. This is the reason why this 350 year old fort is also known as Ajinkya Fort, which literally means - invincible. Surrounded by 40 feet high walls, this fort is built on an island in the Arabian Sea.

Sudhagad :

    Sudhagad ha Bharatachya a fort coming to the state of Maharashtra. Sudhagad Mhanje Bhor Sansthanache Vaibhav. Eastern or Gadala Bhorap Asehi Mahnat Asat. The founder of Pudhe Hindavi Swarajya is Shri Shivchatrapatincha Padsparsha or Gadala Jhala and Yache Nao Sudhagad Thevle Gele. Or Gadachi is generally 590 meters high. Jhadamdhe lapelela ha gad vistarane farch motha ahe. Or the Gadavar Janyasathi three major Vata.

    Sudhagad fort is very ancient. The Thanale Caves that exist in this area are 2200 years old.  There are many references in the Puranas that Bhrigu sages lived here. It was these sages who established Goddess Bhorai on this mountain.

    When Shivaji Maharaj conquered Adilshahi Mulukh in 1657-58, the fort on Sudhagad must have joined the Swarajya. Naro Mukund Sabnis had a fort.  It is said that this fort was also considered by Shivaraya for the capital.

    In 1694, it is mentioned that, Jadhav and Sarnaik first climbed the fort under Sardar Maloji Bhosale. Haibtrao climbed on the backs of these holders. Sambhajirao went ahead and went to the head. Panchvisa went ahead and patrolled. Bokdasile's guard hit. Later he went to the stage of Bhorai and the fort keepers and people came running from his sadra.

    Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje and Aurangzeb's rebellious son Akbar had met in the village of 'Pachhapur' at the foot of the fort. On the day of Bhadrapad Purnima, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raja gave elephant feet to Annaji Dutto, Balaji instead of Chitnis, his son instead of Ballal, and Hiroji Farjand in the Ashta Pradhan Mandal of Maharaj.

    The perimeter of this fort is large. There are many lakes of water on the fort. The forest is also very good here. Many types of medicinal plants are found in the surrounding forest area. There is a temple of Bhoreshwar on the side of the Pant Secretary's palace on the fort. Going further from there, there is a burglar well. From the secretary's palace, steps lead to the temple of Bhorai Devi. If you leave this path and take the lower path, then there are water tanks ahead. The water in these tanks is suitable for drinking. The thief on the left side of the tank was going to the door. This wait no longer exists.

•     Pachhapur Gate: If you enter the fort through this gate, after climbing a little, you reach a plateau. On the left side of the plateau is the temple of Siddheshwar, as well as granaries, rented tanks, constable ponds and elephant ponds. On the right you can see the natural ramparts of the fort.

• Takmak Toka on the fort: You come up from the fort with the help of steps. It is similar to 'Takmak' on Raigad. Standing on this end, you can see Ghangad, Korigad and oil wells standing in front. Also the river Amba and the villages around the river can be seen.

•     Mahadarwaja: The path coming from Swashni Ghat leads to Mahadarwaja. There are 2 doors before Mahadarwaja. There is a water tank on the left as you go up the first door. Mahadarwaja is an exact replica of 'Mahadarwaja' on Raigad. This is the gateway to the fort. The structure of this gate is of Gomukhi construction. Hiding in two gigantic bastions, this gate has gained great protection. At the back of the fort, there is a burglary well. It has a basement. There is also a stealth to get down from the fort in times of crisis. There are several tombs at the back of the temple of Goddess Bhorai. They have beautiful carvings on them.