Truly Picturesque Slice Of History- The Sajjangarh Fort

Sajjangad
Image: MouthShut.com

 

A monumental fort belonging to the 13th century that was owned and captured by rulers of many dynasties including the Adilshah dynasty, the Mughals, British and the great King Shivaji Maharaj

Sajjangarh was known by a different name during each era.

The fort now has a temple which is also the resting place or samadhi of Sadguru Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami (born 1608), a noted 17th-century saint and spiritual poet of Maharashtra.

It houses a museum exhibiting artifacts used by Saint Ramdas including a temple tank with several turtles. The Ramdas Swami Muth and Ram temple here are popular places of worship.

Sajjangad EntranceThe fort is open to devotees from 5.00 am to 9.00 pm every day and the highest points of the fort also provides a panoramic and truly breathtaking view of the nearby region,lakes, verdant hills and villages. The fort is maintained by the Ramdas Swami Sanstha, a trust that has existed from the time of Shri Ramdas Swami.They also offer free lunch or ‘Prasad’ from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Sajjangarh Fort is situated at a distance of 127.4 km from Pune and 273 km from Mumbai via NH4 highway.  

While travelling to the fort one can witness variants of rare flora and fauna that are not seen in the city. The great part is the lush greenery lining the roads and trails that can only be witnessed and enjoyed in the monsoons.

It is around 18 kms from the main town in Satara and can be accessed by road and rail.

samadhi of Sadguru Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami

One can take a bus or train till Rajwada at Satara and then hire a local taxi to Sajjangad.

It is preferable to take a private vehicle and enjoy the lovely weather that this drive is famous for.

The top of the fort is motor-able, though you need to climb around a hundred steps to reach the gate of the fort from the parking area.

Besides the hotels and resorts that offer great accommodation at cheap prices, one can also live at the Dharamshala or Bhaktniwas which is also maintained by the trust.

There are some quaint shops too that sell various artifacts, holy scriptures and books besides the little makeshift ones that offer the seasonal bites including corn, bhajji-pao and chai.

While you are here, take a trip to Thoseghar Falls, Kaas Plateau, Kaas Lake and Pratapgad Fort that make for a good visit. 

The scenic valley and the view of the dam and backwater from behind the temple is excellent, making it a great place for a picnic or a one-day quick getaway in the monsoons.

A perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and positive energy in natural surroundings. Be it a history geek, religious soul or simply a nature lover, this is one tranquil location for all.

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Loveleen Kaur