Sajjangad: More Than Just a Historical Site
Residence of Samarth Ramdas Swami
Height of Sajjangad Fort: 3350
Type of Fort : Giridurg
Hill Range: Shambhumahadev, Satara
District : Satara
Category : Medium
Sajjangad Fort Sajjangad Photos
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Sajjangarh – Witness the holy footsteps of Samarth Ramdas
Sajjangarh Fort, situated at the foothills of Sahyadri, is a historical place consecrated by the footsteps of Samarth Ramdas. Describing the beauty and historical significance of this fort, poet Anant Kavi says, “Sahyadrigiri’s section is vilse, mandar shrungapari…” The beauty of Sajjangarh’s proximity to nature stands out in these lines.
Sajjangarh Fort stands in the valley of Urmodi alias Urvashi river just ten km southwest of Satara city. The history of this fort is very ancient. This fort was an important fort during the time of Shivaji Maharaj. Samarth Ramdas visited this fort and stayed here for some time. This soil sanctified by his footsteps is still a center of faith for devotees. Sajjangarh Fort is built on a hill and its architecture is worth seeing. The walls of the fort are very strong.
The fort has many gates, towers and cells. Coming down from the fort is the Urvashi river. By going to Sajjangarh fort, we can enjoy Samarth Ramdas’ Samadhi, fort walls, towers, cells, the beauty and nature of the Urvashi river.
Sajjangad Fort
History:
*A mythological beginning: In ancient times, this mountain was home to sage Ashvalayana. The fort got the name ‘Ashwalayangad’ from his name. Over time, this name was corrupted and came to be known as ‘Aswalgad’.
*Artwork of Raja Bhoja: In the 11th century, Shilahar Raja Bhoja built this fort. Many examples of his sculptures are still visible in this fort.
*Significance of Parli: Due to Parli village at the base of the fort, the fort was also called ‘Parli Fort’. Parli was not just a village, but the cultural and commercial center of the region.
* Mention in history: This fort is mentioned during the reign of the fourth Bahmani king Mahmud Shah. Later it went under the control of Adil Shah. Until 1632, Fazal Khan was the fort chief.
*Shivaji Maharaj’s Conquest: On 2 April 1673, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the fort from Adil Shah and incorporated it into the Maratha Empire. After this victory, the importance of this fort increased.
Sajjangad Fort
Important events:
* Shivaraya’s request and naming: Shivaraya requested Samarth Ramdas to reside permanently at Sajjangarh. After this the fort was named as “Sajjangarh”.
*Darshan after coronation: Shivarai came to Sajjangarh after his coronation and took darshan of Samarth.
*Sambhaji Maharaj’s visit and escape: On 3/11/1678, Shivaraya sent his son Sambhaji Maharaj to Sajjangad for the guidance of Samarth. However, on 3/12/1678, Sambhaji Maharaj escaped and got Diler Khan.
*Establishment of Sri Ramamurthy and death of Samartha: After the death of Shivarai, Sri Ramamurthy was established at Sajjangarh on 18 January 1682. A few days later, i.e. on 22 January 1682, Samarth Ramdas died.
*Distribution of powers: Samarth left all the powers after him to Diwakar Gosavi, while the management of the fort was entrusted to Bhanji Varamji Gosavi.
*Dispute: During the time of Sambhaji Maharaj, there was a dispute between Uddhav Gosavi and Bhanji, Ramji Gosavi over distribution of money and goods at Sajjangarh.
* Role of Sambhaji Maharaj: Sambhaji Maharaj wrote a letter to Uddhav Gosavi and clearly said that he should not do injustice to Bhanji and Ramji. He should obey Sri Swami and put an end to the dispute.
Sajjangad Fort
The letter written by Sambhaji Maharaja reads as follows:
“Sri Swami had also given instructions before the completion of the incarnation of the Deity. Still Uddhav Gosavi is harassing Bhanji and Ramji Gosavi with greed for money without need. It is known that you have sent letters and clothes to Uddhav Gosavi from Bhanji and Ramji. So what is your reason for such action?” And why is there a need to disturb Uddhav Gosavi? Do not allow Uddhav Gosavi to disturb the clothes and money There is no need for further confusion or controversy, without any unnecessary distance or hindrance, live according to this letter.”
Later, on 21 April 1700, Fatehullah Khan besieged Sajjangarh. On 6th June 1700, Sajjangarh was captured by the Mughals and renamed as “Naurastara”. In 1709 Marathas recaptured the fort. In 1818, the fort fell into the hands of the British.
Sajjangad Fort
Places to visit:
On entering the fort, the first gate is known as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Dwar’. This door is in the south-east direction. And because the second door faces east, it is also called ‘Samarthdwar’. Even today these doors are closed after 10 pm. After entering through the second door, there is an inscription right in front, the Marathi translation of which reads as follows:
1) Wealth is showing its face through your door.
2) Courage is making all the flowers bloom by her work.
3) You are the place of removal of confusion, but again free of confusion.
4) All distractions are removed from you.
5) The foundation of the gate of the fort building was laid on 3 Janadilakhar. Adilshah Rehan did this work.
Sajjangad Fort
The steps leading to the fort end at a tree. From this tree a path goes to the right. After 5 minutes further along this path, there is a rampage. It was the place of seclusion of the Ramghal Samarths.
Turn left after entering the fort. Just in front you will see “Ghodale Thale” (water storage tank for horses). There is a mosque-like building at the back of the Ghodale pond. Opposite is the temple of “Anglai Devi”. This goddess was found along with the Ram idol of Dohat and Chafal in Angapura. There is a flagpole in front of the temple. After seeing the temple go back to the pond and go straight ahead.
On the way there will be a restaurant and Shri Samarth’s office and Dharamshala. In front of the Dharamshala is the “Golden Pond”, the water of which is used for drinking. At the back of the pond is a flower garden. Follow the path that leads in front of the Sonale pond and you will reach the temple premises.
In front is “Maruti Mandir in Pethe” and near it is “Sridhar Kuti” Ashram. To the right is the “Sri Rama Mandir,” the monastery of the Samarthas and the adjacent room where all the objects of the Samarthas are kept. After seeing all this, exit from the front gate of the temple and turn left. You will first need the “Brahmapisa” temple, and further on there is the “Maruti of Dhaba” temple. The fort is in front of it. The view of the whole area here is very beautiful. It takes around two hours to visit the fort.
Sajjangad Fort Sajjangad Photos
Ways to reach the fort:
There are two ways to reach the fort, one of which is by vehicle:
1) From Parli:
– Distance from Satara to Parli is 10 KM. You have to climb steps to reach the fort from Parli. After about 780 steps one will reach the gate of the fort. It takes about an hour to reach the fort from Parli.
2) From Gajwadi:
– On the Satara-Parli road, there is Gajwadi village at a distance of 3 km from Parli itself. From Gajwadi you can go directly to the top of the fort by car. When arriving by car, one has to climb 100 steps to reach the gate. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the fort from the road.
Sajjangad Fort Sajjangad Photos
Accommodation:
1) Rooms are available for staying at the fort through Shri Samarth Seva Mandal office.
2) The fort also has a Dharamshala.
3) Sajjangarh (Service Board) rooms are also available for accommodation.
Dining Facilities:
Dining facilities are available at the fort.
Water facility:
Drinking water is available round the clock at the fort.
Travel Time:
It takes 1 hour by foot and 15 minutes by car from Parli village.
