Mahauli, Palasgad, Bhandargad Fort Information in English
• Location:
In the Thane district of Maharashtra state, near Shahapur and close to Asangaon, in the Sahyadri mountain range, you can see three connected forts at one place. These are the twin forts named Mahauli, Palasgad, and Bhandargad.
• Height:
The height of Mahauli Fort from sea level is approximately 2815 feet, and it is the highest peak fort in Thane district.
• Routes to reach the fort:
• From Mumbai, one can reach Mahauli Fort via Thane and then via Padgha to Asangaon.
• If coming via Nashik, one can travel through Igatpuri – Kasara Ghat to Shahapur, and from there proceed to Asangaon to reach Mahauli Fort.
• Places to see on Mahauli Fort:
• At the base of Mahauli Fort, there is a Ganesh temple. From there, two routes can be seen. Through the arched entrance path, one can proceed towards Mahauli Fort. Front you will find the Forest Department office, where you need to take an entry ticket and then continue towards the fort.
• From near the Nature Tourism Center, while walking ahead through the forest trail towards Mahauli Fort, one gets to see the scenic beauty of the Sahyadri. Also, information about forest resources can be obtained.
• Wooden bridge:
While going through the forest towards the fort, a wooden bridge has been built over a flowing stream. By crossing it, one can proceed further towards the fort.
• Fortification (Ramparts):
Bastions and fortification
After climbing for about two hours on foot, we reach near the fort’s fortification. Upon reaching there, the saffron flag fluttering on the flagpole at the top can be seen.
• Ladder route:
Near the fortification, an iron ladder has been installed to reach the upper part of the fort. Through that route, we can go to the fort.
• Water tanks:
While constructing the fort, stones from the lower areas were extracted and used for building the structures and fortification. At that place, water storage tanks were created. The stored water in them was used throughout the year.
• Temple remains and Mahadev Pindi:
Moving ahead from the water tanks on Mahauli Fort, at some distance, a Mahadev Pindi and some ruins can be seen, which appear to be neglected over time.
• Statue of Chhatrapati Shivray:
Further, while going towards the main entrance of the fort, a recently installed statue of Chhatrapati Shivray can be seen. After seeing, we can proceed towards the main gate.
• Mahauli Fort Main Gate:
Gomukh style pathway
Guard chambers
A large portion of the fort’s main gate is seen to be in ruins. The construction of this gate is in Gomukh style. Due to this structure, it was difficult for enemies to breach the gate. Gomukh means the curve formed when a cow licks its calf. Because of this, the gate remains protected from the inside and is not easily visible from the bastions. The upper part of the gate has collapsed, and only standing remains are left. The debris of the upper portion and the stones of the fortification can be seen lying nearby. Since the gate is near a steep cliff, chambers for guards have been carved inside it. Also, on the outer side of the gate, a sculpture of the animal Sharabh can be seen.
Slots for fixing wooden beams to secure the gate are also visible. Some stones have beautiful carvings on them.
• Remains of mansions and temples:
Hero stones and temple ruins
While exploring Mahauli Fort, when we proceed on the route towards Bhandargad, at one place on the way, we can see the remains of mansions and temples.
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• Remains of the Royal Court (Rajsadara):
While exploring the fort and moving ahead, we can see a raised platform-like structure with four to five steps. Many dressed stones must have been used for its construction. From the seating arrangement on the top, it appears that these are the remains of the royal court. Administrative meetings were held at this place. Near this structure, a Tulsi Vrindavan is also found.
• Structural Remains:
Behind the court area, we can see the remains of another structure. It appears to have been a residential building. It is largely in a ruined condition.
• Ancient Shiva Temple – Mahulishwar:
On Mahauli Fort, there is a Shiva temple. The walls on three sides are seen to be in good condition. The inner sanctum is open, and a Shivling can be seen there. A saffron flag is also visible here.
• Ammunition Storehouse:
On one side of the fort, a structure can be seen in a dilapidated condition. This was the place where ammunition (gunpowder) was stored on the fort.
• Bhandargad:
After taking darshan of Mahulishwar, when we come to the path leading towards the main gate, a connecting route is found there. From that path, we can proceed towards Bhandargad.
Bhandargad is located to the southwest of Mahauli Fort towards the Konkan side.
While proceeding on this route, some hero stones can be seen along the way.
Some sculptures can also be seen. Further ahead, there is a mountain pass (khind). At this place, an iron ladder is installed to climb up, through which we can reach Bhandargad.
On Bhandargad, we can see the remains of an elephant stable. Also, the Kalyan Gate located on the Konkan side can be seen.
• Fort Top and Konkan (Kalyan) Gate:
Climbing the top of the fort situated in the Sahyadri mountain range is difficult. Iron ladders are installed at various places. After reaching the top, one can see the Wazir pinnacle, as well as the Bhatji and Navra-Navri pinnacles at a distance. Also, a view of the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary can be seen.
• Kalyan Gate:
This gate is located on the Konkan side. To reach it, one has to descend to the edge of a deep ghati. Currently, this route appears to be quite difficult. Even today, this gate has maintained its existence over time.
• The Kalyan Gate is the main route to reach Bhandargad, but many Shiv devotees come via the Mahauli route. The path to the Kalyan Gate consists of steep steps and descends into a deep valley, so mountaineers use this route. It is exhausting to climb.
• Hanuman Gate:
After visiting the Kalyan Gate and returning back, descending via the ladder route and walking through a narrow path in the deep valley, we can reach the Hanuman Gate. On the way, a rock-carved idol of Lord Hanuman can also be seen.
Palasdurg (Palasdurg)
From the remains of the mansion, if we proceed ahead along the path going in the downward direction, large rock slabs can be seen further ahead. At that place, two routes diverge — one leads to Bhandargad and the other goes towards Palasdurg.
Proceeding further along the route to Palasdurg fort, a steep ascent is encountered. Over time, the structures here have disappeared.
Palasdurg – Plateau with structural remains
• Stone Fortification:
After climbing further, stone fortification can be seen.
• Gorge:
Ahead, a gorge can be seen. As this place is at a higher elevation, a view of the water reservoir of Tansa Dam and the wildlife sanctuary can be seen from here.
• Ganesh Gate:
Due to the growth of many trees and shrubs in the fort area, it becomes difficult to observe the structures here. However, recently Sahyadri Pratishthan has discovered a gate at this place. They have carried out cleaning work of the remains of the gate frame and the area of the gate.
• Historical Events:
• There is no clear historical record of who built Mahauli Fort and its associated forts Palasdurg and Bhandargad. However, it is believed that this fort may have been constructed during the Yadava period or an earlier Hindu rural.
• In 1485 AD, this fort came under the rule of the Nizamshahi.
• In 1635–36 AD, during the Mughal and Adilshahi invasions on the Nizamshahi, Shahaji Raje, while defending the Nizamshahi, had kept his wife Jijabai and son Shivray safe at this place.
• After the fall of the Nizamshahi, this fort came under the control of the Mughals.
• In 1661 AD, Shivray captured Mahauli Fort and included it in Swarajya.
• In 1665 AD, under the Treaty of Purandar, this fort was handed back to the Mughals.
• In 1668 AD, the Marathas attempted to recapture it but were unsuccessful.
• Later, Moropant Pingale, the Peshwa, recaptured it and included it back into Swarajya in 1670 AD.
• The fort remained in Swarajya until the time of Sambhaji Raje.
• In 1735 AD, Aurangzeb captured the fort through deceit.
• Later, during the Peshwa period, Mahauli and its associated forts were again brought under the Maratha Empire.
• In 1857 AD, after the Maratha-British treaty, this fort came under British control.
• In 1947 AD, the fort came under the control of independent India.
Thus, this is the information about Mahauligad, Bhandargad, and Palasdurg forts.
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