Bhudargad Fort information in English
Bhudargad Location
In Kolhapur district, near Gargoti town, proudly standing in the Sahyadri mountain range, in the sub-Dudhganga (Chikodi) hills, lies the hill fort built by Shilahara King Bhoj II, known as Bhudargad Fort.
On the western and northern sides of Bhudargad Fort stretches the wide basin of the Vedganga River. On the eastern side lies the Chikotra River basin and the Naganwadi Project over the Chikotra River. To the south is the vast plateau called Mhatari’s Kamat. Amidst all these, the fort of Bhudargad is situated on the hill.
Height of Bhudargad Fort
The average elevation of Bhudargad Fort above sea level is 3,190 feet, and it is a fort with a vast plateau.
This plateau is approximately 800 meters long and 700 meters wide.
Nearby Settlements/Villages around Bhudargad Fort
At the foothills of Bhudargad Fort are villages such as Ranewadi, Madekarwadi, Kadamwadi, Peth Shivapur, Shindewadi, Warekarwadi, Jakin Peth, Gadbidri, Varpewadi, Barve, Murukte, and Pushpanagar.
• Route to reach Bhudargad Fort:
One can reach Bhudargad Fort directly by tar road up to the inside of the fort.
The distance from Kolhapur to Bhudargad Fort is 61 kilometers.
• From Kolhapur to Gargoti is 50 kilometers, and from there via Pushpanagar, directly by tar road through Ranewadi and Peth Shivapur, the fort is at a distance of 11 kilometers.
• One can also reach Bhudargad Fort via Gargoti – Pal – Barve – Peth Shivapur. This distance covers 15 kilometers.
• Another route is from Gadhinglaj – Uttur – Pimpalgaon – Dindewadi – Barve to reach Bhudargad Fort.
• Places to see on Bhudargad Fort:
The main attractions on the fort are Hanuman Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Shiva Temple, Mahadev Temple, Pokhardhondi, remains of the Eastern Gate, Jakhubai Temple, Dudhi Lake, a small lake, fortification walls, cannon, underground passage, granary, water tank, etc.
• Hanuman Temple:
While coming towards the fort from Peth Shivapur village situated below the northern fortification of Bhudargad Fort, on the right side of the road, below the outer fortification wall, one can see a Hanuman temple.
It is an ancient temple, and Lord Hanuman here is considered a symbol of strength and devotion.
Secret Underground Passage:
It is said that from the front side of Hanuman temple on Bhudargad fort, through the bushes down the fort wall, there exists a secret underground passage. This passage is said to open into the dense forest area of the village Pal. For security reasons, this passage is now closed and sealed. In case of an attack on the fort, this passage was used to bring supplies inside the fort. Also, if the fort fell into enemy hands, it provided a safe exit route.
• Shilahara King Bhoj II used to go hunting at this place Pal. He used to build a hut (Pal/house) there and stay. Hence, the place was named Pal.
Bhairavnath Temple:
From Hanuman temple, going upwards on the fort, a tar road directly takes you to the Bhairavnath temple. This ancient temple on the fort is built in Hemadpanti style. The beautiful hall is constructed in red laterite stone, having two large inner chambers.
Inside, there is a sanctum (Garbhagriha) with a finely carved idol of Bhairavnath in black stone. Next to the temple, there are ovaras (resting sheds) for pilgrims. When the Marathas conquered this fort, they donated the Mughal flag to this temple. That flag is still seen here today. In the temple courtyard, many broken idols of various deities can be seen. In front of this, two tall lamp-pillars (Deepmalas) stand. Every year on Magh Krishna Navami, a big fair is held here and lakhs of devotees gather.
Cannon Mount:
Ahead of Bhairavnath temple, beyond the lamp-pillars, there is a cannon placed on a stone platform. On one side of this platform, the broken old stone wheels of the cannon cart can also be seen. From here, one can view the Vedganga river and its valley region. The town of Gargoti is also visible from this point.
Bhudargad Fort Fortification:
The fortification of this fort is extremely strong. Recently, the fortification work has been repaired. At several places, there are watch bastions, stone steps leading to the fort walls, and ancient gateways that are now sealed. On the side of the fort, at intervals, toilets can be seen.
Secret Passages:
There are also secret passages leading outside the fort. But for security reasons, they are now closed.
Chilkhati Bastion – Double Bastion:
On the fortification of the fort, there is a double-structured bastion built for watch purposes called the Chilkhati Bastion.
Ruins of the Ancient Mansion:
A little ahead from the Bhairavnath temple, on one side, you can see the ruins of old mansions.
Grain Storage – Open Tank:
Near the Bhairavnath temple, at a short distance, one can see an open, square, stone-built grain storage tank. Earlier, it used to be covered and enclosed. Now, only the stone construction is visible. It is deep in the ground. In earlier times, grain used to be stored here.
This grain was used for the garrison stationed on the fort as well as for the food requirements of the people residing here.
Sadar:
While going from the Bhairavnath temple towards the Dudhi Lake, one comes across a structure. Recently, the collapsed construction at this spot has been repaired. This was the Sadar, which was used for the meetings and discussions of kings and nobles.
Shiva Temple:
Adjacent to the Sadar, there is a temple. At the entrance of the temple, there is a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which was installed by Bhalji Pendharkar in the year 1945.
Behind it lies the sanctum (garbhagriha), where there is a Shiva linga. This structure was repaired and restored by the Karvir Sansthan.
Ambamata Temple / Bhavani Temple:
In front of the Shiva temple, some ruins can be seen. In the fallen gap at that place, one finds the Ambamata temple. Goddess Bhavani, also known as Ambamata, is enshrined here in the form of an armed deity.
Dudhi Lake:
A little further from the Shiva temple, one comes across a vast water reservoir. The largest water storage on the Bhudargad fort is this Dudhi Lake.
Since the color of its water appears white, it is called Dudhi Lake. The water of this lake was used for agriculture on the fort.
Bhairavi Temple:
On the bank of the lake, there is also a temple of the goddess. It is built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style.
Mahadev Temple:
On the opposite side of Dudhi Lake, one can see an ancient Mahadev temple. Its construction is in the Hemadpanthi style. It is built by fitting one stone into the grooves of another.
Jakhubai Temple:
From Dudhi Lake, a path goes towards the village of Jakin Peth. Along that path, after walking a little further towards Mhatari’s Kamat, there is a small underground passage. By descending the steps into it, one reaches the temple of Goddess Jakhubai inside. One can enter from one side and exit from the other.
Pokhar Dhondi and Remains of the Eastern Gate:
On the way to Jakhubai temple, a signboard is found. From there, after going ahead, the collapsed side of the fort wall can be seen. Walking towards that side, one comes across a chamber carved into rock measuring about 100 square feet. It is called Pokhar Dhondi. It is carved into a huge rock.
Nearby, the remains of the eastern gate frame can be seen. During the British period, the fort soldiers revolted. At that time, an attack was made from the eastern gate side, and cannon fire destroyed the fortification and the gate. The remains of that destruction can still be seen.
Small Lake:
On the opposite side of Dudhi Lake, a few temples as well as the remains of some mansions can be seen. Walking further from there, at some distance, one also comes across a small lake. On the banks of that lake, small tombs from that period can be seen. Small Shivalingas can also be seen there, along with some Samadhis. This lake is very deep.
• Historical Events about Bhudargad Fort:
• Bhudargad Fort was built by Shilahara King Bhoj. The fort was named Bhudargad after him.
• Later, the fort came under the control of the Bahamani Sultan.
• After that, it came under the rule of the Adilshahi dynasty.
• In 1667 AD, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought this fort into Swarajya.
• But shortly after, the Mughals captured the fort.
• In 1672 AD, the Marathas recaptured the fort and brought it back into Swarajya. In this battle, a Mughal commander was killed. The Marathas donated the Mughal relics found at that time to the Bhairavnath temple. These relics can still be seen there today. Also, Shivaji Maharaj repaired the fort and established a strong military post here.
Although Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not reside here for long, the Vijaymarg (Victory Route) of Swarajya passed along the banks of the Vedganga River at the foot of this fort. While returning to Maharashtra from the south, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj stayed here.
• In the 18th century, Parashuram Bhau Patwardhan bribed the guards of the fort and took possession of it. He held it for ten years.
• Later, the fort came under the control of the British government.
• In 1844 AD, the fort guards of Karveer Sansthan, which was under the British government, revolted and took control of this fort. The guards of Bhudargad and Samangad forts were also part of this rebellion.
• On 13th October 1844, British General Dolomoti carried out a military operation. He bombarded the fort with cannons, demolishing much of the fortification and damaging the eastern gate. His intention was to ensure that no rebellion would arise again on this fort. Thus, the revolt was crushed.
• In 1945 AD, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was installed in the Shiva temple on this fort by Bhalji Pendharkar.
• In 1947 AD, after India gained independence, the fort came under the control of the independent Government of India.
• At present, the fort is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Archaeology, Pune, Government of Maharashtra. Much of the fort and its structures have been restored.
Such is the information and history of Bhudargad Fort.
