Fort Jivdhan
Fort Jivdhan Information in English
Location :
In the high mountain ranges of the Sahyadri mountains located in the state of Maharashtra, several forts were constructed to safeguard the ancient Nane Ghat route passing through Junnar tehsil of Pune district. These include Shivneri, Hadsar, Chavand, Nimgiri, and Jivdhan forts. Among these, Jivdhan Fort is situated very close to Naneghat. The distance between Naneghat and Jivdhan Fort is only 2.5 km.
• Height of Jivdhan Fort :
The average height of Jivdhan Fort is 3754 feet.
Routes to Reach Jivdhan Fort :
• Jivdhan Fort is 123 km from Pune city.
• From Mumbai, Jivdhan Fort is 160 km away.
• From Junnar, Chakan, Manchar, Narayangaon in Pune district, one can reach Ghatghar village (which lies at the base of the fort).
• From Ghatghar village, it takes around 45 minutes of trekking to reach the fort.
Places to See on Jivdhan Fort :
• After reaching Ghatghar village near Naneghat from Junnar towards the ghat region, vehicles are parked, and the trek to the fort begins.
• Forest Trail and Wildlife Area :
While passing through the dense bamboo forests, one enters the thick forest of the fort.
Highly venomous snakes are found in this region, hence caution is necessary.
• Satavahana-era Stone Remains :
While walking through this forest route, many stone remains from the Satavahana period can be seen.
• Katyal Rock-Carved Steps :
After walking further through the forest path, one reaches the base of the tall Katyal mountain.
Here, rock-cut steps carved into the hard Katyal (rock) can be seen.
The climbing of the fort begins from here.
• Narrow Pass of Katyal Cliff :
While climbing the Katyal steps, extremely steep steps are encountered.
Now, iron rods have been installed, making the climb slightly easier.
Ahead lies a narrow and risky trail between two tall Katyal cliffs.
During monsoon, this route becomes very difficult due to the heavy flow of water and accumulated stones on the path.
• Main Gate (Mahadarwaza) of Jivdhan Fort :
After climbing the steps, a grand entrance gate carved into a huge rock is seen.
Beautiful stone carving can be seen on the door.
Nearby, a horseshoe-shaped rock bastion is visible.
Inside the entrance, carved chambers for guards are present.
• Katyal Chamber :
Inside the main entrance, on the right, a beautifully carved room (chamber) cut into the rock can be seen.
The excellent craftsmanship created using chisel and hammer is evident here.
• Step Path :
This path leads to the upper part of the fort and the main entrance.
Standing on the bastion, the scenic natural beauty below looks mesmerizing.
The bastion, fortification walls, and lookout points can also be seen from here.
• Massive Rocky Area of the Fort :
The trail near the fortification walls leads to the top of the fort through large rock boulders.
Upon reaching the top, Naneghat, surrounding mountain ranges, dense forests, and deep valleys can be seen.
• Top Area of the Fort :
The top region is uneven, with small slopes and level areas.
During monsoon, the area is full of grass and many forest insects are found.
The beauty of flowers and greenery during monsoon is wonderful, but the paths become slippery.
• Grain Storage House (Dhanya Kothar) :
The most well-preserved structure on the fort is the grain storage house.
Built in Hemadpanti architectural style, this stone structure has five storage chambers.
Its dome-shaped roof, carved pillars, stonework, and underground-like design make it unique among forts.
It is an excellent example of the hard lifestyle and architecture of ancient times.
• Water Tanks :
There are 4–5 water tanks on the fort.
They contain water, but a large amount of silt is accumulated.
One tank has a small measuring pillar for checking water levels.
A carved chamber is also present inside.
Due to poor maintenance, the water is now mossy and not suitable for use.
• Jivai Devi Temple :
In the upper area of the fort, there are remains of a ruined temple containing the idol of Goddess Jivai.
With time, the temple has turned into ruins.
• Shiva Temple :
Near the Jivai temple, remains of a small ruined temple with a Shiva Lingam are found.
This indicates it was once a Shiva temple.
• Deep Valley and Vanarlings Pinnacle :
At one edge of the fort lies a deep valley, and opposite it stands the tall Vanarlings Pinnacle (350 feet high).
Trekkers climb this pinnacle using ropes.
This spot is a major attraction for mountaineers.
The valley and forest view from here is breathtaking.
Return Trail :
Descending the fort is as challenging as climbing up.
However, this trek teaches patience and discipline.
By descending through the same steps route, the fort tour concludes.
History of Jivdhan Fort :
• There is no clear historical evidence about who built this fort.
• During the Satavahana period, this region was under Satavahana rule.
• Later, the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas ruled here.
• From 1170–1300 AD, the Yadavas ruled the region.
• In 1488, the fort came under Nizamshahi rule.
• In 1636, Shahaji Raje Bhosale freed Murtaza Nizam from captivity on this very fort.
• In 1663, the fort fell under Mughal control.
• Later, it came under the British.
• In 1818, the British burned the grain storage house and destroyed the fort structures.
• Today, it remains an important historical site of Maharashtra.
Conclusion :
One must visit such a historic fort at least once in life to experience the heritage and culture of Maharashtra.
This is the complete information about Jivdhan Fort.
