Sajjangad fort information in English
सज्जनगड किल्ले की जाणकारी इंग्रजी मध्ये
Location :
Sajjangad Fort is situated 10–12 kilometres away from Satara city in the Satara district on the western mountainous region (Ghats) of Maharashtra. Due to the holy presence and residence of Samarth Ramdas Swami, this fort is considered a sacred place and holds a unique religious significance.
Other Names of Sajjangad :
Sajjangad is also known by various names —
Ashwalayan Fort, due to the stay of Sage Ashwalayan
Paraligad, because of its proximity to Parali village
Aswalagad, as bears (Aswal) once roamed this region
Navarastaara, a later historic name
Height, Perimeter and Steps :
Average height above sea level: 3350 feet (318 metres)
Total perimeter: 1668 metres
Number of steps to the top: 750
Base height (foothill): 1000 feet
Geographical Setting :
Sajjangad lies on the eastern spurs of the Sahyadri ranges, on one of the three sub-hill branches of the Shambhumahadev mountain line, near the valley of the Urmadi River and close to the Urmadi Dam. The fort is conical in shape.
To the north – Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgad, Raigad
To the south – Kalamb region
To the west – Khed & Chiplun from Ratnagiri
To the north-east – Satara city & Ajinkyatara Fort
To the east – National Highway No. 4
Routes to Reach Sajjangad :
By road :
Mumbai → Pune → Satara → Sajjangad
Kolhapur → Karad → Satara → Sajjangad
Poladpur (Konkan) → Ambenali Ghat → Mahabaleshwar → Satara → Sajjangad
Satara being a district city, buses are available from Satara to Sajjangad (distance: 10–12 km).
Foot Routes from the Base :
1. Satara → Parali Village (10 km) → Stairway Route to the Fort
2. Satara → Parali Road → Gajwadi → Rock-cut Path → Stairway Route to Sajjangad
Major Places to See on Sajjangad :
Eleven Maruti Idols
While climbing from Parali village, one can see eleven small idols of Maruti (Hanuman) placed along the pathway. These represent the eleven Maruti installations created by Samarth Ramdas Swami.
Maruti Temple :
On the way up, a small Maruti temple appears, and in front of it lies the Kamadhenu Shrine, where a stone sculpture depicts Mother Cow feeding her calf.
Chhatrapati Shivray Mahadwar :
The first entrance gate on the fort is known as Chhatrapati Shivray Mahadwar. It is attached to a strong bastion, painted saffron, fitted with iron spikes and decorated with beautiful carvings.
Samarth Darwaza :
After climbing further, the second massive gate known as Samarth Darwaza is seen. Inside, guard chambers are built for watchmen. The architectural style of the dome and structure reflects the Adilshahi era.
Persian Inscription :
Near this spot, a stone inscription in Persian is found, along with a Marathi translation below it.
Ghodaale Lake
After proceeding along the stairway from Samarth Ramdas Swami’s path, you encounter a lake. The water in this lake appears algae-covered. The surrounding embankments have fallen into disrepair. Historically, water from this lake was used to water horses and for cleaning purposes on the fort. Hence, it is called Ghodaale Lake. Currently, locals use its water for washing clothes.
Lokmanya Tilak Memorial Arch
After passing Ghodaale Lake, you come across the Lokmanya Tilak Memorial Arch.
Guesthouse and Dharmashala
Beyond the arch, there is a guesthouse and dharmashala along with accommodation for devotees. Visitors can stay and have meals here free of charge.
Sonaale Pond
Near the devotees’ residence lies a pond named Sonaale Pond, which supplies water for the fort’s requirements.
Shridhar Kuti
Next to Sonaale Pond, a building can be seen, which was the residence of Shridhar Swami, a disciple of Samarth Ramdas Swami. Here, visitors can view the footwear of Samarth Ramdas Swami and Shridhar Swami.
Samarth Ramdas Swami Samadhi Temple
Samarth Ramdas Swami resided on Sajjangad and authored works like Dasbodh and verses on the mind. Through his efforts, he spread Hindu Dharma and Vedic culture widely.
In Shaka 1603, he attained Samadhi.
A temple was constructed on his Samadhi, enshrining Ram Murti.
This temple features:
The Samadhi of Samarth Ramdas Swami in the crypt
A grand assembly hall (sabhamandap)
Idols of Hanuman, Ram, Laxman, Sita in panchadhatu (five-metal)
Samarth Ramdas Swami’s personal idol
Behind the Samadhi, a stepped platform with a wooden chest
Dattapadukas
Outside, the Vrindavan of his disciple Vennaji
The temple and Samadhi were renovated under the orders of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje by Ramchandrapant Amatya.
Samarth Math (Monastery)
A short distance from the Samadhi lies the Samarth Math, which has also been renovated. Inside, there is a room with a cot, where one can view:
A painting of Samarth Ramdas Swami by Meru Swami
Personal items of Samarth Ramdas Swami such as: dagger, stick, club, crooked tool, seed bag, almond-shaped leaf box, two water pots, copper vessels, sandals, staff, Hanuman idol, long sword
The text of Dasbodh
Brahmpisa
To the west of Samarth Math, red powder-covered stones can be seen on a ledge. These are called Brahmpisa.
Dhabyaacha Maruti
On the western tip of Sajjangad lies a temple called Dhabyaacha Maruti, housing a Hanuman idol installed by Samarth Ramdas Swami.
Ancient Structure / Mosque
On one side of the fort, a dilapidated structure from the Bahmani period can be seen. Its dome-shaped architecture indicates it was a mosque.
Ramghal (Cave)
Walking along the cliff from the Gai (Cow) Temple and the Maruti Temple for about 100 meters, one reaches a cave called Ramghal, where Swami Ramdas and his disciples performed meditation and austerities. It is an extremely quiet and secluded place.
Veergal (Heroic Stone)
During multiple invasions of Sajjangad, the fort’s defenders and soldiers valiantly resisted the attackers. Their bravery is commemorated by the Veergal, visible here.
Anglai Temple
While bathing in the Krishna river at Angapur, Samarth Ramdas Swami found idols of Lord Ram and Anglai Devi, which he brought to Sajjangad and built the Anglai Devi Temple here.
Dharmadhwaj (Religious Flag)
In front of the Anglai Temple stands a flag, considered the Dharmadhwaj. This saffron flag symbolizes Hindu Dharma.
Sajjangad Fort –
At the base village of Sajjangad, one can see Kedareshwar and Virupaksha temples. The intricate carvings within these temples are remarkable.
Sajjangad Fort is situated on a high cliff. Its fortifications are mostly natural, with construction in only a few places. On the western side, to prevent attacks on the fort, there is a Hanuman temple with an open face.
Even today, the entrance gate of Sajjangad Fort remains closed from 9 PM to 5 AM. After 9 PM, entry to the fort is restricted.
Historical Events of Sajjangad Fort
In ancient times, the fort had an ashram of Ashvalayan Rishi, which is why the fort is also called Ashvalayangad.
In the 11th century AD, Shilahara King Bhoj first constructed the fort at this location.
From 1358 AD, the fort came under the control of the Bahmani Sultanate.
After the division of the Bahmani Sultanate, the fort came under Adilshahi rule.
On 3rd April 1673, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from Adilshah.
Following the fort’s capture, Ramdas Swami came to reside at Sajjangad at the request of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
On Pausha Purnima, 1679 AD, Shivaji Maharaj visited Sajjangad to have darshan of Ramdas Swami.
In 1682 AD, Samarth Ramdas Swami installed the Ram Murti at the fort.
On 22nd January 1682, Samarth Ramdas Swami attained Samadhi at Sajjangad.
On 21st April, Fateh Ullah Khan laid siege to Sajjangad.
On 6th June 1700, the fort came under the Mughals, and it was named Navrastara.
In 1709 AD, Sajjangad was recaptured by the Marathas.
The fort remained under Maratha control until 1818 AD, after which it came under British administration.
On 15th August 1947, with Indian independence, Sajjangad Fort became part of the Republic of India.
This is the complete historical information about Sajjangad Fort.
