Vishalgad Fort information in English
Vishalgad kille ki jankari engraji madhe
• Location of Vishalgad:
Vishalgad (Khelna Fort) is situated in the Kolhapur district, Shahuwadi Taluka, towards the northwest in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, on the border of Konkan, between Anuskura Ghat and Amba Ghat.
• Height of Vishalgad:
Vishalgad Fort stands at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level.
• This fort has witnessed many significant historical events.
• As its name suggests, the fort is naturally well protected by strong natural defenses.
• Transportation routes to reach Vishalgad Fort:
• Since the fort is in Kolhapur district, it is about 76 kilometers away from Kolhapur city.
• Kolhapur is a valley city well connected by railways, roads, and air routes. The nearest airport is Ujalaiwadi Airport.
• Road Routes:
Kolhapur – Ratnagiri Road – Shahuwadi – Malkapur – Gajapur – Vishalgad.
Ratnagiri – Sakharpa – Amba Ghat – Malkapur – Gajapur – Vishalgad.
Pune – Karad – Pachvad Phata – Shedgewadi – Kokarud – Malkapur – Gajapur – Vishalgad.
• Places to see on Vishalgad Fort:
At the base of the fort, there is a parking area. From there, one can walk up to the fort. On the way, there is a deep valley over which a bridge has been constructed recently. After crossing the bridge, two routes appear — one is a steep, rocky climb, while the other is an easier stairway path. The stairway path is generally used to reach the top.
• Entrance Gate:
While ascending through the steps, one comes across a gate which has recently been restored. It has a straight frame but no roof. Its architecture appears different from that of other forts. A little ahead, there is another gate. Between the two gates, there is an open space which might have been used by guards for resting. The newly built platforms here suggest restoration work. The design hints at the grandeur of the original structure.
• Cannon:
After crossing the second gate, a stairway path leads further up to a small platform on which an old cannon from the medieval period can still be seen. Despite rain, wind, and sun, the cannon still stands firm and strong.
• Munda Darwaja (Munda Gate):
Moving further up, a strong gate built within a sturdy bastion and wall fortification can be seen — this is known as Munda Darwaja. Its frame is arched at the top with beautifully carved lotus motifs. From this gate, one gets a clear view of the deep valley ahead.
• Horse Valley (Ghoda Khind):
In earlier times, a horse market used to be held here. The horses purchased from there were brought up to Vishalgad, kept in stables, and trained.
• Narsoba Temple:
While exploring the fort, one finds an ancient stone-built temple. On its doorway, the faded inscription reads “Narsoba Temple.” The inner part contains no idol, only a large stone slab. From its architectural style, it appears to belong to the Hemadpanti style of construction.
• Ahilyabai’s Samadhi (Memorial):
In the 17th century, after the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, his wife Ahilyabai committed sati at Vishalgad. Her memorial is located here, which is confirmed by an inscription on the stone slab.
• Underground Tunnel:
Ahead of the samadhi, while moving around the fort, a small underground tunnel entrance can be seen near the ground. As one goes inside, the passage becomes taller, enough for a person to stand. For safety reasons, it is now sealed. According to locals, the tunnel opens into a deep valley and was used by the fort’s inhabitants during emergencies. This passage once led to the Konkan Gate.
• Crescent-shaped Well:
On the fort, there is a crescent-shaped well surrounded by a stone railing with arched openings. Three of the arches are closed, and one has steps leading down into the well.
• Palace Ruins:
A short walk ahead from the crescent-shaped well brings you to the ruins of the royal palace. From these remains, the grandeur of the structure can be imagined. Inside, there are several chambers.
In the central courtyard, meetings of the Pant Pratinidhi (royal ministers) used to be held. The area still shows structures built to hold lamps.
Inside, there is a square-shaped well surrounded by arched cells, which used to supply water to the palace. Even today, water remains in the well throughout the summer.
• Vaghjai Temple:
On one part of the fort, there is the temple of Goddess Vaghjai, which is now in a dilapidated condition. The idols inside are damaged and broken.
• In earlier times, there were 21 small and large temples on the fort. Now, only 11 temples remain. It is believed that during the Yavani (foreign) invasions, many temples were destroyed, and in later years, the remaining ones were neglected.
• Ram Temple:
A pathway near the Dargah leads to the Ram Temple. Inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, one can see beautiful idols of Lord Ramchandra, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman.
• Mahadev Temple:
There is a Mahadev Temple on Vishalgad Fort. In this temple, a single stone has been intricately carved into the figures of Ganga, Shankar, Parvati, and Ganapati. The idol of Lord Shankar here is unique as it has a beard and mustache. The sanctum of the temple is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, where one stone is fitted inside another. This structure appears to be ancient and dates back to the Yadava period. There is an inscription in Devanagari script on the premises. However, the outer Sabhamandap (assembly hall) seems to be a later addition. The windows of the temple are also carved out of stone.
• Vitthal-Rukmini Temple:
There is also a Vitthal-Rukmini Temple at this place, constructed in a similar style as the other temples.
• Ganesh Temple:
Adjacent to this temple stands a Ganesh Temple, and near it, an ancient Shivling can be seen.
• Amriteshwar Temple:
While exploring the fort, one can see a well-maintained Mahadev Temple known as the Amriteshwar Temple. This temple has been renovated and repainted. Outside the temple lies a broken piece of an old cannon, hinting at its historical significance.
• Water Tanks:
A little distance from the Amriteshwar Temple, several water tanks have been constructed. Water seeps into these tanks from the nearby rocks. These tanks were likely used for bathing and drinking purposes.
• Samadhis of Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Fulaji Prabhu Deshpande:
Following the path beside the Ganesh Temple, one reaches the Samadhis (memorials) of Baji Prabhu Deshpande and his brother Fulaji Prabhu Deshpande.
When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj escaped the siege of Panhala Fort, these brave warriors, along with 300 Bandal Mavlas, blocked Siddi Johar’s army at Ghodkhind (now known as Pavan Khind) to ensure the safe arrival of Shivaji Maharaj at Vishalgad. Both brothers, along with the Mavlas, sacrificed their lives for Swarajya. Their memorials are built here in their honor.
• Near the Samadhis, there is also a stone-built well.
• Close to the Rajwada (royal palace), a stone-built drainage system can be seen, which was designed to carry waste water away from the palace and other structures. It is now blocked.
• Pataldari Stream and Arch Bridge:
A stream flows below the fort and cascades into a deep valley. Over it stands an arched bridge (Kamani Pul), which, though partially damaged, still retains its strong arches even after 300–400 years.
• Takmak Point:
Like on Raigad Fort, Vishalgad also has a Takmak Point where traitors and dangerous prisoners were given the death penalty.
• Rehan Malik Dargah:
Within the fort complex is a Dargah known as Hazrat Pir Rehan Malik Dargah. It is an important place of worship for the Muslim community, attracting many devotees.
However, the area around the Dargah has become polluted due to careless tourists and devotees, endangering the sanctity of the fort.
• Fortifications:
Due to years of neglect, many of the fort’s structures and walls had collapsed. However, in recent years, several parts have been repaired and restored.
• A small Rameshwar Temple can also be seen on the fort.
• The fort has a strategic hill known as Ran Mandal Tekdi, from where defenders could effectively attack invading enemies and force them to retreat.
• Kokan Gate:
On the western side of the fort lies the Kokan Darwaza, which provided an exit route toward the Konkan region.
• After exploring the fort, visitors can descend through the same staircase pathway.
Historical Events of Vishalgad Fort:
• In the 12th century (around 1190 CE), King Bhoj built the Vishalgad (then called Khelna) Fort.
• The fort was constructed to monitor trade routes between Kolhapur and the Konkan ports via Anuskura and Amba Ghats.
• King Bhoj later carried out renovations on several parts of the fort.
• Afterward, the fort came under the rule of the Yadava dynasty.
• In 1453 CE, Bahmani general Malik-ul-Tujar invaded the Konkan region, attacking Prchitigad and forcing the Shirke family to convert to Islam. The Shirkes tricked him into the dense forests of Khelna Fort, where his army weakened, and he himself fell ill. Taking advantage of this, the Shirkes allied with the More family and killed Malik and his troops.
• Later, another Bahmani general, Malik Rehan, attacked the fort seven times and finally captured it on his seventh attempt.
• After the Bahmani rule, the fort came under the Adilshahi dynasty.
• On 28 November 1659, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort and brought it under Swarajya.
• On 3 March 1660, while escaping the siege of Panhala, Shivaji Maharaj, along with 300 Mavlas, fought through enemy lines and reached Vishalgad. During this battle, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and the Bandal Mavlas attained martyrdom.
• Shivaji Maharaj renamed Khelna Fort as Vishalgad and spent ₹5000 on its renovation.
• In 1686 CE, to suppress the Shirke rebellion, Sambhaji Maharaj sent an army under Kavi Kalash, but it was defeated.
• In 1689 CE, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was captured at Sangameshwar by Mughal forces under Aurangzeb and brutally executed.
• In 1701 CE, after the death of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, his wife Ahilyabai committed sati on Vishalgad.
• In December 1701, Aurangzeb attacked Vishalgad. The fort commander, Parshuram Pant, defended it for six months and finally surrendered on 6 June 1702 in exchange for safety and ₹2 lakh.
• Aurangzeb renamed the fort Sarwar-ul-Nama.
• In 1707 CE, Queen Tarabai recaptured Vishalgad.
• Later, the fort remained under the Karveer (Kolhapur) dynasty.
• In 1844 CE, the British attacked and captured Vishalgad, destroying many of its structures and fortifications.
• Today, the fort is under the protection of the Government of Independent India.
Such is the complete and glorious history of Vishalgad, also known as Khelna Fort.
