Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad are located in Pedgaon village in the Shrigonda Taluka of the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Entrance to Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Chand Bibi Tomb, Ahmednagar Fort, Damadi Masjid, Faria Bhag Palace and Cavalry Tank Museum are some of the historic structures I have visited in Ahmednagar before.

Breakfast at Joshi Vadewale in Pune

It was just the two of us (Manohar and Me) I prepared the itinerary and Manohar took care of the driving.  We planned to cover Karmala Fort, Paranda Fort, Dharashiv caves,  Ausa Fort, Kharosa Caves, Udgir Fort, Kandhar Fort, Dharmapuri Fort and Dharur Fort on this roadtrip.

Breakfast at Joshi Vadewale in Pune

As decided we met at Ghatkopar Railway station on the eastern side around 5:30 AM. The directions to Bahadurgad Fort are tagged on google maps. Bahadurgad was around 250 KM away, we were sure that we would reach the fort by afternoon taking breaks into consideration.

Sculptures in the premises of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We had breakfast in the form of Vada's at Joshi Vadewale in Pune.

By the time we reached Bahadurgad Fort it was around 12 PM. There is a village near the entrance of the fort premises. NOTE - There is no hotel here for refreshments. The villagers informed us that we can take the car and travel within the fort premises.

Temple at the entrance of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

There is a Darwaza (Door) to enter the fort premises. It has a orange colored flag atop it swaying in the wind. The fort walls are not in good condition and have collapsed in certain places.

History states that Bahadur Khan was the administrator of the fort. Not sure if he built the fort. When Shivaji Maharaj got the news that around 200 Arabs had come there, he wanted to plunder their wealth. he made arrangements and was successful in plundering the Arabs of their wealth.

The man who provided us with information on Temple at the entrance of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Diya Stand at the temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Once we entered the fort premises, we saw this temple. Shri Bhairavnath Mandir. By the look of it, it was an old temple, painted in vibrant colors. We also met a local sitting in the temple premises. Sadly we were not able to understand the information he was providing us with. He was definitely not speaking hindi or marathi. I am sure he might he speaking shuddh marathi, which is difficult to understand.

Carved stones in the premises of Temple at the entrance of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Around the temple premises is placed a diya stand. The stand made of rocks was painted white. Near the diya stand are placed small sculptures of Gods. Not sure as to who are those Gods.

The temple premises and the huge tree near the temple are the only source of shade on the entire fort premises.

There is a muddy path via which one has to travel to reach the different monuments within the fort premises.

On way, you will seen sculptures carved in the stone scattered across the ground along with stones used in the construction of structures in the fort premises.

Rameshwar Mandir in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Information on Rameshwar Mandir at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We parked the car near Rameshwar Mandir. A little information on the temple in Marathi.  Rameshwar Mandir, was built entirely of stone. The temple premises had sculptures of Gods within them. Also the entrance to the temple has sculptures around it.

Mallikarjun Mandir in Temple at the entrance of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Information on Mallikarjun Mandir at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We then moved to see the Malikarjun Mandir located a couple of feet away. A little information on the temple in Marathi.  Again this temple was built of stone. It had carved pillars at the entrance. Sculptures of Gods within them.

Daru Kothir in Temple at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We then moved to see the Daru Kothir, Not sure what it meant. there was an old structure here, completely in ruins with wild grass growing all around it. the structure had a small Moorish Dome atop it. Possibly a store room.

Unknown structure at Temple at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We saw this Bastion in the middle of the fort premises.

View of River Bhima from Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Finally we reached the main attraction of the fort, Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Baleshwar Temple, these beautifully crafted temples at the banks of River Bhima.. Remember River Bhima, we had traveled on it to reach the Palasdeo Temple, located in the water.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Sculpture on the walls of Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Sculpture on the walls of Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

The artwork though similar on both the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Baleshwar Temple left me speechless. It reminded me of the Shiv mandir in Ambernath.

Baleshwar Temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra 

Baleshwar Temple in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We then visited the Pataleshwar Temple, the temple is still in use, it had a Shivling, statue of Nandi and sculptures places near it.

We then walked to the bastions of the fort. The bastion was at the banks of the River Bhima and offered fantastic view of the river. Due to wild vegetation growing within the fort premises we couldn't see much inside the fort.

Bastion and fort walls of Temple at the entrance of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

That's us at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We visited the final structure in the fort premises. It had its own Darwaza and walls around it. Though certain portions of the walls have collapsed, but the Darwaza is intact. It has two orange colored flags swaying in the wind atop it.

Structure in Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Broken fortification of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra near River Bhima

We also saw this lamp, stone sculpture and information signboard. Note sure what it it.

Monument at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Within the monument premises of Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

We then headed over to see the ruins at the banks of the River Bhima. Graffiti artists had been here before me.

River Bhima from Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

That's me at Bahadurgad Fort aka Fort of Pedgaon aka Dharmaveergad in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra

Though we initially thought there was nothing much to see in the fort premises, the artwork of the temples was just amazing. 

We then headed over to see the next fort, Karmala Fort.


NOTE: Please click on the highlighted words in the blog to read about them. 

Siddheshwar Temple near Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Siddheshwar Temple in Machnur is located around 37 KM away from Pandarpur. One has to travel on the Bijapur Umadi Pandarpur Road to reach Mangalwedha. From Mangalwedha one has to travel on the Sangola - Mangalwedha - Solapur Road to reach the temple

Siddheshwar Temple and Machnur Fort are both located in Machnur.

Entrance to Siddheshwar Temple in Machnur Village

The temple premises was flocked with devotees who had come from all over Maharashtra.

As I entered the Temples premises, I heard a megaphone playing devotional songs.

Old temples in Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

There are many small temples in the Siddheshwar Temple premises. All the temples are historic.

I located four diya stands and they were very beautiful. I have seen beautiful diya stands at Achara near Malvan too. And the tallest of them all at Shankaracharya Mandir in Vasai.

Diya Stand at Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

Diya stand at Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

At the other end of the Siddheshwar Temple premises there is another door. there are stairs leading to the riverbed. River Bhima. As it had dried up, one can visit the temple premises. This temple is also historic, most of the time I believe it is submerged under water, like the Palasdeo Temple.

Old temple in Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

Nandi wilt horns of Gold atSiddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

There are no hotels here. Most people who visited the temple travel in private vehicles. Could not spot shared rickshaw nor State transport bus here.

The temple is made of black stone The same stone is used in the construction of the Machnur Fort.

Old temples in Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

Of of Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village, from River Bhima

The Siddheshwar temple walls are designed like a fort walls. The carving on the temple was beautiful. I saw a statue of Nandi, but the horns of which where made of Gold like metal. I have seen statues of Nandi, but this one was quite unusual.

Devotees at Siddheshwar Temple premises in Machnur Village

We then headed off to see the Solapur Fort in Solapur. 

Please do click on the highlighted words above to read about those explorations. 

Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Machnur Fort is located around 37 KM away from Pandharpur. One has to travel on the Bijapur Umadi Pandharpur Road to reach Mangalwedha. From Mangalwedha one has to travel on the Sangola - Mangalwedha - Solapur Road to reach Machnur Fort.

Machnur Fort and Siddheshwar Temple are located in the village of Machnur.

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Machnur Fort is tagged on google maps, so just follow the directions and you won't get lost. There are no signboards, but you can rely on the locals for help.

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

We decided to visit the fort first.The moment we parked the car near the fort entrance it started drizzling. But it stopped soon there after.

Main Entrance to Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

The fort walls were very short in height. There was a small door like structure to enter it. The fort walls were made of stone. The fort was square in shape it had fortification on three sides. There was no fortification on the side facing River Bhima. There is a  sheer drop there. So be careful. Due to the drought situation in Maharashtra, the riverbed was dry.  

Structure within Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

There is nothing much to see in the fort premises, except for a mosque like structure near River Bhima. There is a unknown tomb near the mosque like structure. The Siddheshwar Temple can be seen from the fort premises.  

Fortification of Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

The fort can be viewed by walking on the fort walls. Since they are small in height, one can easily climb them. It took us around 30 minutes to see the entire fort. There is plenty of wild vegetation in the fort premises along with ant farms. So beware for the red ants. You might just be invading their homes.

River Bhima riverbed from Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

This fort was built by Aurangzeb in around 1615 AD to protect himself from his enemies.

Siddheshwar Temple from Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

Ant hills at Machnur Fort near Mangalwedha on the way to Solapur

We then walked to the Siddheshwar temple located near the Machnur Fort.

Please do click on the highlighted words above to read about those explorations. 

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple loated in the middle of River Bhima.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

After visiting Pataleshwar Caves in Pune, tackling the rush hour and traveling on the one way roads, finally we were out of the city premises and on our way to Palasdeo Temple. To visit the temple one has to travel via the Pune-Solapur Highway.

Boats leading to Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

 Again the directions to the temple are tagged on google maps. It took us roughly around 3 hours to reach. The closest village is the Palasdeo  village. We asked a couple of locals for directions and headed over the dry river bed to reach the boat service, leading to the temple.

The GPS showed that we were actually traveling on the River Bhima.

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

As we were travelling on the river bed, the muddy path will test the car suspension, you will  also have to travel slowly, as the ground clearance is very low.

Cattle was also grazing on the dry grass on the riverbed.

Artifacts at Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

A couple of trucks parked in a distance were carrying on illegal mining work. Make hay while the sun is shinning. LOL.

 We then parked our car near the dry riverbed and then headed towards the boat. Note : there is no jetty here, one has to get in the water to board the boat, something similar to Arnala Fort in Virar and Undheri and Khanderi Forts in Alibaug. The boatman will  instruct you as to where you need to sit, as the boat needs to be balanced or it will capsize.

Artifacts at Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

It took us 10 minutes to reach the temple. The boat journey cost us Rs.30 for a return trip. The boatman told us that he makes a cool Rs.700 a day, thanks to the drought situation. I don't mind transporting people to and fro.

The boatman told us that the temple was totally submerged under water. It had been like this for the last two decades. Due to the drought situation, we were able to see and visit the temple.

Around the temple premises are a couple of artifacts. Especially this square shaped stone that is beautifully carved.

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple premises

There are arch shaped structure, made of bricks is beautiful.

We then headed to the temples. There are two temples here. Both the temples are beautiful. The top of the temple was beautifully carved and it has remained that way for ages. Especially when it has been under water for two decades. Not sure as to when this temple was built.

Both the temples were flocked by devotees. Who had come from far to see. Some had come for worship others to take selfies with the temple before they are submerged under water.

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

What I didn't like about this place is the signboard that instructs you to take off your footwear when visiting the temple. But then the same people are climbing up the temple Kalash to take photos and selfies with footwear on. NO signboard to instruct them. What a shame.

Also the way people were climbing the top, they could destroy the architecture of the temple, which has remained like that for ages. No one seems to be bothered about it.

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

We then boarded the boat to return back to the car. Sadly I didn't get to row the boat like I did at Sav Hot Water Springs located near Gandharpale Caves on the way to Mahad.

Now as there are no signboards and people have made their own ways on the riverbed, we were lost. Then with the help of a couple of locals we finally managed to get on track as we reached the Palasdeo Village. From here a straight road leads to the Pune Solapur Highway.

Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

Not sure if there are any State transport buses or shared rickshaw to reach this place. A private vehicle is needed.  

For next pit stop was Kugaon Killa. Another fort submerged under water.

Boat to Palasdeo aka Palasnath temple

This temple is currently submerged under water, thanks to the rains.:)