Ancient forts and monuments are the best source to peek into history. They are the living testimonial to architecture and carving art of our people. One of the oldest forts that is worth exploring is the Harishchandragad fort located in Ahmednagar, Mahrashtra. It's one of those few forts that have found a mention in Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, and Angi Purana, ancient holy texts. The hillfort is believed to be built in the 6th CE by the Kalachuri dynasty. Traces that lead to the microlithic man have been found here.
Place of Interest
Harishchandragad fort is 4671 feet above the sea level. Its imposing structure and height made if formidable. The surrounding jungle with flourishing wild life also added to its strength.
Some attractions one shouldn't miss are:
Harishchandragad Pond
This is the fresh water pond that served the water needs of the occupants. What's amazing about this pond is the availability of water throughout the year. Until a few years ago, the water from the pond was potable, but due to the negligence of tourists, it has become contaminated. The water is cold even in the summer. At the bank of the pond are small temples where Lord Vishnu was worshiped.
Harischchandreshwara Temple
Precision and creativity in carving can be best experienced by visiting this temple. Monolithic rocks were carved out for the construction of the temple. The temple is 16m in height with caves and water ponds around it. River Mangal Ganga is believed to have originated from one of the ponds near the temple.
Kedareshwar Cave
There are several caves inside the fort with idols of Lord Vishnu built during the 11th century. Some are good for spending a night while others are filled with water. The Kedareshwar cave is towards the right of Harishchandreshwara Temple. Inside the cave is a 5 ft. tall Shiva Linga surrounded by waist-deep ice-cold water.
There are a few sculptures carved in the cave. To make it a sanctum, four pillars touching to the ceiling of the cave are erected. Sadly, out of the four pillars, only one is standing firm. Legends say that the four pillars represent the four era and the broken three pillars testify the end of three. Eras. And when the fourth pillar too is broken, it would be the end of Kalyug, and eventually the end of the world.
Kokan Kada
This is the second highest point of the fort from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Konkan region. There is an overhang that attracts trekkers. One can literally see the cloud falling towards the pit falls and then being thrown up vertically at the height of 50 feet as if a wall of thick cloud is rising from the border of the cliff without touching the land.
Taramati Peak
This is the highest point of the fort also called as Taramanchi. It's at the elevation of 1429 metres from the sea level. A bird's eye view of the surrounding Naneghat and other forts near Murbad can be enjoyed from here. A glimpse of Siddhagad fort near Bimashankar and Napta twin peaks can be caught from Taramati Peak.
Place of Interest
Harishchandragad fort is 4671 feet above the sea level. Its imposing structure and height made if formidable. The surrounding jungle with flourishing wild life also added to its strength.
Some attractions one shouldn't miss are:
Harishchandragad Pond
This is the fresh water pond that served the water needs of the occupants. What's amazing about this pond is the availability of water throughout the year. Until a few years ago, the water from the pond was potable, but due to the negligence of tourists, it has become contaminated. The water is cold even in the summer. At the bank of the pond are small temples where Lord Vishnu was worshiped.
Harischchandreshwara Temple
Precision and creativity in carving can be best experienced by visiting this temple. Monolithic rocks were carved out for the construction of the temple. The temple is 16m in height with caves and water ponds around it. River Mangal Ganga is believed to have originated from one of the ponds near the temple.
Kedareshwar Cave
There are several caves inside the fort with idols of Lord Vishnu built during the 11th century. Some are good for spending a night while others are filled with water. The Kedareshwar cave is towards the right of Harishchandreshwara Temple. Inside the cave is a 5 ft. tall Shiva Linga surrounded by waist-deep ice-cold water.
There are a few sculptures carved in the cave. To make it a sanctum, four pillars touching to the ceiling of the cave are erected. Sadly, out of the four pillars, only one is standing firm. Legends say that the four pillars represent the four era and the broken three pillars testify the end of three. Eras. And when the fourth pillar too is broken, it would be the end of Kalyug, and eventually the end of the world.
Kokan Kada
This is the second highest point of the fort from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Konkan region. There is an overhang that attracts trekkers. One can literally see the cloud falling towards the pit falls and then being thrown up vertically at the height of 50 feet as if a wall of thick cloud is rising from the border of the cliff without touching the land.
Taramati Peak
This is the highest point of the fort also called as Taramanchi. It's at the elevation of 1429 metres from the sea level. A bird's eye view of the surrounding Naneghat and other forts near Murbad can be enjoyed from here. A glimpse of Siddhagad fort near Bimashankar and Napta twin peaks can be caught from Taramati Peak.
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