Sajjangad

**Sajjangad Fort: A Timeline of Kings & Saints** Originally **Ashwalayan Gad** (named for Saint Ashwalayan), also called **Ashwalgad** or **Parali Fort**. * **11th Century:** Built by **King Bhoj** (Shilahar dynasty). * **1358-1375:** Mentioned during **Bahamani King Mahommad Shah's** reign. * Passed to **Adilshah**. **Phajal Khan** was in charge (1632). * **April 2, 1673:** Conquered by **Shivaji Maharaj** from Adilshah. * Renamed **Sajjangad** when **Saint Samarth Ramdas** permanently resided here per Shivaji Maharaj's request. * **Nov 3, 1678:** Shivaji Maharaj visited. * **Dec 3, 1678:** **Sambhaji** fled Sajjangad to join Dilerkhan. * **Jan 18, 1682:** Shivaji Maharaj died. * **Jan 22, 1682:** Ramdas Swami died, transferring rights to **Divakar Gosavi** (administration given to **Bhanji** and **Ramji Gosavi**). * **April 21, 1700:** Captured by Moghals and named **'Nauras-Satara'**. * **1709:** Captured by Marathas. * **1818:** Fell to the British.

**Fort Highlights (2 Hour Visit)** **Entrances:** * **1st Gate:** Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Dwar (faces southeast). * **2nd Gate:** Samarth Dwar (faces east). * **Note:** Both gates close after 10 PM.**Samarth Dwar Inscription:** * A stone inscription near the 2nd gate details its history: * Built on 3rd Janadilakhar. * Work done under the rule of Adilshah Rehan.**Meditation & Lakes:** * **Ramghal:** A 15-minute walk right from the entranceway tree leads to Ramghal, the meditation spot of Samarth Ramdas. * **Ghodale Lake:** Turn left after entering the fort. This lake was meant for horses. * **Sonale Lake:** Potable water, near Shree Samarth office and lodge.**Temples & History:** * **Anglai Temple:** Located behind Ghodale Lake, next to a mosque-like building. Samarth Ramdas discovered the Anglai idol in Angapur (and Shreeram idol in Chaphal). * **Main Temple Area (Straight past Sonale Lake):** * Hanuman Temple. * Sridhar Kuti ashram (nearby). * To the right: Shreeram Temple, Ramdas Swami monastery, and Ramdas Swami's room (preserves his daily items).**Exit Path:** * Exit the main temple and turn left: * Bramhapisa Temple. * Dhaabyacha Maruti Hanuman Temple. * **View:** Fortification and beautiful surroundings are visible from here.