Purandar

**Purandar Fort: Indraneel Parvat** Near Narayanpur village (foothills of Purandar), find the ancient Lord Mahadev temple (Yadav Dynasty). The fort's history spans 1000-1200 years. **Key History:** * **Bahamani Regime:** Acquired by Chandrasampat Deshpande of Bedar. Reconstruction finished by Mahadaji Nilkanth. * **1489:** Went to Nizamshah (won by Malik Mohammed). * **1550:** Passed to Adilshah. * **1649:** Shivaji Maharaj strategically captured the fort from Niloji (Adilshah's in-charge) using Gusiella technique. Brothers Pilaji and Shankarji were involved. * **1655:** Netaji Palkar nominated as Sarnaubat. * **May 16, 1657 (Shake’ 1579):** Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, was born here. * **1665 (Devastating Year):** Mughal Sardar Jaisingh laid siege. Murarbaji Despande valiantly defended but lost Purandar and Vajragad. * **June 11, 1665 (Treaty):** Shivaji surrendered 23 forts to Jaisingh (including Purandar, Rudramala/Vajragad, Kondana, Lohagad, etc.). * **1670:** Nilopanth Muzumdar recaptured it for Swarajya. * **Post-Sambhaji's Death:** Aurangazeb conquered and renamed it 'Ajamgad'. * **Later Maratha Control:** Shankarji Narayan regained control. * **Shake’ 1695:** Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj gave control to the Peshwas (Peshwa capital for years). * **1775 (Shake’ 1697):** Birth of Sawai Madhavrao. * **1818:** British took charge.

**Fascinating Spots at Purandar Fort** **1. Purandareshwar Temple** * Lord Mahadev's temple in 'Hemadic' style. * Houses a 1.25-1.5 high statue of Lord 'Indra'. * Senior Bajirao helped lead its reconstruction.**2. Delhi Darwaja (North Gate)** * Still in good condition, facing north. * Nearby: Temple of Goddess Laxmi, water cisterns. * Guard statues: Two lions flank the entrance door (further up the rightward route).**3. Khandakada** * A huge rock extending eastwards, visible after entering Delhi Darwaja. * Ends in a bastion. * Remnants nearby: 'food-grain storage rooms' and a castle. * Water reservoirs are also located here.**4. Kedar Darwaja** * Historical importance remains high, though not in good condition today.**5. Kedareshwar Temple** * Lord Kedareshwar's reconstructed temple. * Topmost part of the fort, reached via a 15-minute walk and steps. * Features a 'Deepastambha' (stone pillar for lamps). * Great view of forts: Rajgad, Torna, Sinhagad, Raireshwar, Rohida, Malhargad, and Karhe-Plateau. * Fortified area 'Koknya' is at the rear end. * Thousands of pilgrims visit during Mahashivratri.**6. Bini Darwaja** * The ONLY door to Purandar Machi from Narayanpur. * In good condition; features 'Gatehouses' (Paharekaryandiya Devdya) for guards. * Leads to Khandakada, vintage military camps, and bungalows. * Road leads to Purandareshwar temple at the foothills of the citadel. * Statue of Murarbaji in his fighting stance is here.**7. Rameshwar Temple** * Located behind the Purandareshwar temple. * Built by Balaji Vishwanath during the start of the 'Peshva' dynasty. * Was the private temple of the Peshvas.**8. 'Wada' (Ancient Bungalow)** * Remains of an ancient two-storied bungalow. * Sawai Madhavrao was born here. * A well behind it is still in good condition.**9. Purandar Machi** * Straight route from Delhi Darwaja leads here. * Features many dilapidated remains.**10. Statue of Murarbaji Deshpande** * Established in 1970; located to the right after Bini Darwaja.**11. Bhairav Khind** * Located enroute to Purandar Machi ('Bhairavkhinda'). * Statue of Shivaji Maharaj is visible here. * **Water Source:** Rajale Lake is on the right-hand side and supplies water to Purandar Machi.**12. Padmavati Lake** * Located just ahead of the Murarbaji Deshpande statue.**13. Shendrya Bastion** * Bastion (SHENDRYA) aligned with the fortification. * Located Northwest to the citadel & behind the Padmavati Lake.