Vilasgad (Mallikarjun)

**Fort Highlights: Easy Access & Ancient Shrines** Concrete steps/tar road lead to the fort base. 30 min climb up the steps reaches the **Mallikarjun Temple**. * **Mallikarjun Temple:** See two arched structures before the entrance. Inside the fortified wall, find two lamp posts, a storage area, and the **Lord Bhairavnath Temple** with a chamber. The chamber has a store room (converted cave) supported by two pillars. The main Mallikarjun temple is built in a cave, supported by 5 pillars. Exit to see a Nandi idol and flower carvings below. * **Summit Trail:** Take the left exit. Spot a limestone churner (wheel buried). Steps lead to the summit in 5 min. * **Summit View:** Find idols of **Vitthal-Rukmini** under a shade. Nearby is a dilapidated ancient **Lord Krishna Temple** (brick crown, no idols inside). * **Shrines & History:** Two opposite shrines, one with a small room underneath. Visit the shrine of **Hazrat Chaand Bukhari**. The **Jadhav family** has served this shrine for seven generations. The opposite shrines are reportedly for Jadhav family members. * **Events:** Festival held annually on **Mahashivratri**. * **Other Structures:** A 12X10 rock structure with two arched doors. A pond nearby, historically used for horses.**Edges & Views** * **Eastern Edge:** Route descends to the ridge from here. * **Western Edge Trail:** Path near the Krishna temple leads to the western edge (5 min trail). The route descends near a large water pipe. * **Shiv Linga Shrine:** Descend to a small temple structure, past rock-cut steps. Find a **Shiv Linga** inside, opposite a rock-cut water tank with steps. * **Macchindragad Fort View:** Look east from the top to see **Macchindragad fort**.