Salher

Salher Fort: A Place of Legends and Epic Battles **Ancient Significance:** Famous as the site where Parashuram performed penance and pushed back the sea to create land. **Battle of Salher (1671):** Captured by Shivaji during his Baglan campaign. Infuriated, the Mogul emperor sent Ikhlaas Khan and Bahlol Khan with 20,000 cavalry to lay siege. **The Clash:** Shivaji ordered Commander-in-Chief Prataprao and Moropant Peshwa (from Varghati Konkan) to converge on Salher. A fierce, 24-hour battle ensued. **Maratha Victory:** The Marathas defeated Ikhlaas Khan and Bahlol Khan in what is considered the greatest face-to-face victory against the Mughals. **Details:** * Shivaji's troops: 1,20,000 (10,000 lost). * Mughal losses (per Sabhasad Bakhar): 10,000 troops perished; blood flowed like rivers. * Maratha spoils: 6,000 horses, 6,000 camels, 150 elephants, and treasures captured. * Martyr: Suryarao Kakde, hit by a cannon ball.**Legacy:** The victory cemented Maratha rule over the Baglan region (including Mulher) and increased Shivaji's fame, becoming a nightmare for the Shah of Surat.

Reach the top and spot dilapidated temples (5-10 min). Turn right from Waghambe route, left from Salherwadi route. Nearby: Two water cisterns, then Gangasagar Lake. Next to the lake: roofless temples of Renuka Devi and Ganesh. Two routes from here:1. Right path leads to a water tank and a "Yagnavedi" (yagna construction) with an idol. 2. Climbing path from the temples leads to three caves (you can stay here) with a Maruti temple in front.Climb from the caves to the topmost part. See the dilapidated Parashuram temple (idol/footsteps). Viewpoint: See the entire Baglan region and fabulous surrounding scenes. Historical Note: This fort was vital on the trade route connecting Dang, Baglan, and Gujarat. Views: South: Ajantha – Satmaal range, Dhodap fort, Ikharya peak. East: Peaks of Mangi–Tungi, Nhavigad, Tambolya, Hanuman Tekdi, Mulhergad, Hargad, Moragad, Salota. Ahead: Haranbari Dam.