Janjala (Vaishagad)

Discover Janjala! Formerly Jinjala village. Key fact: Ghatotkach caves feature scripture mentioning Ashmak's royal daughter. Varahadev, Vakatak's minister, carved the cave in the 5th century A.D. This fort saw action: Burhan Nizamshah (Ahmednagar) won it in 1553, followed by Shahjahan in 1631.

**Fort Highlights & Access** **Getting Here (3 Routes):**1. **Jarandi Village:** Ends at the West Entrance Door. 2. **Vetalwadi Dam:** Leads to the Vetalgad Entrance Door. 3. **Janjala Village:** Cart route (30 min to fort wall).**Janjala Route Points of Interest:** * **Fort Wall:** Partially demolished for entry; 8-foot canon outside. * **Secret East Door:** View of Vetalwadi Dam & Vetalwadi Fort. * **East Doorway:** 20' high arch (good condition); Porches, scriptured/sculptured stones nearby. * **Pond (Entrance Route):** Built-in, currently in poor condition (low water). * **Jarandi Doorway (North):** Approach from Jarandi base village; 2-line Persian scripture outside. * **Arch/Fortification:** Housed buildings for important personnel. * **Bastions (2):** One in ruins (stones fallen); Sharabh sculpture (broken). * **Tomb:** Saiyyad Al Kabir Kadri (Persian scripture opposite). * **Pond (Behind Tomb):** Potable water. * **Structure:** Has a window and dome; Adjacent bastion with Sharabh sculpture. * **Queen's Residence:** Reached via right path through dense vegetation; Many arches; Remnants of 4 structures nearby. * **Mosque:** Next to Queen's residence; 3 arches on a ramp. * **Lakes (2):** Near the mosque. * **Vetalwadi Doorway:** 5 min east past the lake; Outside fortified wall connects to the northern summit (has secret doorways).*Exit route to Janjala village is between the two lakes.* **Ghatotkach Caves (Buddhist):** * **Location:** Between Janjala village and the fort. * **Hall:** Huge, 20 pillars (middle/corner pillars have unique carvings). * **Statue:** Seated Buddha with carvings of deers and the Dharmachakra; located left of the hall with scriptures.**Ambhai Village:** Ancient temple built in Hemadpanti architecture. **Time Estimate:** * **Full Fort Tour:** 2-3 hours. * **To Caves from Fort:** 45 minutes walking. * **Cave Sightseeing:** 30 minutes. * **Caves to Village:** 30 minutes walking.