Sindhudurg

Sindhudurg Fort History: **Foundation & Construction:** Construction began 25 Nov 1664, blessed by worshipping the sacred 'Moryacha Dhonda' rock (carvings of Lord Ganesh, the Sun, Moon, and Shiv Linga) near Malvan. About 3800 workers (500 masons, 200 blacksmiths, 100 Portuguese, 3000 workers) completed the fort in 3 years. Key fact: Foundation stones were fixed strongly with molten lead. Limestone sourced from the Deccan plateau. **Completion:** Shivaji Maharaj, who wrote detailed letters on resource management, was present when the fort was completed on 29 Mar 1667. **Later Control:** After Rajaram Maharaj's death (1700), the fort came under Tarabai's control per the Treaty of Warna. Due to piracy near Malvan coast, the British (Major Gordon & Captain Watson) captured it on 28 Jan 1765, renaming it Fort Augustus. It was returned to the Marathas on 2 Jan 1766 (Anglo-Maratha truce), but the British regained it in 1792 by aiding the Karveerkars against the Desai of Nipani.

Sindhudurg Fort: Explore the Intact Marvel! * **Protected Entrance:** Features a "Gomukhi" style entrance (similar to Raigad), cleverly blocked by two bastions for concealment. Look for the carved idol of Lord Hanuman and the small Nagaarkhana (loft) for Nagaare above. * **Massive Fort Walls:** Incredibly strong and intact\! They are 4m wide and span 4km, featuring 26 protective bastions with cannon shafts. Find 45 staircases at intervals. * **Historical Footprints:** Along the wall, find the enclosure protecting the right hand and left leg prints of Shivaji Maharaj (made on wet limestone). Sambhaji Maharaj's wife, Jijabai, mandated their worship in 1763. * **Must-See Temples:** * **JariMari Temple** (Goddess JariMari) * **Shivaji Maharaj Temple:** The only one of its kind\! Rajaram Maharaj established the idol, which is dressed as a boatman and covered with a gold/silver mask (photo also displayed). The Sankpal family manages the temple. * **Lord Shiva Temple:** Located behind Shivrajeshwar temple, includes a well. * Also visit Bhagwati Temple and Mahapurush Temple. * **The Three Wells:** Nearby the Shiva temple are Doodhbav (Milk), Dahibav (Curd), and Sakharbav (Sugar)—three currently covered wells that supplied potable water. * **Palace Remnants:** See the ruins of Shivaji Maharaj's palace. * **Watch Bastion & Cistern:** West of the palace is a standalone bastion used for observation, next to a cistern. * **Royal Bathing Spot:** A small, secluded door behind the bastion leads to a private bathing area for royal ladies. * **Unique Palm Tree:** Look for the palm tree with its trunk split like a fork (recently damaged by lightning).