Mohim Chavand & Kukadeshwar Temple with Trekshitiz

                                                                                                                              -Deepali Lanke

Introduction:-

Junnar is a city which has a long history. The Junnar city has an interesting geographical location and because of its strategic location the city became extremely important in terms of Trade and Security. Naneghat a ancient trade route which connects Ghat and Kokan starts from Junnar city . Naneghat was a busy route in those days so for the security purpose 4 forts were built in the surrounding region.
1. Jivdhan which is on the right hand side of the Naneghat which is easily recognizable because of its pinnacle.
2. Hadsar.
3. Chavand.
4. Shivneri

We can call them as watch towers of this route

Information of Chavand Fort:-

Chavand fort is situated at a height of 3000 ft from the sea level. As many other forts in Maharashtra this fort is also built by The Satvahanas. After the Satvahanas the fort and the surrounding region was ruled by Muslim empires. Then in May 1672 the great Shivaji conquered this fort and the surrounding region including Harishchandra gad as well. Shivaji Maharaj renamed this fort as "Prasanna Gad".
After the Maratha Empire this fort came under British dominance .In 1818 British Army got hold of this fort and as per their strategy they destroyed each and every monument of the fort along with the route to reach the top.

The route to reach the top starts from the Chavandwadi which is the base village of the fort. Any vehicle going towards Aptale village can drop you at Chavandwadi. The Trek starts From Chavandwadi .
After walking for about 20 mins we reach the broken staircase which is carved in rock. This rock patch is a result of british invasion. When Britishers won the fort they destroyed the rock cut steps of the fort. Now "Junnar forest department" and an organization named "Shivaji Trail" have fixed Railings on this 107 ft rock patch. These Railings are really useful while ascending and descending.

Fascinating Spots:-

The Mahadarwaja of the Fort is still in good condition.
 The entire door is made up of stone. The Mahadarwaja is built in Gomukhi style, Surrounded by two bastions. Mahadarwaja is not visible till you cross the last step of the fort.

After crossing the Mahadarwaja you will see two routes right route with 5-10 more steps will take you to the top. And the left one takes you on the Fort walls. From the right side route after ascending more 5-10 steps we can see many old constructions.

Once we reach the top we can see a saffron flag and Chamunda devi mandir on a small hillock which is the highest part of the fort, it is in good condition.

From the top there are two routes, the straight route takes you to the Chamunda temple and the left route goes towards a broken temple and "Saat Taki" (7 tanks).
After walking for 10 mins on the left side route you will reach a broken temple there is a small water pond outside the temple with statue of Gods carved on the walls. This is called as "Pushkarni".

From the top of the fort we can experience a great view of surrounding Sahyadri region , "Manikdoh"  Dam and Kukadi River. From this Pushkarni in the North-west direction there 7 water tanks (Saat taki).
This is a unique construction as the 7 tanks are carved in a single rock.

From the Chavand fort you can view Shivneri , Jivdhan many other forts.

Kukadeshwar Temple:-

Another must visit spot near Chavand fort is "Kukadeshwar" temple. Right now this beautiful temple is in ruined condition but still you can see some beautiful designs carved on the walls and pillars of this temple. 

This mighty forts are our protectors, there are many things which we need to study so that we can explore our golden history. Destroyed by Britishers and by our own people as well. Now this is the time to protect them.