Exploring the Marvel of Harishchandra Fort and Kedareshwar Cave Temple in Maharashtra

Discover Harishchandra Fort in Maharashtra's Sahyadri Ghats, a historical marvel and trekking destination. Learn about the unique Kedareshwar Cave Temple and plan your visit.

Harishchandra Fort, Kedareshwar Cave Temple, Maharashtra hill forts, Sahyadri Ghats, trekking in Maharashtra, Maratha Empire forts

• H1: Exploring the Marvel of Harishchandra Fort and Kedareshwar Cave Temple in Maharashtra
• H2: The Historical Significance of Harishchandra Fort
• H2: Location and How to Reach Harishchandra Fort
  • H3: By Train
  • H3: By Roadways
  • H3: By Airways
• H2: Unique Features of Kedareshwar Cave Temple
• H2: Important Visitor Information

---

Exploring the Marvel of Harishchandra Fort and Kedareshwar Cave Temple in Maharashtra

Harishchandra Fort, located in the stunning Sahyadri Ghats of Maharashtra, is a testament to the architectural and strategic prowess of ancient Indian dynastic rulers. This fort played a significant role in the administration of the Maratha Empire and today, it serves as a major tourist attraction for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts.

The Historical Significance of Harishchandra Fort

Harishchandra Fort is a marvel of ancient architecture and planning. The fort’s strategic location on the inaccessible hills and mountains made it a formidable defense against foreign aggressors. It showcases the ingenuity of the Maratha rulers in using natural landscapes for military advantage.

Location and How to Reach Harishchandra Fort

• State: Maharashtra
• Location: Malshej Ghat
• Mountain: Harishchandra
• District: Ahmednagar

Distance From:

• Malshej Ghat: 15 km
• Igatpuri: 41 km
• Bhandardara: 66 km
• Pune: 166 km
• Mumbai: 218 km

How to Reach:

By Train:

• Igatpuri: Accessible from Kalyan or Pune

By Roadways:

• From Mumbai: Via Kalyan to Khubi Phata
• From Pune: To Khireshwar village
• Via Malshej Ghat: To Alephata

By Airways:

• Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (154 km away)

Base Villages: Pachai, Khireshwar, Belpada

Unique Features of Kedareshwar Cave Temple

Harishchandra Fort is home to the unique Kedareshwar Cave Temple, which has several distinguishing features:

• The Shivling is submerged in about five feet of ice-cold water year-round.
• The cave walls continuously seep water.
• The Shivling has a structure originally supported by four carved pillars.
• These four pillars are believed to represent the four ages: Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kalyug.
• The three pillars representing the past ages have eroded with time.
• The remaining pillar represents the current age, Kalyug, and is believed to crumble once this age passes, coinciding with the destruction of life and civilization.
• The architecture is in the Hemadpanti Style.

Important Visitor Information

When planning a visit to the Kedareshwar Cave Temple, keep in mind the following points:

• Swimming: Strictly prohibited in the temple water.
• Monsoon Access: The temple becomes inaccessible during the monsoon months.

Picture Source: Vijay Pathave (Google

Lord Shanidev: The Deity of Karma, Justice, and Discipline at Shani Shingnapur

 

Discover the significance of Lord Shanidev, the God of Karma, justice, and discipline. Learn how to worship him and visit the unique Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra.

Lord Shanidev, God of Karma, Shani temple, Shani Shingnapur, worship Shanidev, sade sati

Headings:

• H1: Lord Shanidev: The Deity of Karma, Justice, and Discipline
• H2: Understanding the Significance of Lord Shanidev
• H2: How to Worship Lord Shanidev
• H2: The Unique Village of Shani Shingnapur
• H2: How to Reach Shani Shingnapur
  • H3: Via Railways
  • H3: Via Roadways
  • H3: Via Airways
• H2: The Shani Shingnapur Temple and Its Practices
• H2: Do's and Don'ts for Worshippers

Lord Shanidev, a revered Hindu deity, is known as the God of Karma, justice, and discipline. He is the destroyer of pride, ego, overconfidence, and arrogance. Born to Lord Suryadev and Chhaya Devi, the black-colored Shanidev governs the planet Saturn and is worshipped on Saturdays. Those experiencing the effects of his sade sati are familiar with the turmoil he can bring, which is a result of their own Karma that requires correction.

Understanding the Significance of Lord Shanidev

Born to: Lord Suryadev and Chhaya Devi
Worship Day: Saturday
Attributes: Black complexion, lord of Saturn
Key Beliefs: Shanidev enforces Karma and justice, lessening suffering for those who sincerely worship him.

How to Worship Lord Shanidev

Devotees can seek relief or gain mental strength by worshipping Lord Shanidev in several ways:

• Visiting Shani temples on Saturdays
• Wearing black clothes
• Pouring sesame oil on his idol
• Donating black-colored items to the needy

The Unique Village of Shani Shingnapur

Located in Maharashtra, Shani Shingnapur is a unique village where no house, establishment, or even the local bank has locks. The belief that Lord Shanidev protects the village deters theft due to the fear of his retribution.

Key Details:

• Temple: Shanidev Temple
• Village: Shani Shingnapur
• Taluka: Nevasa
• District: Ahmednagar
• State: Maharashtra

How to Reach Shani Shingnapur

Via Railways:

• Rahuri: 32 km
• Ahmednagar: 35 km
• Shrirampur: 54 km
• Shirdi: 75 km

Via Roadways:

• NH 10 and NH 16
• State buses, private buses, and cab services are readily available.

Via Airways:

• Aurangabad Airport: 80 km
• Pune International Airport: 132 km

The Shani Shingnapur Temple and Its Practices

The temple of Shani Shingnapur houses a swayambhu idol discovered by a local shepherd. The black stone idol measures 5'10" in height and 1'6" in width, and the temple has no roof, signifying that Lord Shanidev considers the whole world his home.

Facilities:

• Accommodation
• Purchase of Puja samagri
• Donation services
• Medical facilities
• Bathing area for men (women are restricted to praying without entering the inner sanctum)

Temple Timings:

• Open: All day
• Mahaarti: 4:30 AM and 6:30 PM
• Prasada Distribution: 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Amount to be paid: ₹10

Do's and Don'ts for Worshippers

Do's:

• Take a bath before entering the inner sanctum.
• Male devotees should wear wet clothes with their heads uncovered.
• Offer black sesame seeds and mustard oil to the Lord.
• Charity of black items like umbrellas, slippers, clothes, and sesame seeds to manual workers and maids.

Don'ts:

• Women are not allowed inside the sanctum but can pray from the outer area.
• Do not look directly into the Lord's eyes.
• Avoid worshipping the Lord during daytime as he is believed to not get along with his father, the Sun.

Note: Picture source - Wikipedia