History
The fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been
discovered here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like
Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about
Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in 6th century, during
the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era.
The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In
these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named
Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage
Changdev
(one who created the epic “Tatvasaar”), used to meditate here in 14th
century. The caves are from the same period. The various constructions
on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the
existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of
Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and
in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the
medieval period, since it is related to Shaiva, Shakta or Naath. Later
the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in
1747.
Saptatirtha Pushkarni
To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called “Saptatirtha”.
On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of
Lord Vishnu. Recently these idols have been shifted in the caves near
the temple of Harishchandreshwar. These days many trekkers have been
responsible for the sad plight of this beautiful place, as they throw
plastic wastes and other things in the pond. 7 years back the water was
potable, and now it isn’t suitable even to swim.
Kedareshwar Cave
Going rightwards of Harishchandreshwar temple, we come across a huge cave. This is the cave of Kedareshwar (
see picture),
in which there is a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by
water. The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is
waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivlinga because the
water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. In monsoon it
is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the
way.
Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff)
The most interesting point on this fort is this cliff, which has
always fascinated many people from many years. The cliff faces west and
looks down upon the Konkan. From here, one can have a breathtaking view
of the surrounding region and the setting sun. This cliff is not just
vertical, it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood. It has been
climbed many times. Sometimes a circular rainbow (the
Brocken spectre
phenomenon) can be seen from this point. It can be seen only when there
is a bit of mist in the valley, and the sun is right behind the person
facing the valley. One amazing phenomenon that can be observed at this
place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff
get sucked into the pit fall area below are thrown vertically into the
sky reaching more than 50 feet (15 m). It creates a magical wall that is
rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the
landmass area. The fog show and hovering clouds below the cliff
complement the season if one visits.
Taramati peak
Also known as Taramanchi. This is the topmost point on the fort (1429 meters).
Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of
Naneghat and the forts near
Murbad.
From this Taramati point,we can have a glimpse of forts till Siddhagad
near Bhimashankar in the south and Napta twin peaks,Ghodishep (865
meters),Ajoba (1375 meters),Kulang fort (1471 meters)in the north near
the Kasara region
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