Harishchandragad –

Ultimate trekking destination!!

Date of visit: 4th Jan 2009

Route:Kurla-Igatpuri-Ghoti-Rajur-

Pachnai-Harishchandragad-Khireshwar-Kalyan

HEIGHT : 1424 METERS

HarishchandragadThe fort is quite ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered

here. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipuranaand 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.

From Kurla

To Kalyan

Bhandaradara lake

Pimpalgaon lake

Harishchandragad

2-1/2 hr Rail Journey begins from Kurla to Igatpuri

Saumya, Sandesh, Amar and Hitest

Lunch of Misal-pav and Bhaji at Igatpuri

GHOTI

Bus from Igatpuri to ghoti

Ghoti to Rajur and then to Pachnai (2-1/2 hr)

Pachnai village - at the foothills of Harishchandragad

Dinner of Dal-Bhakri-Bhat at Subhash Bharmal’s house

The lunch-room was shared with Subhash’s goats due to winter

T.P.

Night outside Subhash’s house

The ‘paar’ with village gods

The ultimate Catch by Saumya

Village women carrying water from nearby well

Morning tea

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Callout

We are here

The 1-1/2 hr trek begins

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Callout

Pachnai Village

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Yaad aa rahi hai, teri yaad aa rahi hai

Strong roots!

Earth vanished below the tree

Gap inside the mountain is a road and also a place where one can spend night

Honeycombs

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View after reaching the plateu - Balekilla

Where eagles dare

Temple of HarishchandreshwarThis temple is marvelous example of the fine art of carving sculptures out of stones that prevailed in ancient India. It is about 16 m high from its base. Around this temple there a few caves & ancient water tanks. The river Mangal Ganga is said to originate from one of the tanks located close to the temple. The top of the temple resembles construction

with the north-Indian temples. A similar temple is situated in Buddha-Gaya.

The ancient "SHIVA" temple is built up in "Hemadpanthi style" i.e. No sealing component used between two stones on each other.

Saptatirtha PushkarniTo the east of the temple is a well-built water tank 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.

Saptatirtha Pushkarni

‘other side’

Entrance to Shiva temple

Ganesh

Kedareshwar CaveThis is the cave of Kedareshwar, close to the temple. 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. The water is ice-cold.

Caves

View of the temple and surround area

2-3 Tents for Rs. 300 a night/tent available.

Courtesy: www.amezingsahyadri.com

Amar desperately checking mobile range at Konkankada

We are here

RIGHT SIDE

LEFT SIDE

Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff) RIGHT SIDEThe 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.

We were here in the earlier photograph

Konkan Kada - MIDDLE ARC

Konkan Kada - LEFT SIDE

Saumya

Lunch (Batatyachi bhaaji, Bhakri, ZunkaBhakar) locally prepared (Rs. 50 per plate)

Balekilla

Dried grass being burnt in the forest (?)

04-Jan-2009

09-Jul-2006

Lion’s statue at the Tolar Khindjunction where paths from Levaliand Khireshwar join

Rock patch with railing

Naturally formed orifice

From Khireshwar to KhubiPhata (Malshej ghat) on tempo

Desperately checking mobile range in Malshej Ghat while waiting for bus for Kalyan

Bus from Khubi phata to Kalyan (2-1/2 hours)

Jai Hind

Jai Maharashtra