Post on 01-Sep-2014
description
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
The 1-1/2 hr trek begins
Strong roots!
Earth vanished below the tree
Gap inside the mountain is a road and also a place where one can spend night
Honeycombs
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