TORANA FORT
Once regarded as the cradle of the Maratha Empire, the Torna fort is a historical landmark in the state of Maharashtra. It was captured by Shivaji Maharaj when he was just 16 years of age and was renamed as Prachandgad, which literally means a huge fort. Torna is located about 50 kms from Pune in the south-west direction near the village of Velhe.
The fort stands 4604 feet high and is regarded as the tallest fort in the Pune region and second tallest in the Sahyadri region. Thanks to its elevation, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding forts of Rajgad, Sinhagad and Raigad. Throughout its history, the fort was highly sort after because of its strategic location.
The fort was initially built by a Hindu follower called Shiava Pant in the 13th century who named it Torna because of the large number of Toran trees that cover the fort. Malik Ahmed, a Bahmani ruler, took control of the fort in 1470 and continued to rule it until 1486 after which it landed in the hands of the Nizamshahi Empire. Shivaji Maharaj seized the fort in the year 1646 and started rebuilding some sections of the fort to make it more robust against attacks. During the construction of new monuments and towers inside the fort, Shivaji Maharaj discovered 22 pots of gold hidden in the ground which were utilised towards the construction of Rajgad. Torna continued to serve the Maratha king until the very end of the 17th century.
In the year 1700, the Moghuls took over the fort from Shivaji Maharaj’s son Sambhaji and assassinated him on the fort. In the years that followed the fort was again won over by the Marathas under the leadership of Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv before Aurangzeb gained control of Torna after years of struggle. Hence he renamed the fort as ‘Futulgaib’ which translates to “The Divine Victory”. The treaty of Purandar that was signed four years later ensured that the fort was returned to the Maratha Empire.
In the monsoons, Torna is among the most visited historical monuments in Maharashtra. Local trekking groups organise trekking camps on weekends to Torna, which is undoubtedly among the tallest and most difficult forts to conquer. Over a mile in length, the fort features a number of monuments that were built by the Maratha dynasty. The ‘Bini Darwaja’ is among the noted attractions of the fort known for the spectacular view it offers. It is the main entrance to the fort from the village of Velhe, which lies at the foot of the fort. The road from the main entrance leads you to the ‘Kothi Darwaja’ that provides access to the stone carved steps of the Toranjali temple. The temple houses the statues of the Somjai and Toranjali goddesses.
If you walk to the east of the Kothi Darwaja you come across the Hanuman bastion which is home to the idol of Lord Hanuman. Continue walking further and you will reach the ‘Bhel’ bastion. To the east if this landmark is the famous Zunjar Machi which could only be accessed after a short rock-climbing session a few years ago. Now, a well-built iron ladder has been put on the fort wall to provide easy access.
The south west side of the fort features the ‘Budhla Machi’. Budhla in Marathi means a vessel and the structure looks as if a huge vessel has been kept upside down. From this machi one can head towards Sanjeevani Machi on Rajgad via the Alu Darwaja.
The Goddess Mengai temple on the fort is the only option where one can stay.
FAQ’s:
How to get in?
One can reach Torna via Nasrapur, Baneshwar or Khed Shivpur to the village of Vilhe located at foot of the fort. From Velhe you can start trekking the fort.
When to go?
Monsoon, it’s the best time of the year.
Where to stay?
Mengai Goddess Temple present inside the fort or in the Velhe Village.
Where to eat?
Carry your own food if possible. You can also get something from the shops situated at the base of the fort. There are also some hotels located on the fort.
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