Raigad: Gibraltar of the East

It was the last week of my summer vacation and monsoon was also started. As planned, Alankar mama and Kalpesh dada left our dwelling and headed towards Panvel where we where going meet at Pushkar Dada’s house. Though we had left for the trip the final destination was not yet planned, we had sorted some places for trekking but none of them were fixed so our first task after gathering together was to decide the location. As we reached Panvel and gathered together the final call was taken that we should visit Raigad fort. As soon as it was decided we loaded our luggage into Pushkar dada’s car and we all six started our journey to Durga Durgeshwar Raigad.

After reaching at the base, we decided to take the Nane Darwaja route to ascend the fort and we started walking in that direction. After crossing the Nane Darwaja and walking for a while we came across a small waterfall on the way which leads to the main gate of fort. The Scene was too beautiful, we tasted the water which was as cool as ice, and moved on. After the trek of 60 to 90 minutes we reached at main gate of fort. The climate was cool and a little bit rainy. As we stood on the ramparts of the fort and and observed the nature we felt relaxed at the same goosebumps that arose while thinking of the great wars experienced by this fort the way Maratha soldiers would have fought back. Today we get exhausted while climbing a fort but our ancestors were used to climbing and then cutting the enemy into pieces what valor and strength they may have possessed. You can imagine and feel that vibe when you stand on the ramparts of such big forts. 

Main Gate

We visited some more places and then we went to our room. We relaxed there for some time, got refreshed, and then went to have breakfast. We had delicious Kanda Bhaji and chai with the beautiful climate making it more delicious. Then we returned to our room had some gossips and then after awhile had dinner. After dinner we went for a walk towards Hirkani Buruj, It was a dark and foggy night so we were not able to see the surroundings clearly but the cold breeze was amazing, it gave immense pleasure to my mind as well as my soul. After having a good walk we went back to room and as usual when there is such type of dark nights the ghost stories are must, so Pushkar dada started telling us ghost stories. After a while Richa seemed to be little frighten so he decided to stop and go for sleep.

The next morning we woke up had bath and breakfast then we got out of the room to feel and experience the real beauty of the fort. First, we visited Shree Jagadishwar Temple, the architecture astonished me. It is so beautiful that one just stands and observes it cheerfully. The silence and the vibe of that temple make us concentrate on shivling. We sat down there and concentrated for a few minutes, my words were not capable of explaining the experience and pleasure we had in that temple.

Shree Jagadishwar Temple

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are well known for their law and justice. Tak-Mak Tok is the place that has witnessed innumerable punishments for criminals and given justice to common and innocent people. It's a pleasure to visit such places. The view from Tak-Mak Tok was amazing, one can enjoy the beauty of nature by just sitting in that place. As we reached Tak-Mak Tok rain started and the cool breeze started blowing. It was like a heaven for me. We all enjoyed a lot. It's always awesome to have rain while trekking or when your in contact with nature. The droplets after the rain shine like a gold pearl when sunshine falls on them and immediately as clouds come across it disappear, It's fun to watch such and hide and seek game.

Tak-Mak Tok

  The place where Shivaji Maharaj sat, Place which witnessed the coronation, the Royal Durbar. The architecture is so amazing that if you speak anything in any corner of durbar then also it is heard the place where Maharaj seats. It has echo system within it which reproduces sound which you speak. It is true architectural marvel. The we saw the rooms of the Ashta Pradhan mandal, seven rooms of the queens and Shivaji Maharaj's private Archaic. There is also a secret room on fort which is underground. Then we move towards Bazar, there are many conceptions about it. Some says that it was the place of work for Ashta Pradhan mandal and another services, while another concept which is largely accepted that is it was the bazar for Royal houses and Royal ladies. These are main two conception about this place. Whichever be true but the architecture is amazing. 

Bazar/Working place

Then we headed towards the Wagh Darwaja or Tiger Gate. When Aurangzeb had laid siege to the Raigad fort that time Rajaram Maharaj escaped to Jinji through Wagh Darwaja or Tiger gate. After visiting Wagh Darwaja we took the blessings of Shivaji Maharaj and returned to our room and started packing for our return journey,, Alankar mama and Pushkar dada climbed down through normal route, and the remaining came through the rope way carrying everyone's luggage. We climbed down in 45 minutes and then we decided to visit Wagh bil or Tiger Cave which was at a distance of 10 minutes from the base. We saw the Wagh bil it was amazing, after observing its structure we predicted that it may not be a tiger cave, it may be made for keeping watch on the village's downside. As we were returning from there towards our car we saw a deer with fawns. The first time I saw deer in reality, I was overwhelmed by seeing it, I was not able to control my happiness and as soon as we tried to take a photograph she saw us and then she got away from our eyesight so fast that we were not able to determine in which direction she had gone. The one who was coming by ropeway missed this precious moment. After they arrived we moved towards Pachad where Jijamata Lived. There is also the Samadhi of Jijamata. We took their blessings and started our return journey.

It was one of the most memorable trek till now. Everyone must visit Raigad fort at least once in their life. It gives a beautiful meaning to life. To conserve our heritage and to be proud about yourself that you are the son/daughter of the land where great king like Shivaji Maharaj were born. It is said rightly that "The Taj Mahal gives happiness to eyes but Raigad makes the soul happy".