Harishchandragad Trek:
Saturday, 29 th Feb. 2010.
Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4500 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Medium (5.5 hrs trek)
Region: Malshej
Base Village: Khireshwar
Harishchandragad: The fort is quite ancient, considered to be from the Medieval period. The Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate on Taramati/Rohidas in 14th century. The caves are also from the same period.
Taramati: This is the topmost point on the fort. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad.
Konkan Kada: 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 with a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and sunset. This cliff is not just vertical; it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood.
Kedareshwar: The cave of Kedareshwar has a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water.
Height: 4500 Feet above MSL (Approx)
Grade: Medium (5.5 hrs trek)
Region: Malshej
Base Village: Khireshwar
Breakfast Point
Harishchandragad: The fort is quite ancient, considered to be from the Medieval period. The Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate on Taramati/Rohidas in 14th century. The caves are also from the same period.
Taramati: This is the topmost point on the fort. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad.
Konkan Kada: 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 with a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and sunset. This cliff is not just vertical; it is an overhang, almost like a cobra's hood.
Kedareshwar: The cave of Kedareshwar has a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water.
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
Journey
It all started at Pune, Karve Road, Mc D on one fine day Saturday, 29 th Feb. 2010, where a bunch of trek freeks or evangelist (call by any name) started their journey to Second Heaven. Out of massive 16 registration, 10 made it, a bigger lot from Pune and a smaller lot from this world. Journey started by two wheeler.
Destination Khireshwar Village
Though it is afternoon, I can see a few white clouds passing us. My first journey started along the side of the dam to the Khireshwar village, 6 km ahead of us. The road is filled with silence
My last trek seen-Rainy season
After 30 odd minutes i reached the village, and to my surprise all the resting places are jam packed. Almost 6 trek groups came to harishchandragad for that week.
Rush to the cave
The situation is demanding and crowded, so there is a need to arrange an accommodation for all of us. Our decision is to rush to the cave and occupy before anyone, Which means someone has to take the pain of trekking at night itself. A 10 member team is formed immediately and i was one among them. My journey to the cave started at 6 pm , as i haven't sleep till then. Asusual the trek started with a quick introduction
we crossed three rocky patches, before reaching the fort wall. At one such patch i saw the clouds circling the surrounded mountain as if they forget their way to move forward.
Konkan Kada
We wake up next day @ 7 am to see people preparing their mats around me and also heard the announcement to leave for konkan kada in 30 mins. We r in hurried and had a brief lunch, only biscuits & LAXMI NARAYNACHA CHIWDA this time. Konkan kada is not far off as i thought and i reached in just 30 mins. I couldn't see even a damn thing out there and also i coundn't felt the altitude. The mist was completely grey, covered the whole region, hardly i can peek to have a look at the valley. A small game started soon, everyone plunked any plant near to them and throw it in the valley. Bcause of the high upward pressure existed over there, we can see the plant flying like an helicopter.
Aamdar Chatu Patil With Sarpanch Vishal Joshi
Tai with DADA
Kokankada
Sakkhya Maitrini
3 id ols
Zopaych Kadhi?
Photo nikalne ke 101 tarike- By Chaitu Patil
Group Photo
Harishchanderi Pati
Khudko kya samzti hai...
THODI MASTI..
To have a good view of the Konkan Kada, one should go during other season (i planned my second trip to Harishchandragad during spring). After spending some time there over there, clicking pics, etc.. i started my journey back towards the cave. The cave immediately filled with silence, as everyone started to have their evening nap.
Mandir
Since it was raining heavily, the planned visit Taramathi peak was dropped and we headed straightly to Jothir lingam. The temple had a small pond at such great heights.
Final words:
Harischandragad, also known as second heaven is a must visit place any time of the year, be it a summer, winter or Spring. I had a nice time,
Rocky patch will be a little tricky to pass through that one should take care of. I'm sure that each season, Harishchandragad has some different experience to offer. Do find some time and visit this place, a must one for trekkers.
Best Luck!
Best Luck!
