Ulysses 360 Degrees

Range: Ahmednagar

Height: Almost same level as village.

Grade: Easy

Base Village: Pedgaon

History:

Bahadurgad or the Fort of Pedgoan, is situated at the river bank of Bhima. It is still standing gloriously holding back the history along with it. This fort was built by Bahadurkhan not much history is known of it in detail. But the fort is known very popularly for the death of Sambhaji (Sambhaji Raje Bhonsle was the eldest son of the Maratha king Shivaji, and succeeded him as the Chhatrapati i.e a Maratha king, after Shivaji's death in 1680)

In early 1689, Sambhaji called his commanders for a strategic meeting at Sangameshwar in Konkan. In a meticulously planned operation, Ganoji Shirke and Aurangzeb's commander, Mukarrab Khan attacked Sangameshwar when Sambhaji was about to leave the town. A small ambush followed and Sambhaji was captured by Mughal troops on 1 Feb, 1689. He and his advisor, Kavi Kalash were taken to Bahadurgad. Aurangzeb humiliated them by parading them wearing clown's clothes. Later, Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were tied upside down to camels with Mughal soldiers throwing stones, mud, and cow dung at them.

When they were brought face to face with Aurangzeb, the latter offered to let Sambhaji live if he surrendered all the Maratha forts, turn over all his hidden treasures,disclose the names of all the Mughal officers who had helped him and embrace Islam. Sambhaji refused, and instead sang praises of Mahadev (Lord Shiva). Aurangzeb ordered him and Kavi Kalash to be tortured to death. Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were brutally tortured for over a fortnight. The torture involved plucking out their eyes and tongue and pulling out their nails. The later part involved of removing their skin. On March 11, 1689, Sambhaji was finally killed, reportedly by tearing him apart from the front and back with 'Wagh Nakhe (Tiger claws, a kind of weapon), and was beheaded with an axe. This grievous death was given to him at Vadhu on the banks of Bhima river, near Pune.

Despite the torture, Sambhaji refused to submit to Aurangzeb's conditions. In so doing he earned the title of Dharmaveer (Protector of the Religion) by which he is known to this day. Aurangzeb ordered to cut Sambhaji's body into pieces and throw it into the river. Residents of nearby village named 'Vadhu' collected as many pieces of his body as they found, sewed them together and performed the final rites on his body. These villagers later went on to use the surname 'Shivle' or 'Shivale', as per spelling preference, which means sewing in the Marathi language.

Sightseeing:

Bahadurgad is basically a land fort. It is situated in the base village itself. Many ruined structures are scattered in the village. There are two doors for the fort. One which opens in the village itself; which is still in a good condition, while the other is at the end of the fort. Enter the fort from the village itself. As you enter you can see 5 feet tall statue of Maruti standing proudly as well as a temple of Bhairavnath. Special feature of the fort is, there is a group of 5 Temples which was built in Yadav period and the temple of Bhairavnath is one of them. But the temples are not maintained in good condition. Because of the coloring work done on the Bhairavnath temple, it has lost its structural beauty. In front of the temple many structures are seen like Virgal, Satigal, several Cannon Balls, a Deepmal and a statue of Shiva. Start along with the fencing. As you move forward you can see many devastated structures of, some of them are even hidden in shrubs. The fencing at the backside of the fort is ruined. From here you can see a view of Bhima river bank. A little further and you enter the fort. Here is a 2 storied palace of Aurangzeb. It is said that Aurangzeb and Sambhaji Raje meet at this palace. You need around 3 hours to see the fort completely. Then return from the same way. Before traveling back, you can see the Shiddhtek Temple, Rashin Temple and the Swinging Towers (Halte Manore).

Ways To Reach:
This fort is situated around 20 k away from Shreegondh village in Ahmednagar. This fort was built by Bahadurkhan in Pedgoan village.

Pune-Daund:
First you have to reach Daund Phata which is 90kms away from Pune, on Pune-Satara Highway. Just before Daund, there is a way to Shreegondh village. On the way you have to cross a bridge on Bhima river to reach Pedgoan village. It will take around four hours to reach Pedgoan village from Pune.

Pune-Bhigavan:
Bhigavan village is situated on Pune-Satara Highway. From Bhigavan move towards Rasshin-Siddahtek road. Pedgoan village is 25km away from Rasshin village.

Accommodation:
Besides monsoon season, 15-20 people can accommodate themselves in the temple.

Food:
One should make arrangements for foodstuffs.

Drinking Water:
Water facility is available in front of the Goddess Temple.

Time To Reach:
Pune-Daund: 4 hours.
Bhigavan-Rasshin: 5 hours.