2. Harishchandragad
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.
48. Temple of Harishchandreshwar
This 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.
49. The ancient "SHIVA" temple is built up in "Hemadpanthi style" i.e. No sealing
component used between two stones on each other.
50.
51. Saptatirtha Pushkarni
To 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.
56. Kedareshwar Cave
This 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.
65. Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff) RIGHT SIDE
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.
66. We were here in the
earlier photograph
Konkan Kada - MIDDLE ARC