Harishchandragad: Difference between revisions

{{RefimproveMore citations needed|date=December 2009}}

{{guidebookhow-to|date= May 2017}}

| location = [[ Ahmednagar district]], [[India]]

'''Harishchandra Fort''' is a [[Forts in India|hill fort]] in the [[Ahilyanagar in Nashik(Ahmednagar) district]] of [[India]]. Its history is linked with that of [[Malshej Ghat]], Kothale village and it has played a role in guarding and controlling the

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 the 6th century, during the rule of [[Kalachuris of Mahishmati|Kalachuri]] 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 the 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 mahadeva as a totem of tribes [[Mahadev Koli]]. They were controlling the fort before [[Mughal Empire|Moguls]].

To the east of the temple is a well-built lake 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. These days many trekkers have been responsible for the sad plight of this place,{{factcitation needed|date=May 2017}} as they throw [[plastic waste]]s and other things in the pond.{{factcitation needed|date=May 2017}} 7 years back the water was [[Drinking water|potable]], and now it isn't suitable even to swim. (However, this water is so cold in summer that you can actually feel like you are standing in a refrigeration unit.)

This cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan. It provides views of the surrounding region. The cliff has an overhang, but has been climbed many times. Sometimes a circular rainbow (the [[Brocken spectre]] phenomenon) can be seen from this point. It can be seen only when there is a bit of mist in the valley, and the sun is right behind the person facing the valley. One phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below and are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than {{convert|50|ft|m}}, creating the impression of a wall that is rising straight from the edge of the cliff without entering the landmass area. If you happen to visit this place in April-MayApril–May, then throw your panama cap from the cliff and enjoy it rising high and falling back on the plateau.

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. Here we can see many tombs, in which a typical construction is seen. These are built by well-finished arranging stones one on top of the other. There are three main caves near the temple. The cisterns near the temple provide drinking water. A short distance away, another temple called Kashitirtha is located. The fascinating thing about this temple is that it has been carved out from a single huge rock. There are entrances from all four sides. On the main entrance there are sculptures of faces. These are faces of guards of the temple. On the left side of the entrance is a DevsnagsriDevnagri inscription, which is about saint Changdev.

There is another way to reach Harischandragad is from Pachnai village, a village you can reach by buses or private vehicles. Buses coming from Rajur, Akole or from Kotul. From Kotul the distance is 25 km with buses going every hour towards Pachnai & Kothale. From kothale pachnai is 5  km away, you can reach there by local transport. Harischandragad is 3 km away from Pachnai. To reach Harischandragad you need to go by foot. On this way there is a small pond of pure natural water available at that pond. The history of that pond is that some years ago this pond provided water for all cowboys who came from the nearest villages. Pachnai is surrounded by mountain and in monsoon you can get visual of five falls from base.