Sajjangad

Shivaji Mahadarwaja entrance of Sajjangad

Sajjangad (Devanagari, Marathi: सज्जनगड) meaning Fort of Good People, is located near the city of Satara, India. It is the final resting place of Sant Ramdas, a saint, Guru of Chatrapati Shivaji and social reformer in 17th century India (born 1606). His teachings and works written in books such as Dasbodh ^[1] are read and followed by many people even today in the state of Maharashtra and Sajjangad is a popular place of pilgrimage.

History

Samadhi of Samarth Ramdas at Sajjangad.

This fort was known by the name of Asvalayana Rishi, since he lived here for many years in ancient times. Then it was called Aswalya gad due to the number of Aswals or bears wandering there.The fort was made by Bahamani Emperors in between (1347-1527). After that in (1527-1686) it came under Adilshah dynasty. Mughal king defeated Adilshah and the fort came under Mughal rule. Previously known as Parali, it was renamed to Sajjangad after Shivaji Maharaj requested Shri Ramdas Swami to set up his permanent monastery.

Present day

Sajjangad fortifications on the hill can be clearly seen.

The maintenance of the fort and the Samadhi (final resting place) of Ramdas is taken care by Ramdas Swami Sansthan, a trust which has existed since the time of Shri Ramdas Swami. The daily routine of the trustees on the fort includes morning prayers, Abhishek and Puja, Maha Naivedya, Bhajans and reading of the manuscript Dasbodh written by Sant Ramdas. The fort is open for devotees from sunrise to sunset. Entry and exit beyond these hours is restricted. In the afternoon, trustees of Sajjangad serves a food (as prasad) to the devotees.Recently the Ramdas Swami Sansthan trust has built a dharmashala for the devotees for free of cost stay. Every year during Shiv Jayanti thousands of devotees visit the shrine by walking up to it.

Transportation

It is possible to reach the top of the fort by vehicle. From there one has to climb around a hundred steps to reach the gate of the fort. It is exact 18 km from Satara city. You can hire an autorickshaw or bus from a famous area of satara Rajwada.

See also

• Samarth Ramdas
• Shivaji
• List of forts in Maharashtra
• Dasbodh

References

Coordinates: 17°38′58″N 73°54′44″E / 17.6495629831°N 73.9121681253°E / 17.6495629831; 73.9121681253

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