🏰 History & Murarbaji's Valour
Rising majestically to an altitude of 1,387 meters (4,550 feet) above the fertile plains of Saswad in Pune district, Purandar Fort (along with its sister bastion Vajragad) is one of the most prominent military strongholds in Maratha history. Overlooking the Karha River valley, Purandar held supreme strategic importance as a southern sentinel guarding the royal city of Pune and the Bhor Ghat passes.
The fort's foundation dates back to the 11th century under the **Devagiri Yadavas**, who established the sacred Shiva shrine of Kedareshwar at the summit. In 1490 CE, the Nizam Shahi Dynasty of Ahmednagar refortified the rock.
In 1646 CE, **Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj** secured Purandar. On May 14, 1657 CE, Shivaji's first son and future second Chhatrapati, **Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj**, was born inside the royal palace chambers atop Purandar Fort.
Purandar achieved immortal military legend in April–June 1665 CE during the colossal siege by Mughal general **Raja Jai Singh I** and Afghan commander **Diler Khan**. For two months, Maratha commander **Murarbaji Deshpande** led a fierce defense with only 700 Mavale warriors.
When Mughal troops captured the lower Machi, Murarbaji launched a desperate counter-assault with 300 men, cutting through thousands of enemy soldiers straight to Diler Khan's royal tent. Diler Khan, amazed by Murarbaji's ferocious swordplay, offered him wealth and a Mughal high mansab if he surrendered; Murarbaji defiantly refused and was struck down by an arrow, dying as a legendary Maratha martyr.
To prevent further loss of his finest soldiers, Shivaji Maharaj met Raja Jai Singh I inside Purandar Fort to negotiate the historic **Treaty of Purandar (June 11, 1665 CE)**, surrendering 23 forts while retaining 12 forts under royal autonomy.
In 1670 CE, Shivaji recaptured Purandar, and during the Peshwa era, the fort served as the administrative treasury of the Maratha Empire.
🏛️ Architecture & Twin Citadel Blueprint
Purandar Fort consists of two distinct fortified peaks linked by a mountain saddle:
1. Purandar Ballekilla (The Main Citadel)
The main citadel (Ballekilla) occupies the highest summit at 1,387 meters, accessible through **Dilli Darwaja** and **Khandkada Gate**. It houses the ancient **Kedareshwar Temple**, royal palace ruins where Sambhaji Maharaj was born, and stone rainwater cisterns.
2. Vajragad (Rudra Mahal)
Northeast of Purandar sits **Vajragad** (also called Rudra Mahal), a steep sister fortress constructed to prevent enemy artillery from overlooking Purandar's Machi.
3. Murarbaji Deshpande Memorial
On the lower Machi stands a magnificent bronze statue of **Murarbaji Deshpande** with raised sword, honoring his supreme stand during the 1665 battle.
4. British Colonial Church & Sanatorium
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British established a military sanatorium, cantonment barracks, and a stone Anglican church inside the fort grounds.
🛡️ Present Condition & Indian Air Force Station
Purandar Fort is maintained under the joint administration of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the **Indian Air Force** (which operates a station and NCC training base on the lower plateau). Visitors must carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport) for entry at the military security checkpoint.
The fort is a major center for adventure sports, hosting **paragliding festivals** where pilots launch from the high cliffs and glide over the scenic Saswad valley.
Visitors can combine their fort trek with the **Baneshwar Temple** (20 km), Jejuri Khandoba Temple (28 km), and the historic wadas of Saswad.
🧭 Visitor Guide: How to Reach, Timings & Logistics
Essential visitor details for exploring Purandar Fort:
- Location: Located near Gherapurandar village in Pune district, Maharashtra, 15 km southwest of Saswad town and 45 km from Pune Junction Railway Station.
- Timings & Security: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is free. **Mandatory photo ID check** (Aadhaar card/driving license) at the military base gate; foreign nationals must register at the post.
- Access: A motorable road leads directly up to the lower Machi parking area; climbing the stone steps to the upper Ballekilla takes approx. 45 to 60 minutes.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with **Jejuri Khandoba Temple** (28 km), Sangameshwar Temple Saswad (15 km), and Balaji Temple Ketkawale (25 km).
🚌 Transportation & Transit Logistics
| Transit Point | Distance | Route Corridor | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saswad Town Center | 15 km | Saswad → Narayanpur Road → Purandar Ghat Road → Base | 25-minute taxi or auto ride. |
| Pune Junction Station | 45 km | Pune → Hadapsar → Dive Ghat → Saswad → Purandar | 1.2-hour drive via state highway. |
| Pune Airport (PNQ) | 50 km | Airport → Viman Nagar → Kharadi → Saswad → Purandar | 1.5-hour drive. |
| Jejuri Khandoba Temple | 28 km | Purandar → Saswad → Jejuri | 35-minute drive. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was born at Purandar Fort and when?
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, was born at Purandar Fort on May 14, 1657 CE to Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Saibai.
2. What was the Treaty of Purandar (1665)?
It was a historic peace treaty signed on June 11, 1665 CE between Shivaji Maharaj and Mughal general Raja Jai Singh I, where Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals.
3. Who was Murarbaji Deshpande?
Murarbaji Deshpande was the legendary Maratha commander who fought to the death with 700 men against Diler Khan's 10,000 Mughal troops at Purandar in 1665.
4. Where is Purandar Fort located?
Purandar Fort is located at an altitude of 1,387 meters in Pune district, Maharashtra, 15 km from Saswad and 45 km from Pune city.
5. What are the twin forts of Purandar?
The twin forts are Purandar (main citadel) and Vajragad (Rudra Mahal), connected by a mountain saddle.
6. Do visitors need ID cards to visit Purandar Fort?
Yes, because the lower fort contains an active Indian Air Force station, all visitors must show a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar card, etc.) at the security gate.
7. What are the timings and entry fee for Purandar Fort?
Purandar Fort is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free entry.