Mountaineering organisation urges CM to start Shivteerth Yatra connecting Unesco inscribed Maratha forts
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Pune: Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha, a mountaineering organisation based in Junnar, has proposed the launch of a special 'Shivteerth Yatra', modelled on the lines of Jyotirlinga pilgrimage, connecting the 12 forts recently inscribed as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The organisation has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to flag off the yatra from the historic Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
.
Of these 12 forts, 11 are in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu. Described as "Maratha Military Landscapes", these are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
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"Our organisation has been working for the past 25 years in fort conservation, environmental preservation, and promoting heritage tourism. Through our efforts, we helped establish the Shivai sacred grove and Junnar archaeological museum. An information centre is also coming up in the historic Ambarkhana building on the fort," Joshi said.
The organisation has proposed that the Shivteerth Yatra be operated through Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), with specially designed buses connecting all 12 Unesco-recognised forts.
It has also requested that Junnar ST bus depot be redeveloped in heritage style.
"Junnar is steeped in history. Now that Shivneri Fort has Unesco status, it is only appropriate that the bus stand reflects the region's historic and cultural character," said Rahul Joshi, president of Sahyadri Giribhraman Sanstha.
"Shivneri is not just a fort, it is the cradle of Maratha pride," he added.
Each fort holds significant historical importance.
Shivneri Fort, located in Junnar tehsil, is considered a "sacred fort" among all the forts of Maratha Empire because it is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The fort was built in the 6th century CE as a strategic military outpost. Built in a triangular shape, it is surrounded by cliffs and overlooks Junnar town.
"The most striking aspect of the fort is its seven-tier defence system, designed to block enemy advances.
It was a challenging task for attackers to engage in battle due to the uphill terrain and seven enormous gates," said Joshi.
"If the state government connects these forts with a dedicated bus service, it would provide a great opportunity for people to visit these historical sites, as many of these are located in rural areas. Therefore, we have urged the government to consider our request positively," said Ganesh Kore, the secretary of the organisation.
Thousands of people visit the forts every year. Many come to enjoy the atmosphere and greenery, but only a few are keen to understand their historical significance, said the members of the club.
"It is difficult for people to find the time to visit all these forts by making individual arrangements. However, if there is a dedicated public transport, a large number of people, including women, would visit these forts," said Keshav Tengle, a history enthusiast and trekker.
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