Torna

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Whenever Maratha history is recalled it is always the fort of Torna that is commemorated for being one of those forts captured by Shivaji Maharaj in his teenage. It has been rightly said by James Douglas "It was Shivaji's first conquest, the nucleus around which all the others clustered, making it virtually the cradle of the Marathi Empire, which shocked the throne of the great Moguls. It has been the scene of many bloody battles. If Sinhagad is Lion's does then Torna is Eagle's nest."

On the fort are found many trees of the type “Toran”, which may be the reason for the name of the fort. The fort is located in Pune district, 18.36 degrees Latitude & 73.37 degrees Longitude. The village at the base of the fort is called “Velhe”. To the south of Torna is the river of Velvandi & to the north is the Valley of Kanad River.

Torna (near Pune, India) known as prachanda(huge) gad is a massive fort very close to another grand fort Rajgad.Large fort located in Pune district (at 1405 metres above sea-level, the tallest in the district) in the state of Maharashtra, India. In 1646, when Shivaji was 16, he launched his first military attack by capturing Torna fort, paving the way for the great empire. During the construction of this fort he came across the huge treasures which he utillised for the construction of new forts. Many battles have been fought on this fort.The fort is truly grand and stretches for couple of kilometers. The fort floor looked like a carpet of yellow flowers. The scenes were right out from fairy tale. These kinds of scenery can be observed in sahyadris only during sept - nov period.The name derives from Prachanda (Marathi for huge or massive) and gad (Marathi for fort).

The fort is about 40 km southwest of Pune in the Sahyadri mountain range.

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History:

The name derives from Prachanda (Marathi for huge or massive) and gad (Marathi for fort).

This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort.

In 1643, Shivaji, son of a local jagirdar with royal ambitions, captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts in what would become the Maratha empire. Shivaji renamed the fort Prachandagad, and constructed several monuments and towers within it.

In the 1700s, the Mughal empire gained control of this fort after assassination of Shivaji's son Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib (Language unknown: Divine victory), in recognition of the difficult defense the Mughals had to overcome to capture this fort. It was restored to the Maratha confederacy by the Treaty of Purandar.

To get to the Torna, one has to first reach the base village called Velhe. From Swargate bus station in Pune, take a state transport bus with route 'Swargate - Velhe - Ghisar'. This bus will drop you at Velhe in around 1hr 45mins. It will be good to start in early morning for the fort. 6.30am bus will be very good option to reach early to the fort.Once you reach the Velhe, ask for Torna fort way. Once you start climbing the fort, you should reach the fort within 2hr 30mins with an easy pace.

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Interesting things to Visit:

Konkan Darwaaja :
Kokan Darwaaja still exhibits the constructional features that prevailed during 17th century. Here the fortification is the better condition. It lies on the way to Budhla Machi.

Temple of goddess Mengai :
This is the only place on the fort where one can stay. It has two doors & the roof is still in the need of repairs. Here the group "Pune Ventures" has put a map of Torna. In front of the temple is a Deepmala (a structure that supports oil lamps & is always found in every temple of Lord Shiva).

Zunjar machi :
It is situated on the western side & a wonderful spot to see. However, in the recent period, way here has been destroyed, & hence it cannot be reached easily.

Goddess Toranjai :
It is a small temple where goddesses Somjai & Toranjai are worshipped. Ahead we can see the lakes called Toran & Mhasoba.

Maal & Safeli bastions :
On the west of Kothi Darwaaja are the bastion Maal, & the latter one is to the south of the former. Near Safeli is a construction called Lakadkhaana, where wood was stored. Here is the way to Kokan Darwaaja & to Budhla machi.

Budhla machi :
In Marathi "Budhla" means a vessel, & "Budhla" Machi looks like a vessel kept upside down. This diff is a breathtaking spot on the fort. From here, a cheek was kept on the western side of this fort.

Bini Darwaaja :
This is the main entrance to the fort from Velhe and is situated to the northwest of the fort. The bastion on the left side has collapsed. The path ahead leads to Kothi Darwaaja.

Kothi Darwaaja :
Ascending the steps carved in the rock, we enter the Kothi Darwaaja facing east. Here we come across some guardrooms. Way along the wall towards east takes us to the temple of goddess Toranjai.

Hanuman bastion :
This bastion is situated east of Kothi Darwaaja. Here we can see idol of Hanuman facing south & a flag post. Way ahead leads to the bastion Bhel. To proceed ahead a guide is required, the way being a bit difficult. Further eastwards we come to Zunjar machi.

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Padmavati Machi is main place of the Rajgad fort. The Padmavati temple, lake and two houses on the machi are important places to watch for. The temple is very old and the only place to rest for the trekkers.

One can also see 'Chor Darawaja' and 'Pali Darwaja' on the machi. Suvela Machi is one of the strongest places on the Rajgad fort. It is very difficult to climb but one can see a hilarious view from this place. The third machi - Sanjivani is very beautiful too. One can go to Torana from Sanjivani machi which takes almost 8 hrs to reach.

'Bale killa' is one of the best fort in Maharashtra. It is very difficult to climb. One can see various places and forts especially from Rajgadh. It includes Torana, Raireshwar, Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgad, Raigad, Lingana, Bhatghar, Tung, Visapur and Sinhagad etc.

You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha king at his Samadhi.

Tomb of Sambhaji Maharaj
Purandhar and Vajragadh Fort
Parvati
Vishram Baug Wada
Shaniwarwada
Agakhan Palace
Sinhagad

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Things to carry:

• Luggage packed in big good trekking sack, all luggage wrapped in plastic bags to avoid getting wet
• Complete spare set of clothes & socks and rainwear/Jacket
• Water
• Electral/ Glucon-d energizers and personal medication
• Good trekking shoes
• Camera

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