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Raireshwar ( रायरेश्वर )
Raireshwar is a beautiful plateau located in Bhor Taluka, near Pune, Maharashtra. It’s set in the Sahyadri mountains and is known for its historical importance, especially in Maratha history. The Raireshwar Temple on this plateau is a main attraction and is closely connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple and the surrounding nature are especially stunning during the monsoon season, making Raireshwar fort a popular spot for both trekking and exploring history.
The area is not just great for hiking but also has a lot of history. It’s where important events in the Maratha Empire began, making it a special place for anyone interested in history.
Raireshwar fort History
Raireshwar is not just an ordinary fort; it’s a place where history was made. In 1645, when Shivaji Maharaj was only 16 years old, he took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya at the Raireshwar Temple. This oath was a promise to establish an independent Maratha kingdom, free from the rule of the Mughals and other invaders. Shivaji Maharaj was joined by his loyal companions, including Kanhoji Jedhe, Baji Pasalkar, Tanaji Malusare, and others, who supported his vision.
Legend has it that Shivaji Maharaj cut his little finger and offered his blood to the Shivlinga in the temple as a sign of his dedication to this cause. This event was the starting point for the Maratha Empire, which later became a powerful force in India.
The Raireshwar Temple itself is very old, dating back to the time of the Pandavas. It was renovated in the 18th century. The temple’s architecture is a mix of Hemadpanthi and Chalukyan styles, featuring strong square pillars, detailed floral carvings, and a unique star-shaped shikhara (temple tower). Inside the temple, there is a large picture of Shivaji Maharaj and his trusted friends, reminding visitors of the important oath that was taken here.
Raireshwar is also known for its natural wonders, like the reverse waterfall, where water appears to flow upwards due to the strong winds. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views from the Reverse Voice Point and the Sunset Point, where you can see distant forts like Pratapgad and Kenjalgad.
How to Reach Raireshwar: From Pune and Wai
Reaching Raireshwar from Pune: To get to Raireshwar from Pune, start by heading towards the Pune-Satara Highway (NH 48). Drive about 56 kilometers to Bhor. From Bhor, take the road to Korle, which is approximately 20 kilometers. Once you reach Korle, you can follow the signs or local directions for the final 6 kilometers to Raireshwar. The journey from Pune takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car.
Reaching Raireshwar from Wai: If you’re coming from Wai, start your journey by taking the road towards Satara. Drive approximately 32 kilometers until you reach the intersection for Bhor. From Bhor, take the road to Korle (20 kilometers) and then proceed to Raireshwar, which is 6 kilometers away. The entire trip from Wai takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Best Time to Visit Raireshwar
The best time to visit Raireshwar Temple is during the monsoon season from June to September. The area becomes lush and green with the rains, and the waterfalls are full, creating a beautiful scene. The weather is cooler and misty, which makes trekking and exploring more enjoyable.
Winter, from October to February, is also a great time to visit. The weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Even in summer, when it gets hot, you can enjoy clear views of the nearby area, which is great for experienced trekkers and travelers. No matter when you visit, Raireshwar always has something special to offer!
Journey Toward Raireshwar Fort
For a long time, I had been thinking about visiting Raireshwar Fort, a place rich in Maratha history. The idea stayed in the back of my mind until one Friday when I received a call from my friend, Kedar. We started talking about our next trek, remembering how it had been years since we last went on an adventure together. After some discussion, we decided to head to Raireshwar Fort and Kenjalgad the next day, a Saturday—perfect timing for a weekend escape after a busy work week.
Continuing our ride, After passing Necklace Point and Bhatghar Dam, we soon reached the Bhoor entry gate, which welcomed us with a signboard that read “Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Praveshdwar.
Entering Bhor, we were greeted by a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in the center of a chowk, with a Bhagwa flag enhancing the beauty of the scene. As we crossed Bhor and passed through a couple of villages, the landscape changed. We entered the ghat section, where the monsoon had turned the hills into a lush green paradise, with waterfalls cascading down the slopes and clouds gently resting atop the hills. The sight was breathtaking, making the journey even more enjoyable.
The ghat road was in good condition, and as we drove through, we could see the Raireshwar Pathar covered in clouds. The countless waterfalls flowing on both sides of the road, the rain, the ghat section, and the chill wind all combined to make this journey truly beautiful.
Raireshwar Fort Trek
After many twists and turns, we finally reached the parking area of Raireshwar Fort. Feeling hungry, we headed to a small snack center run by the locals who live on the fort. There, we had a simple breakfast of pohe and a hot cup of tea. With our hunger satisfied, we continued our journey towards Raireshwar Fort.
The entire fort was enveloped in fog, making it difficult to see anything clearly. We began our trek by chanting “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai,” which filled us with energy. Soon, we arrived at a point where the stairs began. These stairs looked like the “stairs to heaven” because the fog was so thick that we couldn’t see the end. We took some pictures and continued our trek.
We soon reached a point where an iron ladder, inclined at 90 degrees, awaited us. Due to the rain, it was a bit slippery, but we carefully climbed it and reached the top of Raireshwar Pathar. The pathar was covered in fog and dotted with various beautiful flowers, adding to the scenic beauty.
We stopped at a local snack center, where we asked for directions to the Raireshwar Temple. The person there kindly guided us, telling us to follow the paved path, which would lead us straight to the temple. As we walked, both sides of the path were lined with yellow and blue flowers, and a friendly dog joined us, as if he was our surprise guide showing us the way.
On the way, we encountered a large lake, its overflowing water spilling onto the path. The water was so cold that crossing it felt like a healing experience, washing away all our tiredness. Further along, we came across two giant trees, over 300-350 years old, which looked straight out of a Harry Potter movie. Jokingly, I said, “What is a Harry Potter tree doing here?” and Kedar and I burst out laughing.
At this point, we met another trekker Shailesh, who had come alone from Pune. He told us that his friends had canceled the trek in the morning, but he decided to come alone. We were impressed by his determination. With him, our group grew from two to three, as we all shared a love for traveling and exploring new places.
As we continued, we noticed many boards with Saint Tukaram Maharaj’s abhangs written on them. We also came across water tank with a water flowing from Gomukh, a perennial source of water that the locals use for daily needs and for Jal Abhishek of the Mahadev Shivling. We took some pictures of this serene place and moved on.
The Sacred Raireshwar Temple
After a few minutes, we finally reached the Raireshwar Mahadev Temple. The temple and the surrounding area were still covered in fog. Outside the temple, there were a few damaged Nandi statues, which we refer to as “baghn idol” in Marathi.
As I entered the temple, I noticed three Nandi Maharaj idol and a picture of Shivaji Maharaj that caught our attention. This temple, believed to be from the Pandav era, felt like an ancient cave. The temple had two gates, and as we entered through the main gate, a person from the temple trust informed us that we needed to leave our bags outside and remove any leather belts or wallets before entering the main temple area.
Inside, the narrow temple had basalt stone pillars on either side, supporting the structure. There was a Shivling, Mahadev’s idol, and a Trishul, giving the place a deeply spiritual vibe. Another door led us to the garbhagriha, where a Ganpati idol was placed on the left side.
After taking blessings, we entered the garbhagriha, where a large portrait of Shivaji Maharaj taking an oath of Swarajya with his Mavlas stood in front of the Shivling. Seeing this portrait sent shivers down my spine, and I felt goosebumps as I realized that this was the place where Shivaji Maharaj, at the age of 16, had taken the oath of Swarajya. The emotional moment was overwhelming, as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a god-like figure for every Maharashtrian. For a moment, I lost myself in the atmosphere, forgetting everything around me. It was just me, the Mahadev Shivling, and Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait. The place had a unique vibe that words cannot describe.
We sat there for about 20 minutes, each of us lost in our own thoughts. After taking blessings and capturing the moment, we came outside the temple.
There, we saw an idol of Shivaji Maharaj in front of the temple and a large shade used by trekkers or tourists for camping. Nearby, we noticed the homes of locals who offer food and other necessities to visitors. A small government primary school caught our attention, where students were rehearsing for the August 15 parade, reminding us of our own school days.
At around 11 AM, we started our return journey, initially planning to visit Kenjalgad Fort. However, after discussing with Shailesh, our new friend who had joined us, we decided to visit Jeeva Mahal Samadhi, Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi, Hanging Bridge, Bhatghar Dam, and Necklace Point, as they were all on the same route back home.
We began descending Raireshwar Fort, and after a 30-minute walk, we reached the parking area. We had a quick breakfast and continued our journey toward Jeeva Mahal Samadhi. On the way, we stopped by a small river to capture some pictures. Shailesh had brought milk in a thermos and some coffee packets, so we sat by the riverside, enjoying coffee in the scenic surroundings. The rain and the sound of the flowing river made the moment even more beautiful.
Exploring Historical Sites
After having coffee and taking pictures, we moved toward our next destination, which we reached after a 30-minute ride. Kanhoji Jedhe and Jeeva Mahale Samadhi are next to each other. As we approached Jeeva Mahale Samadhi, the phrase “Hota Jeeva Mhanun Vachla Shiva” echoed in my mind, reminding me of how this brave Mavla saved Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
We also visited Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi, paying our respects to these legendary Mavlas. However, it saddened me to see the poor condition of these samadhis, with no proper cleanliness or maintenance. It is essential to preserve these historical sites so that future generations can learn about the bravery of these Mavlas and their significance in history.
Discovering the Scenic Wonders
We continued to the Hanging Bridge, known as “Jijasaheb Suspension Bridge,” which was built in 1936 and is still in good condition after almost 80 years. We crossed the bridge and visited the nearby Nageshwar Temple, an ancient temple believed to be 300-400 years old.
The most interesting fact about this Mahadev temple is that it is the only temple in the world where the face of the temple is towards the west. Usually, all Mahadev temples face east. The temple is surrounded by many trees, and there are several smaller temples within the complex, including those dedicated to Shani Dev, Sai Baba, Shri Balaji, Shri Datta, Mahalaxmi, and Shri Ram. The Shri Ram temple has idols of Ram, Laxman, and Mata Sita, and in front of it, there is a beautiful idol of Hanuman, which adds a sense of devotion to the surroundings.
After taking blessings at the Nageshwar Temple, we continued our journey towards Bhatghar Dam, which was 10 km away. The 30-minute ride took us through scenic landscapes until we reached the mighty Bhatghar Dam. Due to heavy rains in the region, the dam was overflowing, and the sight of water flowing through it was awe-inspiring. This dam is one of the largest in Maharashtra, and standing before it, we couldn’t help but feel the immense power of nature. We took some selfies and spent a few moments taking in the view before heading towards our final destination—Necklace Point.
Necklace Point was just 6 km from Bhatghar Dam, and a short ride brought us to this popular spot. Being a weekend, the place was crowded, but the unique vibe of Necklace Point made it worth the visit. The river here forms a shape resembling a necklace, as if nature itself had created its own piece of jewelry. We captured some pictures and reluctantly said goodbye to this beautiful location before starting our journey back home.
On the way back, Shailesh was kind enough to drop me home, as Kedar had a different route. Although it was our first meeting, we exchanged numbers and promised to meet again for another adventure, as he, like me, is a travel lover.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on our trek to Raireshwar Fort, the day was packed with unforgettable moments. We started at the historic Raireshwar Temple, where we felt a deep connection to Maratha history. The serene atmosphere and rich legacy of the site made it a special experience. Afterward, we visited the samadhis of the brave Maratha warriors who had stood by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, paying our respects and reflecting on their remarkable contributions.
Our journey didn’t end there. We moved on to explore Bhatghar Dam, where the sight of the overflowing waters was truly mesmerizing. The final stop was Necklace Point, where the river’s unique shape and the beautiful surroundings offered a perfect conclusion to our day. Meeting Shailesh, our new travel companion, added another layer of joy to the trip. This adventure was not just about exploring places but also about cherishing new experiences, deep connections to history, and the natural beauty of the region.
That’s all for today—see you soon in the next travel blog. Until then, bye!
Adventure is Life!
Raireshwar Fort FAQs
1. Where is Raireshwar Temple located?
Raireshwar Temple is situated on the Raireshwar plateau, part of the Sahyadri mountain range, in Bhor Taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra.
2. Raireshwar Temple is on which fort?
Raireshwar Temple is located on the Raireshwar plateau, which is not a traditional fort but a historically significant plateau.
3. In which district is Raireshwar Temple?
Raireshwar Temple is in Pune district, Maharashtra.
4. What is the significance of Raireshwar Temple in Maratha history?
Raireshwar Temple is historically significant as the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the famous oath of Hindavi Swarajya in 1645, pledging to establish an independent Maratha kingdom.
5. How to reach Raireshwar Fort from Pune?
To reach Raireshwar Fort from Pune, drive approximately 82 km towards Bhor. From Bhor, continue to Korle village, which serves as the base for the trek to Raireshwar. The trek to the plateau takes around 2-3 hours.
6. How to reach Raireshwar Fort from Wai?
From Wai, Raireshwar is about 36 km away. Drive towards Raireshwar via Pasarni Ghat to reach Korle village, where the trek begins.
7. Is camping allowed at Raireshwar Temple?
Yes, camping is allowed near Raireshwar Temple. There is a large shed near the temple where visitors can set up their tents, and local villagers also provide camping facilities.
8. What is the distance from Mumbai to Raireshwar Temple?
Raireshwar Temple is approximately 230 km from Mumbai. The drive usually takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
9. How long does it take to complete the Raireshwar trek?
The trek to Raireshwar Fort typically takes around 30-45 minutes from parking to reach the plateau, depending on your pace and weather conditions.
10. Where is the temple of Raireshwar located?
Raireshwar Temple is situated on the Raireshwar plateau in the Sahyadri mountain range, within Bhor Taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra.
11. What is the best time to visit Raireshwar?
The best time to visit Raireshwar is during the monsoon (June to September) when the surroundings are lush and green. Winter (October to February) is also ideal, offering cool and pleasant weather for trekking. Avoid the summer months (March to May) as it can get quite hot and humid.
12. Is food available at Raireshwar?
There are no food facilities directly at the Raireshwar Temple. It is recommended to bring your own food and water for the trek. Local villagers in Korle and nearby areas may offer basic food options, but it’s best to be prepared with snacks and refreshments for the journey.
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Very nicely written……
Mastch bhava