Relic in monolith

Anand Surve,a local guide from the nearby Khireshwar village,the last stop at the base of the fort before the long arduous climb up to the peak says,“The Konkan Kada is probably the best-known sector of the fort,given its sheer vertical precipice,and the commanding view that it presents of the Konkan. However,what is really amazing about the climb up to the fort is that it is full of breathtaking views that would make a trekker stop to admire it. More than being a strategic defence fort for the nearby surrounding areas,the fort is nature’s way of showcasing how man made structures,combined with a little bit of natural aide,can create some magnificent designs.”

The fort has stood the test of time – it has been mentioned in various ancient scriptures,namely the Puranas. Said to originate during the rule of the Kalchuri dynasty,the carvings in the caves of Kedareshwar,the Nageshwar temple and the caves on the Taramati peak are all fine examples of what beauty can be created using a mallet and a chisel on stone,that leave such indelible marks on our history. Speaking about his tryst with the fort,another localite and guide,Ramesh Gawand,says,“There are many caves that are yet to be explored in this area. And not many trekkers have actually had the daring to go do that,given the treacherous terrain here. However the areas that are accessible to the people easily have been subject to a lot of abuse. The Saptatirtha lake,the rocks near the Konkan Kada,are all victims.”

While in the modern times the fort came under Maratha possession in the 17th century,it does house interesting relics like the tombs near the Buddha-Gaya,the monolith carved out temple of Kashitirtha and the Kedareshwar temple that houses a Shiva linga in the midst of five feet deep water that is balanced on one pillar. While legend does state that the world would come to an end when the pillar supporting it falls,one thing is for sure,one cannot help but be charmed by this beautiful relic that has transcended the old and new world. This of course holds true till the pillar in the cave stands upright.