Shivneri

Shivneri Fort is a historic military fortification located near Junnar. It is the birthplace of Shivaji. Shahaji, Shivaji’s father, was a general in the army of the Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wife Jijabai during her pregnancy as there was constant warfare going on. He therefore moved his family to Shivneri fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly-built citadel.

Shivaji was born at the fort on 19 February 1630, and spent his childhood there. Inside the fort is a small temple dedicated to the goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named.

This fort is a very big structure with a very good height. The old and beautiful ‘Devi Shivai’ temple is on the way. Shivaji was taken from the name of this goddess. Shivaji spent his childhood on this fort. He acquired all the skills and training on this fort which he used while establishing Swaraj. He learnt the early lessons of Swaraj on this fort.

Shivneri Fort is a historic military fortification located near Junnar which is around 105 km from Pune, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is known as the birthplace of Shivaji, who would go on not only to rule Maharashtra but to found the Maratha Empire.