#khireshwar

[itineraryblog]

Harishchandreshwar Temple: A Hidden Gem in the Western Ghats

Nestled atop the formidable Harishchandragad fort in the rugged Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, the Harishchandreshwar Temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian architecture, spirituality, and history. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Historical Significance

The origins of the Harishchandreshwar Temple are shrouded in mystery, with estimates dating its construction to the 6th century AD during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. However, some historians believe that the temple’s origins could be even older, potentially linked to the Yadava dynasty. The intricate carvings and the architectural style of the temple suggest influences from various periods, indicating that the temple may have undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries.

Architectural Marvel

The Harishchandreshwar Temple is a classic example of ancient Indian temple architecture, characterized by its stone carvings, shikhara (spire), and the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built from large stone blocks, meticulously carved and assembled without the use of mortar, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the time.

One of the most striking features of the temple is the shivalinga, which is the focal point of worship. The temple also has a beautiful Nandi (bull) statue facing the shivalinga, as is customary in Shiva temples. The sanctum is dimly lit, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality and reverence.

Adjacent to the temple, there is a cistern of water known as “Saptatirtha Pushkarni,” which is considered sacred. Devotees believe that a dip in this water cleanses them of their sins.

Spiritual Significance

Harishchandreshwar Temple is a revered site for devotees of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from across Maharashtra and neighboring states visit the temple, especially during the auspicious month of Shravan (July-August) when Lord Shiva is worshipped with great fervor. The temple’s remote location adds to its spiritual allure, offering visitors a sense of peace and a connection with nature that is hard to find in more accessible pilgrimage sites.

The Trek to Harishchandreshwar

Reaching the Harishchandreshwar Temple is an adventure in itself. The temple is located at the summit of Harishchandragad fort, one of the most popular trekking destinations in Maharashtra. The trek to the fort is challenging, with steep climbs and narrow trails that test the endurance of even seasoned trekkers. However, the breathtaking views of the surrounding Sahyadri range, the Konkan Kada (a concave cliff known for its stunning views), and the sense of achievement upon reaching the temple make the effort worthwhile.

Trekking routes to Harishchandragad typically start from villages like Khireshwar, Pachnai, and Belpada, each offering a unique experience. The route from Khireshwar is the most popular, taking trekkers through dense forests, rocky patches, and ancient caves before reaching the temple. Along the way, trekkers can explore other attractions on the fort, such as the Kedareshwar Cave, which houses a massive, monolithic shivalinga surrounded by water.

Conservation and Challenges

Despite its historical and cultural significance, the Harishchandreshwar Temple faces challenges related to conservation. The remote location makes it difficult to carry out regular maintenance, and the influx of tourists has led to some wear and tear over the years. However, efforts are being made by local authorities and trekking groups to preserve this ancient monument.

Conclusion

The Harishchandreshwar Temple is more than just a religious site; it is a symbol of India’s rich history, architectural prowess, and spiritual depth. For those willing to undertake the challenging trek to Harishchandragad fort, the temple offers a rewarding experience, combining adventure with a deep sense of peace and reverence. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a devotee, or an adventure seeker, a visit to the Harishchandreshwar Temple is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

For more information and to start planning your trip, visit Itinerary Plans.

[nomadsofindia1]

Aadrai Jungle Trek – 5 Important things you need to know

Aadrai Jungle Trek: Introduction

Aadrai Jungle trek is one of the new treks that has been gaining fame off-late by trekkers and trekking organisations in Maharashtra.

It is a trek that takes you through the jungle and vegetation of Malshej ghat. It has a lot of things to offer, especially during the monsoon months.

Someone who has just started trekking can easily do this trek.

You will come across many water streams, local villages & waterfalls on this trek, which is an enthralling sight for anyone.

The trek is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling in Sahyadris and should be on everyone’s list this monsoon!Region: Malshej Ghat Difficulty: Easy (Involves long hours of walking) Best Season: Monsoon Base Village: Khireshwar

How to reach Aadrai Jungle?

The trail starts from Khireshwar village, which is also the starting point of Harishchandragad.

To reach Khireshwar village, you can drive in your private vehicle; the distance from Mumbai is around 130 – 150 kms, and it takes 3 – 3.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can travel via local train to Kasara or Kalyan & hire a local cab to Khireshwar.

Thirdly, you can also get down at Kalyan, take a bus to Khubi phata & from there take another bus to Khireshwar. (This option is a bit tricky, as the frequency of the buses is very low.)

Prefer trekking in groups and having the entire planning sorted out by someone else?

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Trek Route & Difficulty

The Aadrai Jungle trek is an easy trek, and anyone can do it. There might be problems for someone new to following a proper trail; however, one can hire a local guide to do the hike.

The route is about 7.5 kms long and will take 3.5 – 4.5 hours to finish the trek with ample breaks.

The trail starts from the main road; On the right side, you will see tall mountains and 3-4 waterfalls flowing from the top.

You pass through the houses of the villages and enter a plateau region; throughout the trail, you will cross many water streams. After an hour of hiking, you will reach the dense jungle, and this is where it gets exciting, and you enjoy the best part of the trek.

On this trek, you will encounter the majestic Kalu waterfall on various occasions. Important InformationRamblr Route Link (Do Note: There are many different routes one can take; however, they all start from Khireshwar village) Contact details for local villagers who will provide guidance and expertise and arrange your food and stay. (They only speak and understand Marathi and a minimal Hindi) Balu Memane: 9158540512 Balu: +91-8329692464 Apparently, a villager who lost his was in the jungle discovered the Aadrai jungle trek. You can also stop at Malshej ghat at various waterfalls & viewpoints before or after the trek. There are no significant hotels where you can have meals in the village. Small food stalls serve snacks, Maggi noodles and local delicacies.

[nashik-exploring]

दूर्मिळ दृश्य- संपुर्ण टोलार खिंड,हरिश्चंद्रगड रांग आणि खिरेश्वर परिसर❤️ Credit @traveler.ak 📷 #maharashtraclickers #maharashtra_tourism #khireshwar #harishchandragad #tolarkhind #malshejghats #kokankada #junnartourism #sahyadrimountainrange⛰️ #djimavicair2 #aerialphotography #droneshots #indiafromabove #djiindia #djiphotography #unseenindia (at Harishchandragad) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZyQmhHpQ1D/?utm_medium=tumblr

[hinducosmos]

Sheshashayi Vishnu, Nageshwar Temple on Pushpawati River Bank of Harishchandragad, Base Village Khireshwar.

नगर ट्रेकर्स | NAGAR TREKKERS wrote : Harishchandragad is origin of three rivers, 1st Mangalganga - Mula on Ahmednagar side, Second Kalu River on Thane - Kokan side and Third Pushpawati via Pimpalgaon Joga dam - Pune Side.

Harishchandragad Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty. In 10th century the king named was devotee of lord Shiva. He built 12 such temples on origin of 12 rivers from Nashik Trimbakeshwar region to Bhimashankar. On Harish some caves were carved before building of these temples.

The various caves probably have been carved out in the 6th century for Buddhists. Today In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate here in the 14th century.

The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to mahadeva as a totem of tribes Mahadev Koli.

(via Instagram: नगर ट्रेकर्स | Nagar Trekkers)

[the90skidjournal-blog]

Konkan Kada — A Marvel In The Heart Of Sahyadri

I don’t put myself in the category of “Adventurer” or if I have to use even more cheesy word “Wanderlust”, but yeah, I do enjoy trekking, travelling, whenever I get a chance to do so.

Travelling really does transport you to different zone altogether, and sometimes, if you are lucky enough, it leaves you with experiences to cherish. So I am always keen to pick up my backpack whenever I get the opportunity.

On my very first trek itself, I had heard one of my fellow trekker going all gaga about Harishchandra Gad and Konkan Kada. And since that day, Konkan Kada was on my wish list, and last weekend was the day when I put a check mark on it.

Konkan Kada! It is actually really difficult or rather impossible to describe the magnitude of it’s exquisiteness. A photograph can secure the moment, but I doubt if it can actually convey the contentment which we felt when we were sitting there literally on the edge. It is an experience which can only be experienced.

Although, the state of contentment is the end result of adversity.

It involves sweat, hell lot of water, soreness, a lot of fucks, a lot of “Why on earth did i even bother to come out of my cosy fucking bed?” And on some special occasions a drop of 9 committed co-trekkers out of 12

Yeah!

And when you realize 9 out of 12 of your fellow trekkers have bailed on you, your morale on the day before the trek is skyrocketing. *Sarcasm*

But as they say, “Trek plan simply cannot be cancelled.”

And then, there were three. We managed to defeat the object which has massive gravity in the morning i.e bed and caught a 4:24 AM Khopoli Train from CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)

One thing I love about trekking is, it’s direct correspondence with public transport. Of course you can hire a private car and have a chilling conveyance with your buddies, it has it’s own kick. But public transport has it’s own rawness. Rawness of people living in raw world with raw experiences, raw perspectives, a contrast to our safeguarded world.

If you are lucky enough a 5 min conversation with a stranger in a local train or a local bus can actually bless you with a whole new perspective to look at things in life.

So….. After catching a local train at an ungodly hour, it’s an hour trip to Kalyan and then a trip of 2–2 1/2 hours from Kalyan to Khubi Phata via ST. A roller coaster ride towards Malshej Ghat with lots of lots of turns which were only felt by us as we were mastering the art of napping.

One of the best nap I ever had.

And we reached Khubi Phata by 9:00 AM

And still we had 4–5 Km to cover before we reach the base village- Khireshwar. You can test your luck with local villagers’ cars as an alternative to reach base village otherwise be ready for long walk.

And finally we reached the base village, had our breakfast and geared ourselves up for Tolar Khind which is the route towards Harishchandra Gad, with “Eye Of The Tiger” in the background. Well…. it sounded much better in my head.

Harishchandra Gad! A little about this marvel.

Harishchandra Gad is a fort in the Ahmednagar district of India. It’s a very ancient fort. Various Indian Ancient Scriptures Matsya Purana, Agni Puranaand Skanda Purana have references of the fort. It is said that The Great Sage Changdev who created Tatvasaar used to meditate on fort in 14th Century. Harishchandragad was captured by the Marathas in 1747 from the Moguls. The fort is blessed with incredible sculpted caves and temples and of course the main attraction Konkan Kada.

After our breakfast it was all about 3–3 1/2 hours of hearing your breathing, feeling your elevated pulse, letting your sweat merge with red soil of rugged nature, falling on the rocks, bearing the scars, letting your muscles go stiff and sore, and enjoying lime water on occasions.

As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And I must say, when you come across a stall with guy selling lime water on it in the middle of the trek, its not lime water that he is selling it’s actually nectar.

The trek sure is physically demanding, but thankfully with constant arrow marks made on rocks saves a lot of time and energy. And sometimes if you are lucky enough you can be accompanied by a guide like Moti. Which is even better.

When we reached the top, the first thing which we noticed was Harichandreshwar Temple. A beautiful piece of architecture right in the heart of the fort.

We stretched ourselves up a little inside the temple. The contentment which we experienced inside the temple is indescribable. We absorbed that art as much as we could and we left the beautiful architecture for another one. Kedar Ling.

This is exactly how it is there in the photograph. The water around the Shivling is stone cold and 3 out of 4 pillars around the Shivling are shattered and only one pillar is still intact. As per the myth, the 4 pillars represent 4 Yugas (Era) Satyayuga, Tretayuga, Dwaparyuga and Kaliyuga. Every time when an era comes to an end the pillar representing that particular era gets shattered. The last pillar representing the current era i.e Kaliyuga will get shattered when this era, Kaliyuga, will come to an end. Spooky right?

After seeing various caves around the fort we finally set ourselves up for the main reason for which we bared all that physical exhaustion, Konkan Kada!

After a 25–30 min of walk from Harichandreshwar Temple, we reached the marvel. And as it was expected we were stunned!

A stunning vertical cliff facing west and looking down upon the Konkan. The cliff is not just vertical it’s an overhang. Hence it literally looks like a Cobra’s Hood if one sees it from its front.

After all the photo sessions for social media, we just sat there in silence and watched the sun dissolving in that orange blue sky, while wind constantly singing it’s own song in our ears.

That larger than life miracle of nature made me realise, how our existence is equivalent to a particle in this beautiful and humongous mess of nature. I just wanted the time to stop there and there itself. It was all about soaking up that moment. It was exactly like what Rumi said,

“The Moment Is All There Is.”

One of the things about trekking which I find fascinating is, how we can actually relate it with life.

I mean isn’t it all about conquering our own mountains so that we can experience the beautiful peak of life?

[alpineramblersmumbaiposts-blog]

Kokan kada of Harishchandragad via nalichi route 🗻🚩 .This is a risky route. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Location : Ahmednagar Grade : Med-Diff Height : 4664ft Trek Duration- 8 to 12 hours Other routes to reach here - khireshwar route ,Pachnai route , Makad nali route , sadhle ghat route(lengthy one) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ PicCourtesy -@rushikesh_gawde Want to get featured ✓ Follow us - @alpine.ramblers ✓ use #alpine_ramblers hash tag. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ #dombivlikar #thane #nashik #worli #worliseaface #maharashtra_ig #mulund #dadar #mumbai #trekking #hiking #goregaon #marinelines #bandra #mumbaicentral #sahyadri_ig #andharban #borivali #thingstodoinmumbai #beatyesterday #trek #sahyadri_ig #kharghar #andheri #matunga #_mig #pune#sahyadri#outlooktravller #othallofframe @natgeoyourshot @historytv18 @maharashtratravel @maharashtra_ig @insta_maharashtra @things2doinmumbai @naad.sahyadricha @maharashtra_forts @foxlife_india @discoverychannelin @natgeotravel @sahyadri_clickers @mumbaiweekendevents @itz_mumbai @maharashtratravel @mumbai @dombivlikar @garmin https://www.instagram.com/p/BkCoQXHlUBu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1irht8zo00frt

[sagarrdphotocreativity]

View from base village khireshwar towards Harishchandragad #travelphotography #trekking #nikonphotography #nikond3300 #travelindia #traveller #trekker #maharashtra_clickers #maharashtratourism #sahyadri_ranges #sahyadri_clickers #fortsofmaharashtra #fort #photooftheday #photographylovers #photographer #incredibleindia (at Harishchandragad) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAP8XYLJDJ6YPrCtj3fYxo-hLaNarbE_Mf71xo0/?igshid=pfnw5cwhk445

[captainmumbaihiker]

TRAVEL BUFFS: Harishchandragad (Ascend Khireshwar – Descend Pachnai ) http://dlvr.it/RFdPPn http://dlvr.it/RFdPPn

[gesagroup-blog]

#motivation #inspiration #love #success #Entrepreneur #Business #Mindset #healthylifestyle #goals #life #food #leadership #couple #feelings #relationshipgoals #addicted #happy #quotes #passion #smile #dating #romance #startup #Freedom #instagram #instadaily #exercise #vintage #healthy #nature (at Khireshwar, Pune) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CIMwBgUXb/?igshid=150gdk8r0zmbj

[mumbaikaarle]

Cloud special Harishchandra Gad Trek

Overview Short Info: Region: Malshej. Height: 4500 ft. (approx.) Grade: Medium. Base Village: Khireshwar. Cost: Rs.1800/-   About: Harishchandragad: The fort is quite ancient, considered to be from the medieval period.  The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. The Great sage Changdev (creator of the epic Tatvasaar) used to meditate on Taramati/Rohidas in 14th century. The caves are also from the same period. Harishchandra gad was captured by the Marathas in 1747 from the Moguls. Taramati: Also known as Taramanchi. This is the top most point on the fort. It is the second highest peak in Maharashtra after kalsubai. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad and Napta twin peaks,Ghodishep (865 meters),Ajoba (1375 meters),Kulang fort (1471 meters)in the north near the Kasara region. Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff): The most fascinating spot on this fort is this cliff, which has always fascinated many people from many years. The cliff faces west and looks down upon the Konkan with a breathtaking view of the surrounding region and sunset. This cliff is not just vertical; it is an overhang, almost like a cobra’s hood. One amazing phenomenon that can be observed at this place is the vertical cloud burst, in which the clouds nearing the cliff get sucked into the pit fall area below are thrown vertically into the sky reaching more than 50 feet (15 m). Kedareshwar: The cave of Kedareshwar has a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivlinga because the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. Local legend holds that when the forth piller breaks, the world will come to an end.   INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS What we'll give. What we won't What is included in the tour Meal: Sat/Sun Breakfast: Theplas or Kanda-poha & tea on availabili... Read more

source https://mumbaihikers.com/m/events/view/Cloud-special-Harishchandra-Gad-Trek

[itineraryblog]

Kalu Waterfall Trek 2 days itinerary

The Kalu Waterfall Trek is a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts seeking a scenic and refreshing getaway. This moderate trek, nestled in the lush greens of the Malshej Ghat near Mumbai, offers stunning views, cascading waterfalls, and a chance to unwind amidst tranquility.

Best Time To Visit Kalu Waterfall Trek:

Majestic Monsoons (June-September):

Witness the waterfall at its most powerful and vibrant.

Lush green surroundings create a stunning backdrop.

Important: Trails can be slippery and dangerous. Consider hiring a guide for safety.

Day 1: Embark on the Journey

Early Start (6:00 AM): Rise and shine! An early start allows you to make the most of the day and avoid the midday heat.

Reach Khireshwar: Depending on your location, you can either drive or take public transport to Khireshwar, the base village for the Kalu Waterfall trek. Continue read…

Day 2: Explore Further (Optional):

Depending on your interests and remaining time, you can opt for additional activities on Day 2. Explore nearby villages, visit local temples, or delve deeper into the Malshej Ghat region.

We have some more articles about India

The 6 Best Chikmagalur Falls

6 Popular Dams in India

Mehsana Water Park Ticket Price

Kohoj Fort Itinerary

Mahatma Gandhi Park

I hope this article will help you a lot. Thanks for reading, happy travels!

Stay tuned with Itinerary plans.

[itineraryblog]

Harishchandreshwar Temple: Raja Harishchandra Temple, Maharashtra

Are you planning to travel to Harishchandrashwar Temple? Then most welcome to our Itinerary Plan. We know you are so busy and don’t want to waste your valuable time thinking about what to do with this travel.

Harishchandrashwar Temple is a Hindu temple located on the hill fort of Harishchandragad in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. The Raja Harishchandreshwar Temple is thought to have been built around 600, when the Kalchuri family was in charge.

How to Reach Harishchandreshwar Temple

Harishchandreshwar Temple is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India, on the Ahmednagar-Kalyan road. 

By Road:

From Mumbai:

Take the NH160 or NH61 and head towards Kalyan.

From Kalyan, take the Murbad-Karjat road.

Reach the base village of the fort, usually Khireshwar or Pachnai, depending on the trek route you choose.

From Pune:

Take the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH60) and head towards Alephata.

From Alephata, take the road towards Malshej Ghat.

Reach the base village, as mentioned above.

Trek Routes:

There are different trek routes, commonly starting from Khireshwar or Pachnai villages. The trek takes a few hours, depending on your chosen path and pace.

Let's know more 👄

If you want to visi Harishchandreshwar Temple, make sure you have the full knowledge about Harishchandreshwar Temple. Otherwise you can stuck different kind of problem.

To avoid all the hassle, you need a proper itinerary about Harishchandreshwar Temple.

Before Harishchandreshwar Temple tour, You should to know:

How to reach?

Where to stay?

Harishchandreshwar itinerary with nearby attraction places.

Tips for travel

Want to know all the things?

For more place to visit, it is easier planning. Please Visit Our Site and stay with us. Click Here…

Waterfall

Hiking & Trekking

Temple & Fort

Happy Tour 💃

[captainmumbaihiker]

TRAVEL BUFFS: Harishchandragad (Ascend Khireshwar – Descend Pachnai )

http://dlvr.it/RGs96W