Vasota fort Mahadev Temple, Maharashtra

Address

Vasota fort Mahadev Temple, Vasota Taluka Jawali, Bamnoli, Maharashtra 415002

Diety

Mahadev

Introduction

Vasota Fort is located about 70 km from satara near Bamnoli village on the banks of Shivsagar lake, Satara district of Maharashtra. There are two temples on the fort, the Mahadev temple and the Nageshwar temple. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva in lingam form. The temple is in dilapidated condition, the lingam is in broken shape. The temple of Lord Hanuman is placed at the entrance. Nageshwar is a cave carved in the pinnacle with Mahadev temple inside.

Puranic Significance

The temple is in dilapidated condition and is overgrown. The remnants of Shree Mahadev mandir and the plinth of a huge “sadar” (discussion place) are there. Vasota always remained under the rule of Marathas, Shirkes and Mores during the 16th century and then later was included in Swarajya by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1665. This fort was named as Vyaghragad [Vyaghra means tiger] by Shivaji Maharaj. After Shivaji Maharaj, this was under the rule of the Peshwas and then later in 1818 the British bombarded the fort with heavy artillery and destroyed many structures on the fort and the temple.