From Satara to Gondavale - A Journey of Faith and calm

A Journey of Faith and calm  - Gondavale

I had a deep desire to visit Gondavale for a very long time. I truly wished, from the bottom of my heart, to visit Gondavale and receive the blessed darshan of Gondavalekar Maharaj with devotion. That's why I finally decided to make the trip.

I left early in the morning from satara, as I didn't want to be late. If I had delayed, I would've misses the opportunity for proper darshan. So I started my journey early. The roads weren't very crowded,, and there wasn't much traffic either.

Along the way, I saw lush green farms and small villages. Somewhere on the road, I noticed a small tea stall. I stopped there, sat down, and had a nice cup of tea. After that short break, I continued my journey and reached Gondavale in about 2 to 2.5 hours.

As soon as I entered the village, I felt something special - a beautiful spiritual vibe. The first I saw was the Samadhi of Gondavalekar Maharaj. I had the darshan, and the atmosphere there was filled with devotion and peace. Chanting of "Ram Nam" was going on, and everything felt deeply spiritual.

I sat there for a while, quietly listening to the chanting. The whole experience was soulful - something I hadn't felt in a long time. It truly touched me.

Later, I had the Prasad meal, which is freshly prepared and served to all the devotees. It was a simple and pure meal - rice, vegetables curry, chapati, and buttermilk - just like homemade food. It was very satisfying.

After the Prasad, I spent some more time exploring the temple premises. I also visited the temple library, and from there, I bought a book. My darshan experience was truly fulfilling, and even while returning home, I felt an inner peace and calm that stayed with me.

If you wish to explore more spiritual places, here are a few options listed below :

Yevteshwar Temple

Iskon Temple

Mahalaxmi & Jyotiba Mandir Kolhapur

Natraj Mandir

Sangam Mahuli

Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Vasota Fort

After many days, my friends and I decided to visit Vasota Fort. Located in the Koyana Dam area of Satara destrict, Vasota Fort is rich in history and natural beauty. The moment you hear the name "Koyna", images of water and dense forests come to mind. Nestled deep within this forest stands the majestic Vasota Fort, and everyone should visit at least once to experience its grandeur.

Vasota Fort

There are three routs to reach the fort : via   Bamboli, Chorvane, and Redegaar. The best   time to visit Vasota Fort is between   November and February. The journey to   reach this fort itself is an unforgettable   experience. Walking through the forest, you   are surrounded by lush greenery, a variety   of tress, vines, flowers, butterflies, and the   sweet sound of birds.

After crossing the Shivsagar Lake by boat, the trek begins, and soon you come across a stream of crystal-clear water, making the path even more scenic. On the way, you will also across a beautiful sculpture of Lord Hanuman, which lifts your spirits. After trekking for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you finally reach Vasota Fort.

Prior permission form the Maharashtra Forest Department is required to visit this fort. The biodiversity here is remarkable. Many species of wildlife and birds can be spotted, making its perfect destination for wildlife lovers and photographers.

It is important to take special care to preserve the environment - do not litter, throw plastic, or harm nature in any way. This fort is truly a wonderful place for tourists to explore. My experience at this fort was absolutely unforgettable.

If you still wish to explore more forts, these forts are truly amazing.

• Harihar Fort
• Sajjangad Fort
• Pratapgad Fort

Sangam Mahuli : A Serene Riverside Retreat Near Satara

 A Peaceful Visit to Sangam Mahuli - Where Two Rivers Meet

Today I visited Sangam Mahuli, a place located about 4 kilometers from Satara. This village is situated at the confluence of the Krishna and Venna rivers, which divides the area into two parts: on one side is Sangam Mahuli ad on the other is Kshetra Mahuli.

The site holds historical significance as it is home to the samadhi (memorials)of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Maharani Tararani, located on the banks of the river at Sangam Mahuli. During the monsoon season, when the water level of the river rises, these samadhis sometimes go underwater.

There are two temples here, one of which is the Vishweshwar Temple, located on the southern bank of the Venna River, right at the confluence of the Krushna and Venna rivers. The temple is constructed entirely of stone. The entrance to the temple, which faces the river, had wide stone steps.

Inside the temple's Sabhamandap (assembly hall), on the left side, there is an idol of Lord Ganapati, and on the right side, an idol Mahishasurmardini. There is also a large bell in the temple. On the northern and western sides of the temple, there are stone verandahs (ovras) which traditionally used by pilgrims for staying overnight and for cooking food.

The temples here are very old, and visiting this place brings a deep sense of peace and positivity.

More Spiritual Places :

1. Natraj Mandir
2. Yevteshwar Temple
3. Iskon Temple

A Journey into History: My Visit to Baramotichi Vihir Satara

Journey into History Baramotichi Vihir

I had been quite a while since I last on a trip, so my friends and I decided to visit Limb, as it is historical place. I truly enjoy exploring historical places, which is why we finalized our plan to o there.

Limb village is located about 2 kilometers form Satara, and 3 kilometers from Limb Phata. Around 2 kilometers south of the village, at a place called Sherichi Wadi, near the Krishna River, lies the magnificent Baramotechi Vihir (Twelve - Door Stepwell).

The village of limb is also home to a mango orchard with around 300 tress. The stepwell was originally constructed to serve the people living in the village and the orchard.

Historically, the stepwell dates back to the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. I love collecting information about historical places, so I visited the site and learned about the fascinating history of Baramotechi Vihir.

The well is massive is size, and its history  is just as deep and grand. The design of every sculpture and the intricate cravings on the stone pillars in the palace-like structure reflect exceptional architectural planning and symbolism.

Interestingly, many Hindi and Marathi movies have been shot here. Recently, a new historical film titled "Chhava", based on Chhatrapati Smabhaji Maharaj, was partially filmed at this very location.

So I visited this amazing historical place - you must visit it too!

Location 👉 limb