Torna Fort

Prachandagad, also called Torna Fort, is a fort situated near Pune, Maharashtra in India.

The word "Prachanda" means "huge" and "gad" means fort in marathi, which undoubtedly means that this fort is vast and stretches on for many miles. The Torna is located at a very high altitude and it takes an average of three hours to get to the top from the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains on which the fort is situated. The Torna fort is considered to be built by followers of the Hindu Lord Shiva called the Shaiva Panth in the 1400s. A Menghai Devi temple, also known as Tornaji temple is situated near the entrance of the fort.

The fort is located in Pune district, 18.36 degrees Latitude & 73.37 degrees Longitude. The village at the base of the fort is called Velhe. To the south of Torna is the river of Velvandi & to the north is the Valley of Kanad River.

History :

Till now it wasn't known that who built the fort. The caves & sculptures here indicate that the fort belongs to the period of SHAIVA PANTH, the followers of Lord Shiva. During 1470 to 1486 A.D., Malik Ahmed, a Bahmani ruler, captured this fort. Later Nizamshah ruled it. In the 1646, Shivaji Maharaj brought this fort under his control and named it PRACHANDAGAD. He was the one who built some new monuments here. After his daring escape from Agra, he came here & renovated the fort. Moguls took over the fort after Sambhaji Maharaj's assassination. But Marathas regained control over the fort due to the efforts of Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv. In 1704 A.D., Aurangzeb captured the fort. He named it as Futulgaib or The Divine Victory. However, within 4 years Sarnobat Nagoji Kokate was able to re-establish Maratha control here. In the treaty of Purandar, Torna remained with Shivaji Maharaj. The important thing about the fort is that it is the only fort that Aurangzeb won by fighting a real war.

Fascinating Spots :

Goddess Toranjai : It is a small temple where goddesses Somjai & Toranjai are worshipped. Ahead we can see the lakes called Toran & Mhasoba.

Maal & Safeli bastions : On the west of Kothi Darwaaja are the bastion Maal, & the latter one is to the south of the former. Near Safeli is a construction called Lakadkhaana, where wood was stored. Here is the way to Kokan Darwaaja & to Budhla machi.

Budhla machi : In Marathi "Budhla" means a vessel, & "Budhla" Machi looks like a vessel kept upside down. This diff is a breathtaking spot on the fort. From here, a cheek was kept on the western side of this fort.

Bini Darwaaja : This is the main entrance to the fort from Velhe and is situated to the northwest of the fort. The bastion on the left side has collapsed. The path ahead leads to Kothi Darwaaja.

Kothi Darwaaja : Ascending the steps carved in the rock, we enter the Kothi Darwaaja facing east. Here we come across some guardrooms. Way along the wall towards east takes us to the temple of goddess Toranjai.

Hanuman bastion : This bastion is situated east of Kothi Darwaaja. Here we can see idol of Hanuman facing south & a flag post. Way ahead leads to the bastion Bhel. To proceed ahead a guide is required, the way being a bit difficult. Further eastwards we come to Zunjar machi.

Konkan Darwaaja : Kokan Darwaaja still exhibits the constructional features that prevailed during 17th century. Here the fortification is the better condition. It lies on the way to Budhla Machi.

Temple of goddess Mengai : This is the only place on the fort where one can stay. It has two doors & the roof is still in the need of repairs. Here the group "Pune Ventures" has put a map of Torna. In front of the temple is a Deepmala (a structure that supports oil lamps & is always found in every temple of Lord Shiva).

Zunjar machi : It is situated on the western side & a wonderful spot to see. However, in the recent period, way here has been destroyed, & hence it cannot be reached easily.

Restaurant : Not Available
Lodging : Only in Padmavati Temple
How to Go :

From the Village of Velhe : Starting from Pune, preferably early in the morning is the best option. From Swargate Bus stand in Pune board any bus to the village of Velhe. The way to Torna starts from here and is quite straight. A walk of couple of hours leads to the "Bini Darwaaja", the main entrance to the fort.

From Rajgad to Torna : The route starts from "Male Darwaaja" of Rajgad, descending along the left side of "Sanjeevni Machi" and proceeds through a few houses. It continues through the woods and is about 5-6 hours walk. The road ends in front of " Budhla Machi". Here one has to climb a small rock patch. A walk of 15-20 minutes eastwards leads to the temple of "Mengai Devi". This temple serves as an accommodation facility.