About Ratangad Fort

Ratangad Fort is one of the most treasured forts of Shivaji Maharaj who conquered it from the Mughals. Ratangad Fort is located in Ratanwadi, Maharashtra and it is around 200 decades old. The beauty of Ratangad Fort and the scenic views of Kalasubai peak, AMK Peak & Ajoba Peak.

Ratangad is the origin of River Pravara, which is also known as Amrutvahini. The ancient temple called Amruteshwar temple is also in the vicinity of Ratangad. Ratangad Fort has many wells and four gates, called Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak.

The literal meaning of the name Ratangad is a place full of jewels. Ratangad Fort lives fully up to its name as some regard it as a little paradise. Ratangad Fort has so much to offer to the visitors. Right from the historical links where it was the most cherished possession of king Shivaji Maharaj to its association with the temple Amruteshwar Ratangad Fort become the place of reverence and respect.

About Amruteshwar Temple

The Amruteshwar Temple is a 1200-year-old intricately carved Shiv temple nestling in the quaint town of Ratanwadi in Maharashtra. The Shilahara dynasty built this beautiful Temple in the around 9th century CE. This is one of King Jhanj’s 12 Shiva temples.

The Amruteshwar Temple was built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, and the main shrine shows lovely rock carvings. The construction has been done using black and red stones. The temple’s ceiling and walls are detailed with some truly impressive murals. A mandapa with 12 pillars can also be seen here. All of the pillars are beautifully carved with statues and flowers. The temple is in Ratanwadi village, which is basically the base village for the popular Ratangad Fort.

The Amruteshwar temple is carved in black stone and is an excellent starting point for all of the Shiva pilgrims and explorers. Each portion of the temple is wonderfully carved so much so that you will lose your soul to it. The various stone sculptures of gods and goddesses adorn the entrance and pillars.

The roof and the walls of the temple are embellished with some enchanting murals. There is a Mantapa with 12 pillars. All the pillars have superbly carved with figures and flowers. The Shikhara over the shrine in intact & is very ornamental. But the roof of the mandapa has disappeared. The shikhara has 4 spires with diminishing miniature Shikharas capped with an amalaka.

A tank locally called as pushkarani, was also provided near the temple which has stepped entrances from 3 directions; there are several subsidiary shrines in niche form, all over the place. The images in the niches are of Lord Ganesha and various forms of Vishnu, namely those of Sheshayi, Madhava, etc.