Shaniwar Wada - Most Haunted Place in Maharashtra

 ABOUT

    Shaniwar Wada is located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It was built by Bajirao Peshwa in 1732. As you enter the main gate, it reminds you the most powerful entry of Peshwas. It is one of the most attractive fort in Pune specially in Diwali. It has five gates namely Dilli Darwaja, Mastani Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Jambhul Darwaja. The spirits here were due to the great fire that ravaged the fort in 1828. One should visit it if he likes the haunted places or paranormal happenings.

 

    VISITING INFORMATION :-

 

        Timings :- From 8.00 am to 6.30 pm (All Days)

        Fees:-        Indian (Rs 5) and Non-Indian (Rs 200)

    

    HOW TO REACH THE PLACE :- 

 

        It is well connected via all the means of transportation. So, you will not face any type of difficulties for reaching there. Even, the Pune International Airport is at a distance of 13.8 km. So, your trip would be a lot of ease and fun.     

 

HISTORY

    Local people of that fort believed that the fort of Shaniwar Wada is considered to be the most horrifying on the night of the full moon (Fort night). There is a story behind it. When the Peshwas were ruling the fort, the king often did not hesitate to kill any one for the throne. After the war of Panipat, the king became very weak. Many of his warriors were also killed during that war. After the death of Nana Saheb, the throne was handed over to his elder son Madhav Rao. Nana Saheb's younger brother was told to take care of the throne. But his failure led them get locked in their own house. After the death of Madhav Rao, his 13 year old son named Narayan Rao was on the throne. Due to such situation, the throne and the king both were released.

    In 1973, the infant Peshwa was called by his uncle by soldiers and said in Marathi, "नारयण राव ला धारा" means bring Narayan Rao here. His greedy wife changed the two words i.e. "नारायण राव ला मारा" means kill Narayan Rao and the words were reached to the soldiers. When the soldiers were roaming around the palace to kill the Narayan Rao, the prince was shouting for help i.e. "काका , माला वाचवा !" means Save me, Uncle. But he was killed before uncle arrived. 

    Thus, local residents believes that, on the night of full moon, the echo for saving him spreads throughout the whole palace. The fort burnt badly in the fire in 1828 but then it was converted into tourist destination. It is also believed that the people burnt in that fire became spirits. Thus, the fort became haunted.

Claims and Myths

    Till today, tourists and explorers are allowed to visit the outer chamber of the fort during the day and at night. The place is deserted. Some locals and enthusiasts even lay out camps near the river bank to listen to the wailing cry of help of Narayan Rao's spirit shouting "काका , माला वाचवा !" that continues to haunt 'Shaniwar Wada'.

---

    Well, we had seen the history of the great fort built by Bajirao and its location for reaching there. The attraction of the fort was brought by the water fountains projected through lights and sound giving the tale of their legend Bajirao Peshwa.

If you like the post, can you please share and comment below for us.

LOCATION

---