My first ever visit to Revdanda Fort

While I stayed in Agrav I decided to visit the Revdanda fort. The ramparts through which I have driven many a times but never visited. 

Fortaleza de Chaul in Portuguese. It was built by Captain Soj in 1524. That is recorded history but locals say there already existed crude fortifications in that place. 

There are these graves on the premises. Wondering if Captain Soj sleeps there. 

I had gone to the fort in the evening and it was getting closed as it is under the ASI administration. So had to rush around but spent a leisurely time on the beach. This beach isn’t all that crowded. Only challenge is accessing it from the Fort isn’t possible. You have to go down a mud path from outside that leads to the beach.  I jumped down but Omid wouldn’t! 

This fort is located where the Kundalika river meets the sea. Just at the start of Salav bridge. 

So I went on another morning just to take a quieter look around. Omid loved running around here. He is a happy camper and the coolest travel companion! 

The tower is called saat khani as it used to be 7 storeys but now only 5 remain. 

Surrounding the fort are a lot of Christian settlements. They speak a fusion language of local and Portuguese called Kristi or Creole. They are farmers and grow the best round big brinjals. 

Those are a specialty and should get a GI tag. They make great Taleli vangi or kaap. Those are faux fish fries for the vegetarian 😆

Datta Mandir and the famous Chaul Jatra

Alibag Series #4 

The Datta Mandir on the hill is the highest point in Chaul. As a kid I have gone to the Datta Jayanti jatra in Chaul with my Aai. It is one of the largest in entire Alibag. Right from the foothills the jatra would be set up with mithai stalls, wooden and plastic toy shops and some bhajji and cha stalls. My most favourite would be Waman’s jilebi and Phaphe bandhu stalls. Waman never used color in his jilebi and he was a jilebiwala with a temper. People would like to irritate him on purpose and then enjoy his sweet Crisp almost while jilebi. 

The murti in the temple is of Dattaguru or Dattareya. It is a stone idol and is said to be from the 18 th century. The idol is ever growing it is said. Unusual design too. It has the Trimurti of Brahma Vishnu Mahesh and has 6 arms. Dogs are easily attracted to Dattaguru and are not shooed away in this temple. 

The temple is also a vantage point. One can see the entire Alibag from here. It had a great importance in the  Chatrapati Shivaji’s time and administration. 

A very good hike if you decide to climb the 1500 steps else take your vehicle up and climb the last 100 odd steps like I did.

Rameshwar Mandir Chaul

Last September just before Ganpati sthapna Sapna and I decided to go to Chaul for darshan of Rameshwar. Which also meant shopping for pedhe and modak from Phaphe Bandhu ! 

I wanted Bubble to have memories of these temples like I have from my childhood with my Aai. 

Back then it was more of an atmospheric experience I think or did my memory blur. My Aai would have narrated the fascinating stories connected to this temple I am sure but rediscovery to pass on the heritage to the next generation is our responsibility too.

The grand Pokhran or temple tank welcomes you. You go wash your feet and pay your obeisance to the Nandi and know that this temple is dedicated to Shiva the lord of Shree Ram. The temple is centuries old and the actual date of establishment is not known. Yet we know that this temple has evolved since it was first built it has seen renovations through generations. 

The temple architecture is vernacular Kokan style. The sanct sanctorium houses the Shivlinga. As usual it is at a lower level as Shiva is the lord of the Netherworld or Pataleshwar. 

Women are not allowed into the sanct sanctorium and men must go in bare chested as is the protocol here. 

The temple has many smaller shrines of different Deities around the main Shiv linga in the main temple as well as surroundings. 

This dome in particular is a Indo Saracenic style. 

The pillars are exquisitely carved and vividly coloured.

Parjanya kund

The uniqueness of this temple is its three kundas for Rain, wind and fire. It has been documented in the temple records that the Parjanya Kunda has to be opened whenever there is a drought. It will give rain and water. 

Vayu kunda

The Vayu Kunda is a slit in the wall through which beautiful breeze blows. I tried to see through it and captured the Ganpati through the slit. 

The Agni Kunda in the Sabha mandap is where the Homa havan is performed on fixed ceremonial days.

This temple has a few secret sealed walled chambers that the temple texts have strict instructions to open. I haven’t heard of when they were last opened and what it contains?

Treasury or treasonous things? Only the Rameshwar knows!