Shree Kshetra Tulapur | Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Samadhi | Tulapur temples | Religious Pravasi | History Pravasi | Pune

Religious Pravasi and History Pravasi series - Shree Kshetra Tulapur & Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Samadhi

Shree Kshetra Tulapur is situated at the tri-confluence of rivers Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani and has ancient temples of Swayambhu Mahadeva. It is also the mausoleum of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who sacrificed his life at a young age for "Swarajya" (Self-government).

In this blog, we will take a brief overview of the wonderful temples of Shree Kshetra Tulapur and the historical events of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's sacrifice, through our "Religious Pravasi" and "History Pravasi" series.

Travel from Kharadi, Pune to Tulapur

On the occasion of Diwali in 2021, I came from Mumbai to my in-laws in Kharadi, Pune. After the wedding, some religious places were left to visit due to the Corona lockdown. So we planned to go for "Alandi". From Kharadi, Pune took the Pune - Nagar road to Lonikand, and from there took the left route towards Alandi. On the way, we were going to visit Shree Kshetra Tulapur. Stopped at Phulgaon for some time, a village before Tulapur. Here it felt very nice under the thick shade of a huge tree. There are idols of Mauli, Shee Dutt, Lord Shankar, and Hanuman. This place is adjacent to the road.

Phulgaon

After some time the next journey started. After Phulgaon, the next village is Tulapur. Shree Kshetra Tulapur is about 25 km from the Pune station. Some cultural programs were organized here on the occasion of Diwali.

Entrance to Shree Kshetra Tulapur

Sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

The earlier name of Tulapur was "Nagargaon" and an unfortunate incident happened in this Tulapur city. Just as this soil of Maharashtra experienced moments of happiness in self-government (Swarajya), it also experienced moments of sorrow. That moment was the assassination of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second Chhatrapati of Swarajya.

Memorial of Chhtrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj took over as the second Chhatrapati of Swarajya. The enemies of Swarajya were literally put to flight. But in February 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was imprisoned by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb at Sangameshwar in Ratnagiri district and brought first to Bahadurgad in Ahmednagar district and then to Tulapur. After being tortured for 40 days, he was brutally killed here on 11 March 1689. He was cremated at the nearby Vadhu Budruk village on the banks of the river. Aurangzeb felt that "Now we can easily take Swarajya". But this incident set entire Maharashtra on fire and that is why Aurangzeb was never able to fully win Swarajya.

Samadhi of Chhtrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Due to such a sequence of events, the mausoleum of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj can be seen in both the villages - Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk. Despite many setbacks, he did not surrender. In Maharashtra, his death anniversary is celebrated as "Balidan Diwas" (Day of Sacrification) while this place is called "Balidan Sthala". This place is still a  source of strength for our youth.

Shree Kshetra Tulapur

Along with history, this place has also got religious significance and nature. That is why the tourist who is amazed by the historical events, enjoys seeing the wonderful temples and Triveni Sangam (Confluence of Three rivers) here for a while. We first visited the Sangameshwar temple. This is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva.

Sangameshwar temple

Beautiful carvings can be seen on the pillars of the temple. We first took the blessings of Shri Ganapati and Vitthal Rakhumai and then went inside the temple to take the blessings of Shivlinga. There is also a small temple of Shri Ganapati and Hanuman, as well as a tall lamp in the temple premises. We rest for some time in the temple premises.

Now proceed to the triple confluence of rivers Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani. You can also take a short boat trip at this confluence. This area is considered equal to the pilgrimage sites of Kashi, Gaya, and Prayag.

The confluence of rivers - Bhama, Bhima, and Indrayani

Many other small and big temples can be seen near the confluence. Among them, Shree Vishnu Mahaballaleshwar Temple, Shree Vishnu - Ram - Rameshwar Temple, and Koteshwar Temple are particularly noteworthy.

Shree Vishnu Mahaballaleshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple

Shree Vishnu - Ram - Rameshwar Temple

Apart from that, the Ganesha Temple, Shree Ambajimata Temple, Shree Saibaba Temple, Shree Shani Maharaj Temple, and Shitalai Devi Temple can also be seen.

Temples of Tulapur

Tourists from all over Maharashtra come to Tulapur to see the wonderful temples and to pay homage to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's mausoleum.

Let me know in the comments what you think of this combined Religious and History Pravas.

Click here at "Religious Pravasi" and "History Pravasi" to read other blogs from this series.

Click here at Shree Kshetra Tulapur to watch a YouTube video of this Pravas.

Jay Shivray

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