Sajjangad

Sajjangad (Devanagari, Marathi: सज्जनगड) meaning Fort of Good People, is located near the city of Satara, India. It is the final resting place of Sant Ramdas in 17th century India (born 1608). His teachings and works written in books such as Dasbodh are read and followed by many people even today in the state of Maharashtra and Sajjangad is a popular place of pilgrimage.

History
This fort was known by the name of Asvalayana Rishi, since he lived here for many years in ancient times. Then it was called Aswalya gad due to the number of Aswals or bears wandering there. The fort was made by Brahamani Emperors in between (1347-1527). After that in (1527-1686) it came under Adilshah dynasty. Mughal king defeated Adilshah and the fort came under Mughal rule.This fort was captured by King Shivaji on 2 April 1763 from Adilshah. Previously known as Parali, it was renamed to Sajjangad. Fateullahakhan's army encircled the fort on 21 April 1700 and finally captured it on 6June1700. thus after it became the part of Moghul empire, it was renamed as "Navrastara". This fort was won by Marathas in the year 1709.Later this fort was captured by British in 1818.

Present day
The maintenance of the fort and the Samadhi (final resting place) of Ramdas is taken care by  Ramdas Swami Sansthan, a trust which has existed since the time of Shri Ramdas Swami. The daily routine of the trustees on the fort includes morning prayers, Abhishek and Puja, Maha Naivedya, Bhajans and reading of the manuscript Dasbodh written by Sant Ramdas. The fort is open for devotees from sunrise to sunset. Entry and exit beyond these hours is restricted. In the afternoon, trustees of Sajjangad serves a food (as prasad) to the devotees. Recently the Ramdas Swami Sansthan trust has built a dharmashala for the devotees for free of cost stay. Every year during Shiv Jayanti thousands of devotees visit the shrine by walking up to it.

Transportation
It is possible to reach the top of the fort by vehicle. From there one has to climb around a hundred steps to reach the gate of the fort. It is exactly 18 km from Satara city. You can hire an autorickshaw or bus from a famous area of satara Rajwada.It is 27 km from Mumbai via NH4 highway.