Shivneri Fort, Junnar, India

Shivneri Fort is a historic military fortification located near Junnar. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Shivaji Raje Bhosale, the founder of Maratha Empire.

Shivneri fort built in period of Satvahan kingdom, used to be their capital. This fort surrounded by protection wall. This hilly area / fort consist of temples and signs of Mosque, Water tanks, Amber Khana ( place for elephants), Shiv Smarak, a Jail, Punishment edge / border and many gates.

Shahaji, Chatrapati Shivaji's father, was a general in the army of the Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. He was concerned for the safety of his wife Jijabai during her pregnancy as there was constant warfare going on. He therefore moved his family to Shivneri fort. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly built citadel.

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born at the fort on 19 February 1630, and spent his childhood there.he got his name SHIVBA here. Inside the fort is a small temple dedicated to the goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named.

There are statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji. At the centre of the fort is a water pond which is called 'Badami Talav'. To the South of 'Badami Talav' are the statues Jijabai and a young Shivaji. In the fort there are two water springs, called Ganges and Yamuna, which have water throughout the year. Two kilometers away from this fort there are the Lenyadri caves which is one of Ashtavinayak temple in Maharastra. It has been declared as a protected monument.