Shaniwarwada: the mysterious fort of Pune

Pune: The foundation of Shaniwarwada fort was laid by the fearless Peshwa Bajirao in year 1729-30. It is known for its scariest stories and is one of the famous tourist attraction for historical place lovers. The Fort situated in Shaniwar Peth in Pune has an amazing architecture . The whole complex of Shaniwarwada consists of a blooming garden with fountains, courtyards, offices, inhabited quarters and audience halls. The remarkable architecture echoes the skill of Peshwas in town development. Shaniwar wada has five entrances, of which the main entrance is known as Dilli Darwaza which is a strongly built massive door which has a capacity to admit elephant with canopies to seat. Besides this, the fort has Mastani Darwaza or Ali Bahadur Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza and Jambhul Darwaza or Narayan Darwaza. The walls of Shaniwar wada was beautified with the paintings portraying the scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.The most impressive buildings in this fort are the court reception hall of Peshwa Bajirao-I, hall for dance and besides this; it has the old mirror hall. The huge fire that broke out on February 27, 1828 totally ruined the exquisiteness of the fort. The strong walls, five gates and the nine bastions that survived the fire is only the remaining that is seen today.According to old stories, 13 year old Peshwa dynasty heir Narayana was assassinated by one of his relatives here inside this fort. He was running all over the fort crying out loud for help “kaka mala vachva” as his killers were chasing him. Even today local residents claim they hear his cries for help every new moon night . Full moon nights are the most haunted nights at this fort.