Shaniwar Wada

Pune, Maharashtra, is the place where Shaniwar Wada Fort is located. The fort is 286 years old. It served as the seat of the Peshwa government during its time in Pune. The Shaniwar Wada is beautiful and a popular place to visit in Pune. Peshwa Bajirao, I built the fort as a residence for his family.

Initially, the Wada covered almost the whole city by itself. Now, the Wada is only in the 625 acres of land. The place has many fountains and forts. It stands as one of the main attractions at the Wada, leaving visitors in awe. It also has a giant statue of Baji Rao I near the entrance. An unknown fire destroyed the Wada in 1828. But the place is still exciting and beautiful to visit.

Shaniwar Wada Fort History

In the 18th century, the Shaniwar Wada was built by Bajirao I. In the beginning, it was a seven-floor building. Although, the construction of the building became an issue of legitimacy. Still, the other remaining part was constructed. Later in 1828, the British Artillery stacked on the Wada. As a result, it destroyed six floors and caused the building to fall down. The fire charred almost everything, leaving only a few parts standing. It has granite walls as part of it.

Architectural Highlights

In 1730, Peshwa Baji Rao I constructed the Marathi palace, which is famous as Shaniwar Wada. The materials utilized in the construction of the Wada include teak, stone, and lime. The costs of the materials were around Rs. 16,110. It also has some additional facilities like reservoirs, fortification walls, court halls, and fountains.

On the walls of the Wada there are paintings and scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. There is a statue of the Lord Ganesha in the Ganpati Rang Mahal. In addition, there was a garden with defensive walls. It also includes five gateways and nine basin towers.

Shaniwar Wada's Haunted Story

The Shaniwar Wada Fort is a popular place in Maharashtra to visit during the Pune travel packages. The place is famous among visitors because it is historical and haunted. The haunted stories of Shaniwar Wada are very famous, making it one of the most haunted places in India.

The story of the Wada says that Peshwa Narayan Rao was having some issues with his uncle Raghunath Rao. The uncle was spoilt and rebellious. It is a belief that Uncle Raghunath Rao has sent a message to Narayan Rao saying, “Narayan Rao la dhara.” It means “hold Narayan Rao.” The wife of Raghunath Rao changed the message while it reached the guards. She changed it to “kill Narayan Rao.” The Peshwa cried and ran for his life in the Wada and kept screaming, “Uncle, save me.” Eventually Narayan Rao was killed.

People believe that his spirit is still there in the place where Narayan Rao died. The spirit still roams around the Wada and asks for help from his uncle. The people who stay nearby believe they have heard him crying on some particular nights.