A Glimpse into Shaniwar wada

Shaniwar Wada  is a historical fortification in the city of Pune, India. Built in 1732, it was the seat of the Peshwas. 

This imposing fort was once a beacon of power and majesty, but now it’s famous for its spine-tingling ghost tales. The scariest story is about .Narayanrao Peshwa’s death cries, “Kaka, mala vachava!” (Uncle, help me!),can still be heard echoing inside the fort’s ruins after sunset, making it the scariest story.

It is reputed to be one of India’s spookiest locations because many people report experiencing paranormal activity here. Is there something in these ruins that even science cannot explain, or is this just a myth?

Let’s uncover the truth about Shaniwar Wada’s spine-tingling secrets.

Why Peshwa Built Shaniwar Wada ?

It was the headquarters of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune’s culture. The structure was built giving security the highest priority.

1. Maratha Supremacy Symbol:-The fort was a declaration of the military and administrative power of the Maratha Empire as the capital of the 18th-century political activity.
2. Culture and Administrative:-Centre Shaniwarwada was a palace but also a centre of religious ceremonies, political gatherings, and cultural celebrations, and thus the focal point of Maratha life.
3. Legends and Superstitions:-With the passage of time, Shaniwar wada picked up eerie legends, with ghost tales and paranormal events making it one of Pune’s most eerie locales, attracting the paranormal-hunter crowd

.Shaniwar Wada Architectural Design

The fort is known for its big stone walls, which are about 5 meters high and 3 meters thick.

1•Synthesis of Hindu and Islamic Facades:-

The architectural style of Shaniwarwada brings Hindu and Islamic motifs together in congruence, depicting exquisite carvings, wooden columns, and elaborate arches, constituting a breathtaking visual spectacle.

2•Defensive Fortifications:-

The fort’s robust defensive defenses, massive doors, and bastions were intended to ward off invasions, symbolizing the strategy that was employed in constructing it.

3•Dilli Darwaza (Delhi Gate):-

The architectural highlight, Dilli Darwaza, is a majestic gateway intended not only for defense but as a sign of the magnificence and power of the fort.

4•Intricate Carvings and Decorative Details:-

Inside the fort, the visitors are greeted by exquisite carvings and intricate details on walls, doors, and pillars, thus a piece of art of Maratha-era architecture.

•Shaniwar Wada  is a large building with rooms arranged around an open courtyard, balconies, carved pillars, the classic timber supports leading to stairways and halls, latticed windows, sculpted ceilings, decorative Jejuri limestone wall niches and the Mughal.

Shaniwar Wada Fort Doorway’s Mystery

There are five main gates, each with its significance and charm. The five gates are. The Dilli Darwaza is the most giant gate of all and faces north.

1• Dilli Darwaza:-

Location:-North side of the fort

 

•Significance:-The largest and grandest gate, opening towards Delhi and meant to serve as the principal entrance, projecting the grandeur of the fort.

•Why Built:- For defense by the military and for royal entry, it was the principal entry for dignitaries and senior officials.

2•Khidki Darwaza:-

Location:- West Side of the fort

 

•Significance:-The khidki darwaza of Shaniwar wada was built for the safety of women.

•Why Built:- The Khidki Darwaja is named for an armoured window it contains. Named for the Ganesh Rang Mahal, which used to stand near this door. It was used by ladies at the fort to visit the nearby Kasba Ganapati temple.

3• Ganesh Darwaza:-

Location:-South Side of the fort

 

•Significance:-It allowed the women of Shaniwarwada to easily access the nearby Kasba Ganpati temple for worship.

•Why built:- In order to provide a certain entry to women of the fort to visit the temple.In order to honor Lord Ganesha and pray for his favor to bless the prosperity and safety of the Peshwa dynasty.

4•Narayan Darwaza

Location:-Eastern Side of the fort.

 

•Significance:– The gate got its second name “Narayan Darwaja” because of an assassination

•Why built:- The Narayan Darwaza was once known as Jambhul Darwaza, and was used by concubines to enter the fort.was renamed Narayan Darwaza after the body of Narayan Rao was carried through the gate by his assassins. The palaces were exquisitely carved and murals painted on the walls.

5•Mastani Darwaza

Location:-South Side of the fort

 

•Significant:-l 1736.It was headquarter of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune’s culture.

•Why Built:- Mastani lived for some time with Bajirao at his palace of Shaniwar Wada in the city of Pune.

• Bajirao later built a separate residence for Mastani at Kothrud in 1734, some distance away from Shaniwar Wada.

Haunted history of shaniwar wada!

They murdered him. Why? For greed, power, or something more sinister? A dark, still night, and the walls of Shaniwar Wada watched in horror as a brutal act of betrayal unfolded. A naive ruler, unsuspecting and defenseless, sped down the large corridors, his shrieks of terror ringing within the palace. “Kaka, mala vachva!” (Uncle, save me!). Nobody arrived.

Who Was Narayanrao?

Narayanrao was the youngest Maratha Empire Peshwa, just 18 years old. He was destined to take the empire forward, but greed and politics decided his fate. His own uncle Raghunathrao, and aunt, Anandibai, conspired against him.

Their ambition made them go so far as to commit the ultimate act of betrayal—a mere letter that altered his life forever.

What Really Happened That Night?

It was to be another regular night. But as the fort grew quiet, darkness crept with sinister purpose.

Acting on hidden orders, the soldiers forcefully entered the Narayanrao’s room.The young Peshwa awoke in fear. Knowing his life was at stake, he fled, his screams shattering the night’s silence.

“Kaka, mala vachva!”he cried, believing his uncle would rescue him. But the man he called had already decided his fate.

The soldiers overpowered him and took him away. What happened there after was so horrific that even history winks at the mention of it. His body was never found only the echo of his screams remains, forever trapped in the walls of Shaniwar Wada. His only rumors of his screams remain, forever etched within the walls of Shaniwar Wada.

They thought that was the end of the story.

 

#Real Experience:-

Several visitors feel a sense of unease, hear strange noises, and observe fleeting shadows. Some even perceive voices or whispers, further giving it a haunted reputation.

Shaniwar Wada’s paranormal mystery:-

 

1•The Weeping Ghost of Narayan Rao.

The most famous haunting at Shaniwar Wada is the weeping ghost of Narayan Rao, the Peshwa who was killed by his uncle.

His sorrowful cries for help are often heard in the late evening, especially near the main gate of the fort, and send people standing there shivering.

2• Wierd Footsteps and Sounding Chains.

Travelers have reported hearing clanking chains and footsteps in the empty corridors of Shaniwar Wada.

It is owed to disturbed spirits, like prisoners and soldiers brutally murdered within the fort.

3•Ghostly Apparitions and Dark Shapes.

Many have reported shadowy individuals wandering around the fort, typically in dimly lit areas or remote corners.

The figures manifest as ghostly entities and disappear in a flash before anyone can pursue them. Their appearance is responsible for the haunted reputation of the fort.

4•Whispering Ghosts and Disembodied Voices.

In the haunted Shaniwar Wada, soft whispers hint that people try to talk but remain unheard.

Locals believe these are the souls of innocent people murdered in the fort. A pained spirit alive even today trying to reach out…perhaps to give away their stories drowning in silence.

5•Unknown Handprints and Bloodstains.

Others have reported finding inexplicable handprints or blood marks on the walls of Shaniwar Wada, though no logical reasons are associated with them. These handprints are said to have something to do with the blood-soaked history of the fort, particularly the killing of Narayan Rao, and leaving behind a lasting reminder of its fatal history.

But Did you Know?

• In 1828, a huge fire engulfed Shaniwar Wada Fort, which continued for seven days. The reason is still unknown. The stone walls alone survived, and eerie whispers of Narayanrao Peshwa’s spirit continue

Most haunted places near Shaniwar Wada Fort:- Hidden Secrets and Suspense

Pune is not all history and culture; some of the most spine-chilling haunted places are also around Shaniwar Wada. These places have dark secrets, tragedy, and paranormal activities that send chills down the spine.

1•Holkar Bridge

Location :- 3 km from Shaniwar Wada

 

Why Haunted?People here whisper and food step and midnight some have seen a shadow figure standing at the age only to vanish in seconds.

•Many locals and tourists have complained of hearing eerie whispers during the night, as if there are some forces at work who are whispering secrets of the past.

2•Victory Theatre :- Ghosty performance

Location:- 5 km away

 

Why Haunted? Sounds of an invisible audience clapping , eerie music playing from nowhere, and flickering lights when no one’s inside .

•Staff members working late have even been able to hear old cinema film reels being played, even when there was no show running during that time.

3•Pune Cantonment (Haunted Barracks)

Location:- 6km from Shaniwar Wada

 

Why Haunted?Pune Cantonment has long been associated with ghostly apparitions of British soldiers who died under peculiar circumstances. Locals have often heard the march of boots ringing through the deserted streets at 3 AM, followed by the sound of firing in the distance but not far away.

•Some report having caught a glimpse of a phantom figure of a soldier lingering by abandoned buildings, only to vanish on being approached.

4•Sinhagad Fort:- The Never Ending Battle

Location:-25 kilometers from Pune

 

Why Haunted? Many tourists have experienced the creepy feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes are observing them when they wander through the ruins. Others have experienced hearing, in the dead of night, the sounds of distant clashing steel and war whoops, as if the fight never really ceased.

•Hikers have even reported seeing a dark figure clad in warrior garb for a fleeting instant before disappearing into the fog.

 

5•The Mansion on Residency Road

Location :-4 kilometers away from Shaniwar Wada

 

Why haunted?On every full moon night, a spine-chilling scream is heard within the ruins, said to be the ghost of a woman who died a tragic death.

•There are some courageous people who attempted to go inside the mansion at midnight, only to have fallen sick, had terrifying hallucinations, or run away in fear after they felt an intangible force shoving them away.

6•Chandan Nagar

Location:-Around 30 km from Sinhagad Fort

 

Why Haunted? Many locals believe the area is haunted, especially by the spirit of a young girl. People have seen a little girl in a white dress wandering at night.

•A few have even reported feeling a gentle touch on their shoulders when no one was there Some people hear their names being called, only to find no one there

# If you want to hear more detailed horror tales about these locations, let me know! Your curiosity could possibly be the catalyst for the next chilling blog post

Lambi Dehar Mines in Mussoorie

Shaniwar Wada Fort Travel’s Guide:-

 

•Location:- Shaniwar Wada Fort is situated in the center of Pune, Maharashtra

•Address:- Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030

.How to Reach?

By train:-The nearest airport is Pune International Airport (12 km). You can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw.

By Train:-The nearest railway station is Pune Junction (3 km). Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available.

By Road:- Pune has good road connectivity. Local buses, cabs, or autos can be used.

3.Entry Fee and Timings:-

•Entry Fee:- ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)

•Timings:-8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

4.Best Time to Visit:-

1. Winter :- (October – February): Nice weather for sightseeing.
2. Monsoon :-(June – September): Lush surroundings but slippery trails.
3. Summer :-(March – May): Avoid afternoon peak hours as it is too hot.

5.Why is Entry Prohibited After Sunset?

•People think that supernatural phenomena happen at night.

Tourists have heard some ghostly screams of Narayanrao Peshwa.

It is thought to be one of India’s spookiest locations.

Conclusion:-

Shaniwar Wada Fort is not just an ancient landmark but a place where the past seems to whisper through the gusts of wind. From the dismal tale of the young prince to the eerie screams one hears late at night, the fort remains one of the most mysterious places in India. Science could hardly unravel the mystique around it, yet travel experiences deny all.

Have you ever visited Shaniwar Wada? Did you feel something unusual, or do you think it is a myth? Share your views!https://traveltofit.in/why-is-kuldhara-called-a-haunted-village