Information on Parasgad Fort (Belgaum, Karnataka) - History & Architecture

Parasgad Fort is a hill fort lies in the area of Saundatti in Belgaum district of Karnataka. It is a craggy and stony fort, which is positioned in the west brink of a mountain, directly overlooking the black soil plain down below. The hill where Parasgad Fort is situated, spread almost 500 meters from North to South and approximately 300 meters from East to West. The surrounding area of the fort is covered with grumpy pear and brushwood.

Parasgad Fort Architecture

Parasgad Fort is a crumbling fort which stands on the southwest verge of a hill. Underneath the hill, there is plain ground of black soil. The sight of the hill along with Parasgad Fort is quite impressive. Perched on the top of the fort, there is a small temple which is in ruined condition.This temple belonged to a Hindu god named Maruthi. About hundred steps below the fort, there is Yadravi village which is also known as 'Elarame', according to a caption found on a platform near Bharamappa temple of the village. The caption dated back to the year 901 in accordance with Hindu calendar.

Proceeding towards Yadravi village, there exist a regular spring with water reservoir, having size of about 30 X 6 meter. This reservoir is also termed as 'Ramatheertha'. There remains a cave in the village which houses statues of Hindu idols and various other mythical figures. For example, one can observe the statues of Parashurama, Ram, Sita, Jamadagni and Shivlinga among others. The sides of Parasgad Fort is rocky and almost in perpendicular structure. A profound gorge runs through the fort. The fort itself is populated and the leftovers of old houses are situated in it.

There is a twisty entrance to the Parasgad Fort. Inside the fort there is an open ground and few partially standing wall. There is a unique statue of lord Hanuman with inscriptions written in various languages such as Hindi, Marathi and Lamani. The path inside Parasgad Fort goes down the hill slowly and lead toward a narrow rocky gorge. Inside the fort there is another fort whose structure is an inclusion of four strongholds, linked by four walls.

Parasgad Fort History

The magnificent fort of Parasgaddates back to 10th century. It was created by the popular sovereigns of Rattafamily.Furthermore, Parasgad Fort is credited to the Maratha king ChattrapatiShivaji in the year 1674. It was created around the popular Yellamma hills, where lord Renuka was worshipped. Every structure of Parasgad Fort has its individual story and represent the faith, expectations and ambitions regarding the person who created it.

Parasgad Fort was regarded as a religious place where various devotees came across and offer to the gods. The fort houses various statuesand temples which attracted people who have faith in god and those who seek answer to their various issues. Although the fort is in ruined condition, at present most of the rock pillars are still standing over many centuries by enduring strong natural forces such as wind and rains. Significant number of monkeys can also be observed in the fort.

Parasgad Fort Tourism Importance

Parasgad Fort does attract many travellers due to its unique site. There are many structures for observing such as the temples and spring pond which makes it an important place to visit. The fort is quite religious and offers beautiful view of the rocky hills. Apart form that the nearby Yadravi village is also a worthy place for exploring.