Tulapur

Tulapur is a quaint village located about 27 km away from Pune. Originally known as Nagargaon, the village is situated at the ‘Triveni Sangam’ (Confluence) of rivers Bhima, Bhama and Indrayani. Tourists from all over Maharashtra visit Tulapur to soak in its rustic charm, explore its wonderful temples and to pay their respects at the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Tulapur is also of immense historical significance as it the place where Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent his last living moments. Sambhaji Maharaj was captured by Mughal king Aurangzeb and tortured for many weeks. Later, he was gruesomely killed in Tulapur, his body was hacked and thrown into River Bhima. His body parts were found near the river banks of the neighbouring Vadhu village. It is believed that the people in Vadhu retrieved the body parts and stitched them together. Their community came to be known as ‘Shivale’, which literally means ‘Those who Stitched’. These brave people also defied Aurangzeb’s orders and cremated the mortal remains of Sambhaji Maharaj.

Today, ‘Smaraks’ or Memorials dedicated to Dharamveer Sambhaji Maharaj are located in both Tulapur as well as Vadhu. The Sambhaji Maharaj Samadhi complex at Vadhu has a grand statue of the brave king and warrior. The complex also houses the Samadhi of Kavi Kailash, a great poet and friend of Sambhaji Maharaj, who was also killed by Aurangzeb during the same period.

Tulapur is also home to the beautiful ancient temple called Sangameshwar. The Sangameshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the Triveni Sangam of Bheema, Bhama and Indrayani rivers. One can pray and meditate in the temple and then head to the Ghat or river bank. The Ghat has a stone arch, under which Sambhaji Maharaj was executed. In addition to the Sangameshwar Temple, Tulapur is also the location of the Shri Vishnu Maha Ballaleshwar Temple, Shri Khandoba Temple and the shrine of Shri Swami Rudranath Maharaj, a 16^th century sage.

The sunset from Tulapur’s ghats are simply mesmerizing, especially from the popular sunset point. One can also enjoy boating in the serene river waters. There are quite a few small but nice eateries in Tulapur, where one can eat delicious Maharashtrian snacks and meals.