Near Pune, in the Bhor region, there is a picturesque village named Ambwade which is ideal for a one-day trip. This village is blessed not only with natural beauty but also with historical heritage. The memorials of Kanhoji Jedhe, Jiva Mahala, and Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv, the founder of the Bhor principality, are located in this village. In addition, there is an ancient temple of Nageshwar on the banks of a stream amidst dense trees, and a hanging bridge has been built over the stream to reach it. Ambawade village is 60 km from Pune via Kapurhol and 12 km from Bhor taluka headquarters. State transport buses from Bhor provide good connectivity to Ambawade. The stream flowing through the village is almost like a small river. After crossing the hanging bridge over this stream, the memorial of Shankaraji Narayan Sachiv, founder of the Bhor principality, is located in a building on the opposite side. In the backyard of this building, under a tree, some carved sculptures, hero stones, and sati stones can be seen. ... Descending through the steps amid the dense trees, one reaches the temple premises situated in a sunken area. The Nageshwar temple, which dates back to the Shivaji era, stands on a high platform facing west and is surrounded by a paved courtyard. The temple structure includes a Mukha Mandap (entrance hall), a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and a sanctum (Garbhagriha), all adorned with intricate carvings. In the temple courtyard built with cut stones, there is a deepmala (lamp tower) and a few small domes. In front of the temple, there are verandas, and opposite them, a perennial stream flows into a tank through a Gomukh (cow-mouth spout). This tank is known as the Panchganga Kund. The surroundings of the temple are extremely serene and scenic. After visiting the Nageshwar temple, one can proceed about one kilometer to the memorial site of Kanhoji Jedhe and Jiva Mahala, either by vehicle or on foot. Located just outside the village near the Zilla Parishad School, this place is locally known as “Kanhobachi Ghumati” or “Ghumati Temple,” so inquiries should be made using this name. Here, three dome-shaped structures are built in a straight line. The first dome houses the memorial of Jiva Mahala, the second that of Kanhoji Jedhe, and the third contains an idol of Goddess Bhavani. Except for Kanhoji Jedhe’s memorial, the other two structures appear to be built in recent times. The structure of Kanhoji Jedhe’s memorial is from the Shivaji era and is built using cut stones. The memorial is built in the center of a stone platform, and the remains of Kanhoji Jedhe are placed beneath a rounded stone within the structure. The stone roof is built in a sloping manner and has a Shikhar (spire) in the center. The inner portion of the spire is circular and intricately carved with floral motifs. Among the many families who sacrificed everything for Shivaji Maharaj and Swarajya, the Jedhe family of Kari is especially notable. During the era of Shivaji Maharaj, Kanhoji Jedhe and his son Baji alias Sarjerao made significant contributions. Kanhoji Jedhe was the Deshmukh of Kari village near Bhor. He was born in Kari and spent his childhood in the Mose valley. For some time, he accompanied Shahaji Raje in the south. When Shivaji Maharaj began the mission of Swarajya, Shahaji Raje sent Kanhoji Jedhe to support him. Though Kanhoji Jedhe assisted Shivaji Maharaj, he was officially in the service of the Adilshahi and had been granted a vatan (land grant) by the Adilshah. When Afzal Khan marched against Swarajya, the Adilshah issued an order on 16 June 1659 instructing Kanhoji Jedhe to support Afzal Khan. However, Kanhoji Jedhe renounced his vatan and stood by Shivaji Maharaj with his five sons. Displaying loyalty to Swarajya, Kanhoji rallied twelve Deshmukhs from Maval and brought many Maratha sardars into the fold of Swarajya. The Jedhe family played a vital role in the Battle of Pratapgad. In recognition of his service to Swarajya, Shivaji Maharaj honoured Kanhoji Jedhe with the privilege of the first page of the sword. Kanhoji was not only brave but also magnanimous. In the battle of Pavan Khind, 300 Bandal warriors sacrificed their lives to ensure Shivaji Maharaj safely reached Vishalgad. As a mark of honor, Shivaji Maharaj decided to give the privilege of the first page of the sword to the Bandal. Without any protest, Kanhoji gave up his own honor to the Bandal, showcasing his greatness. If traveling with a private vehicle, one can also visit the ancestral mansion (wada) of Kanhoji Jedhe at Kari village. The wada at Kari and the memorial at Ambawade, both testifying to the valour of Kanhoji Jedhe, are definitely worth visiting.
© Suresh Nimbalkar