In Koregaon taluka of Satara district, near Kinhai village, there is a well-known shrine of Goddess Ambabai called Sakhar Gad. Although the term “Gad” usually refers to a fort or a hill with a military outpost, this place is neither a fort nor a garrison but a temple complex built during the time of the Pantpratinidhi. Devotees believe that Mother Yamai came from Aundh to reside at Sakhar Gad for the sake of her devotee. The temple stands on a high hill enclosed within fort-like walls, and the hill itself has long been known by the name Sakhar Gad. It is located about 14 km from Koregaon, and private vehicles can directly reach the plateau where the temple stands. From the plateau, the temple lies about 50 feet higher, and stone steps are built to reach it. There is also an older stepped pathway leading from the base of the hill, which takes about half an hour to climb. ... The entrance to the temple resembles that of a fort, with two bastions and a Nagarkhana (drum chamber) above the gate. There is also a smaller back entrance. The temple is entirely built of stone and consists of two main parts — the sanctum sanctorum and a stone Sabhamandap (assembly hall), with several carvings on its façade. In front of this is another Sabhamandap supported by wooden pillars. Within the premises, there are three beautifully crafted deepmalas (lamp towers), one of which is particularly noteworthy. There is no provision for water within the temple area. Being one of the taller hills in the area, the site offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, including Kalyan Gad, Jarandeshwar, and Vardhangad. It takes about half an hour to visit the temple and return from the plateau. This is solely a temple site dedicated to the Goddess and should not be referred to as a fort.
© Suresh Nimbalkar