SATARA

The origin of the name "Satara" has long been a topic of debate, with multiple theories surrounding its meaning. One explanation traces the name to "Satare," which gradually evolved into "Satara." This version connects the name to the seven prominent hills that stand around the city like guardians. However, others claim that the region is actually surrounded by nine hills, not seven. Among these peaks lies the revered Saptarshi Mandir, dedicated to the seven celestial sages of Hindu tradition. Meanwhile, ancient texts like the Puranas refer to the city as "Saptarshipur," depicting a mystical link between the earthly realm and the heavens above.

It is said that during their 14-year exile, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman traveled through the pastures of Ramban Tirtha. As they journeyed into the woods, Sita became tired and thirsty, her throat dry from the long trek. However, the woodland offered no relief as no streams or pools were in sight. Determined to quench Sita’s thirst, Ram approached a large, unyielding stone. With an arrow, he struck the rock, and a miracle occurred. Water began to flow from the heart of the stone, falling in a steady stream.

Sita and Lakshman rushed to the source, cupping their hands and drinking deeply. Their spirits were lifted by the cool, life-giving liquid. They rested there, their faith in the land's power strengthened by this astonishing event. Centuries later, the sacred stone of Ramban Tirtha remains, as observed in the Ramayan. Visitors from near and far make yatras to this religious site, drawn by the traditions and the promise of miraculous waters. Stories suggest individuals put their hands in the cool, clear water, take a long sip, and pray to the bhagwan to grant them blessings.

The air was laden with nervousness as the sun dawned over the hills that surrounded Pratapgad. In the valley below, Afzal Khan, a general of the Adilshahi Sultanate, had set up an army of over 10,000 horsemen. He advanced towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s territory, determined to eliminate the rising Maratha power. Afzal Khan sought to crush Shivaji’s growing influence by targeting key Hindu religious and economic centers. His campaign involved Mandir destruction, plundering wealth, and targeting Hindu pandits and merchants.

Confident in his strength, he led his army into the rugged terrain of Maharashtra, destroying temples and villages along the way to provoke Shivaji into open battle.

Shivaji, known for his strategic brilliance, refused to be drawn into a direct confrontation. Instead, he lured Afzal Khan into the dense forests of Pratapgad, where he had the advantage.

Realizing that brute force had failed, Afzal Khan sent an envoy, led by Krishnaji Bhaskar, to propose a meeting one-on-one, under the pretense of diplomacy. Shivaji, aware of Afzal Khan’s past encounters with other rulers, approached the proposal with caution. To assess the situation, he sent his own envoy, Gopinath Pant, to negotiate further. Gopinath Pant engaged in discussions with Afzal Khan’s camp, confirming that both leaders would meet in a private tent on the slopes of Pratapgad. He concealed a wagh nakh on his hand and bhavani, his sword, concealed beneath his coat of chilkhat (chainmail).

As the two leaders embraced in the tent, Afzal Khan suddenly tightened his grip and drove a dagger toward Shivaji's back. According to the Sabhasad Bakhar, Afzal Khan attacked first with a concealed dagger. However, Shivaji, having anticipated treachery, wore hidden armor beneath his clothes. The dagger failed to pierce through, and in response, Shivaji used his wagh nakh and Bhavani to strike Afzal Khan in the abdomen and neck. The sharp, curved blades tore through his flesh, leaving him fatally wounded. As Afzal Khan staggered back, Shivaji’s bodyguard, Jiva Mahala, swiftly finished him off when an armed guard attempted to retaliate.

With Afzal Khan dead, his army fell into disarray. The Marathas launched an ambush, decisively defeating the enemy forces and securing a major victory. This encounter not only strengthened Shivaji’s reputation as a brilliant strategist but also marked a turning point in his campaign against the Sultanates.

According to the Valmiki Ramayan (Uttar Khand), people began to distrust Sita Mata's purity, and to uphold his duty as King, Ram made the painful decision to send her away. Heartbroken, Sita wandered into the dense forests, struggling against exhaustion and thirst. The relentless sun drained her strength, and she feared she would not make it much farther. 

Seeing her struggle, Lakshman, who had been entrusted with escorting her, acted swiftly. With a silent prayer, he shot an arrow into the dry earth. A miracle followed; fresh water sprang forth, forming a stream that offered Sita much-needed relief. As she drank, she felt a stirring within her; a reminder of the life she carried. In that moment, she found the strength to continue, knowing she had to keep going for the sake of her unborn children.

This sacred stream, later known as Banganga, came to show Lakshman’s loyalty and duty. As Sita continued her journey, she found strength in the love and memories of her family, even in their absence. Years later, when Ram sought to reunite with her, the waters of Banganga remained a silent witness to their story, a tale of love and sacrifice.