# Anjaneri

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 19.920000, 73.570000

Anjaneri is a historic hill fort situated in the Trimbakeshwar mountain range of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India. Located approximately 20 kilometers from Nashik city along the Trimbak Road, the site rises to an elevation of roughly 1,280 meters above sea level. While the specific year of its construction and the name of its original architect are not recorded in available historical texts, it stands as a significant example of traditional Indian hill fort architecture. The structure is strategically positioned between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar near the Godavari River, neighboring the sacred Brahmagiri range. Today, the fort serves as a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts, particularly during the monsoon season, and acts as a key religious site featuring ancient Digambar Jain caves and temples.

The location holds profound mythological importance as the believed birthplace of the Hindu deity Hanuman. According to various Puranas, the fort is named after Anjana Devi, Hanuman's mother, who performed intense penance in these hills. Legends recount that she was cursed to give birth to a Vanara child and undertook strict meditation here, which eventually led to the incarnation of Hanuman through the blessings of Lord Shiva and the Wind God Vayu. Another narrative from the Brahma Purana describes Anjana as a celestial nymph cursed by Indra, who found redemption in this forest after serving Sage Agastya. These stories have cemented the site's status as a major pilgrimage center for devotees seeking to connect with the Ramayana's divine history.

Currently, Anjaneri remains an active cultural and spiritual hub rather than a military stronghold. Visitors come to explore the remnants of the fortifications alongside the well-preserved Jain temples carved into the rock face. The combination of natural beauty, challenging trekking routes, and deep religious heritage makes it a unique attraction in the region. Although the physical condition of some fort structures may reflect centuries of exposure to the elements, the spiritual sites remain vibrant centers of worship. The area continues to draw tourists and pilgrims alike who wish to walk the same paths associated with the legends of Anjana Devi and her illustrious son.

![Photo of Anjaneri](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/Anjineri_fort_Nasik.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjaneri (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)