Shivthar Ghal, Cave in Raigad district, India

Shivthar Ghal is a cave in Raigad district near Barasgaon village, situated within the Sahyadri mountain range and marked by natural rock formations. The entrance is reached by climbing stone steps, and the interior connects to the surrounding mountain landscape.

Shivthar Ghal lay in the Javali territory of the More family until Shivaji took the area in 1648. Samarth Ramdas lived in the cave from 1649 to about 1660, and there he dictated the Dasbodh to Kalyan Swami, completing seven or eight sections. In 1676 Shivaji received Ramdas's blessing here before leaving for his southern campaign. Shankar Krishna Deo of Dhule brought the site to public attention in 1916.

The cave holds importance in Maharashtra's religious traditions as the place where Maratha ruler Shivaji met with his spiritual guide Samarth Ramdas. This connection makes the site meaningful for pilgrims and those interested in devotional history.

A good road runs to the foot of the site; from there about 100 steps lead up to the cave, roughly ten minutes from the last bus stop. The Shivthar Ghal Shri Sundarmath Seva Samiti building offers lodging with prior permission, and meals can be arranged if visitors bring their own provisions. Water is available year-round.

Above the cave, on the mountain plateau, lie the remains of the wada of Chandrarao More, the Javali deshmukh under the Bijapur court whose territory Shivaji took in 1648. From this plateau Rajgad, Raigad, Torana and Pratapgad stand at comparable distances.