Ajinkyatara Fort, Fort in Satara, Maharashtra, India

Ajinkyatara Fort is a mountain fortification in Satara district, India, positioned at 1,006 meters elevation. Thick defensive walls with bastions and two gates near the northwest corner define its structure.

Raja Bhoj II of the Shilahara dynasty built the fort in 1190 CE. It passed to the Bahmani Sultanate and then to the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur, who used it as a prison; Chand Bibi was held captive here in 1580. Shivaji Maharaj captured it on 27 July 1673, and Manaji Sable defended it against Prince Azam. Tarabai retook it from the Mughals and renamed it Ajinkyatara; Shahu I seized it in 1708, and the British took it on 11 February 1818.

The fort's name comes from Tarabai, who recaptured it from the Mughals and called it Ajinkyatara, "The Invincible Star"; under Mughal rule it had been renamed Azamara. The Mangalai temple stands beside the Mangalai bastion, and carved sculptures are kept in its courtyard. The Hanuman temple just inside the first gate has room to stay overnight, though the fort has no water supply.

A motorable road leads up to the fortification, with travel time around two hours from Pune and four hours from Mumbai. The ascent is manageable, but walkers should bring sturdy footwear and water.

The location allows a view of neighboring forts such as Nandgiri, Chandan-Vandan, Jarandeshwar, and the Yawateshwar hills. Observers can see from here how the military network of the region was organized.