Saswad Tirth

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Saswad was described as Sawntsar Kshetra in 'Purana's'. It is located on confluence of two small rivers viz. Karha and Chambli. May be for the same reason Sopandev(Sant Dnyaneshwar's younger brother selected this place for is Samadhi). It is like capital city for Karhe Pathar or (upper region of Karha river basin). Historically it is very important and related to many important personalities.
In first important war of Shivaji Maharaj's career he lost one of his major companions, Baji Pasalkar. He fallen near Saswad, hence his 'Samadhi' is present in Saswad.
Many important members of Peshwa's family were born in Saswad, as throughout his career Balaji Vishwanath has maintained Saswad as main base for all his activities. Thus Bajirao-I was born and brought up in Saswad.
Even Bajirao was operating from Saswad for initial period of his career. If this would have continued Saswad would have grown similar to Pune or it might have got importance of Pune. But water scarcity around Saswad forced Peshwe family to look for better place as their base. Thus they shifted to Pune. As per available information Peshwe family had their house next to Purandare Wada.
Acharya P. K. Atre was born and brought up in Saswad. We can have a feel Saswad in his book 'Karheche Pani'.
Another important personality is Shivshahir B. M. Purandare. His work as historian is well known.
Today Saswad is Tahsil place, it is headquarter for Taluka, which is named as Purandar. Purandar is major hill fortress at 13 to 14 Km from Saswad. Purandar has very important position in Maratha history, hene Saswad.