Purandar Machi of Fort Purandar

Shivaji maharaj started caputuring one after another forts and lands of Bijapur Badshah. He summoned siddi Fatekhan with 7,000 army.Maharaj was hardly 16 years old and this was going to be first official war against Bijapur army. He had no fort which was suitable for fight. Purender was most suitable fort but it was under Bijapur regime. He approached the killedar who was marathi Brahmin. He accepted and gave shelter to Maharaj and his 1,000 soldiers. Baji Pasalkar was the oldest officer of Maharaj. Maharaj asked him - KAKA, AATA KAISE KARANE? Baji replied AATA EK TADAKHA DENE. Surpring Badshah, fatekhan was defeated by maharaj and very few returned to Bijapur, rest were killed by marathas. Among them Baji Pasalkar and Baji Jedhe were the heroes. But Baji lost his life - the first shahid of swaraj.

Fatehkhan was going away from Fateh and was almost defeated When Baji Pasalkar rode his horse and went into the battlefield for the final strike. Baji ensured victory for Marathas in the first major battle. Unfortunately Baji lost his life. Backwaters of Varasgaon Dam in Pune has been fondly named as 'Veer Baji Pasalkar Lake' in his memory