Nasik - The Pilgrimage and Temple Town

Good day to all,

With the ongoing process of giving information about the places in India, at present as you all know we are still in the single state/province of Maharashtra and yes, we have just covered few places as of now, today we are here with the town having its importance of pilgrimage and history, just about 165 kms from Mumbai, situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River, the intoxicating experiences, it’s the Nashik. Though being at the height of 565 meters from the sea level, Nasik doesn't have the characteristics of an established hill station; it is located comfortably in the basin formed by the high Sahyadri Hills. True to the city's holy image, it is home to one of India's 12 holy Jyotirlings & the largest of all the Kumbh Mela, pilgrimage center of the Hindus. Steeped in rich cultural heritage, this city got its name from the great epic - Ramayana.

Well, let's start the tour around the places in Nasik:

PANCHAVATI : All religious activities in Nasik are centered around the holy Godavari River, especially on its Northern banks. Considered as one of the most holy spots, is believed to have been the shelter to Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita during their exile. This sacred spot gets its name from the five banyan trees that are along the riverside.

KALARAM TEMPLE : Built by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa in 1782, the main deities here are Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana. The gold plated copper dome and other sculptures of this magnificent shrine display its structural brilliance. Built in black stone, the70 feet high temple happens to be the busiest temples in the locality. This grand edifice comes alive during the festivities of Ramnavami, Dashera and Chaitra Padwa.
KAPILESHWAR TEMPLE : One of the oldest temples in Nasik, the Kapaleshwar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Absence of Nandi Idol in the temple premises is a mystery. Generally, all Shiva temples have an idol of Nandi Bull, which overlooks its master’s sanctum. An architectural marvel, this Shiva temple is a must see holy spot, it attracts many devotees on the festive occasions of Shivratri.

GANGA GHAT: The sanctity of Nasik is doubled with the presence of the Ganga Ghat, which is on the banks of the holy river lined with numerous temples. These bathing ghats, holy chants of people who gather here to offer their prayers for the souls of their beloved who have left. The Ganga ghat whose waters are presumed to cleanse all your sins, is the reason why every devout coming here takes a dip in its waters.

RAMKUND : The popular belief is that Lord Ram had his bath here, at some stage of his exile. To commemorate that the devotees frequents here to have a holy dip. In 1696, Chitrarao Khatarkar built a holy tank on the spot where it is believed that Rama and Sita took their bath. Devotees gather here to plunge their beloved’s ashes on the strong belief that it will help the dead to get salvation. The river Godavari takes a 90 degree bend and that spot is considered as the most holy by the pilgrims.
SUNDARNARAYAN TEMPLE : Sundarnarayan temple is built by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in 1756. The main deity Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi and Saraswati is placed in the sanctum of the temple. There are small carvings of Hanuman, Narayana and Indira on the walls.

Oh, and not to forget few places like:

NAROSHANKARA TEMPLE : An 18th century temple dedicated to Lord Sankara, Its main attraction here is the unique Mayan style architecture, which is a classic example of the 18th century structural design. The stunning sculptural works on the exterior exhibits strings of intricate designs. Each section displays some sort of ornamental & elaborate lacework, intricate peacocks wearing blob garlands, statues of saints in Padmasana and an assembly of animals. These elegant designs illustrate the rich lineage of Hinduism.

BHAKTIDHAM: The entire area gives an impression of a singular shrine and among the various holy places of worship; Bakthi Dham temple takes the prominent position.  

TAPOVAN : Once a part of the holy Dandakaranya forest, Tapovan is a pictorial spot and has a close association with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that it was here that Laxmana - brother of Rama, cut the nose of Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana. This sacred place has temples of Laxmana and Hanuman.

MUKTIDHAM TEMPLE : It is a beautiful marble temple complex, built by Late Shri JayramBhai Bytco. An abode of all most all the gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion, this splendid shrine displays the facsimile of all the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. It is believed that a holy darshan of this shrine provides as much virtue as a visit to the "chardham" - the four holy places, which makes this shrine a popular pilgrim center.

SOMESHWAR TEMPLE : One of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Besides Shiva, the temple is also the abode of Lord Hanuman. The temple is surrounded by greenery, which provides peaceful ambiance to this shrine. 

And finally, last, but not the least:

Besides all, it is India’s top wine growing region, which gives birth to a wine – tourism industry. Make sure to have a cycle ride to explore vineyards while visiting Nasik.

VINEYARDS: Among the various grape producing areas of India, Nasik adorns a prominent position. The salubrious climate of this city is conducive for large-scale grape cultivation and is one of the famous vineyards in Nasik such as York Winery  and Sula Vineyards .

Are you looking for some shopping? Then you can surely have a look around as Nashik is famous for its silverware craftsmanship. Saraf Bazar is place for silverware and ornaments. The specialty of local food items called Missal, this Missal is a hot and tasty curry dish from Maharashtra. Missal literally means 'Mix'. It is served with Pav (Indian name for bread). There are lots of variations to the cooking and the way it is served. It is mostly spicy in taste.

Now we have made most out of our stay in Nashik, , though in each city of India, it’s never everything which can be informed, always has much more to see and much more to experience, and for the same reason, we are always there for your needs of travel taking care of your holidays with comfort to stay and travel, so do contact us. So, if you are planning to leave from Nashik, still you have a lot to see on the way, all depends on how and where you traveling towards. But let us give you all those in our next blog….