City Of Pilgrimage
Nasik Ghats
Nasik - The Symbol of Utmost Divinity
Nasik city is located in India's state of Maharashtra . The city is in the north west of Maharashtra some 185 km from Mumbai and 202 km from Pune. This city popularly known as the 'wine capital of India' or the 'Grape city' is located in the Western Ghats, on the western edge of the Deccan Peninsula. Nasik is the administrative headquarters of both Nasik district and Nasik division. This city is famous for its picturesque surrounding and the pleasant climataure.
Known as the religious center of India, Nasik is one of the four most holiest places in India where the drops of nectar fell when demigods and demons fought over it. It is located on the banks of river Godavari encircled by nine hills- Durga, Ganesh, chitraghanta, Pandav, Dinger Ali Mhasarul, Jogwanda, Pathanpura, and Konkani. Nasik is one city which rose to name in the mythological era and has carried its aura to the present age withstanding the test of time. The greatest of all shows on the land of India, the world renowned Maha Kumbhmela also happens in this city. It happens every 12 years and attracts tourists from all over the world. The important aspect of Kumbh mela is the astonishing unity amidst diversity that occurs in this sacred occasion.
As the legend has it, one of the greatest hero of Indian epics, Lord Rama, along with wife Sita and brother Laxmana stayed here for a while during their 14 year exile. It is from here Ravana abducted Sita and took her to his palace on the island of Lanka, now known as Sri Lanka. It was here Laxman cut off the nak (nose) of Ravana's sister Surpanakha, thus was the the name Nasik arrived on. The temples, the ghats on the Godavari river have made Nasik the holiest place for Hindus. The holy events like the Namavali, Rath Yatra, Nagbali add many folds to the already large number of pilgrims visiting the Sacred land of Nasik. Nasik is a very lively city in industrial and social arena as well. This city has become a major attraction also due to the clean and green surroundings and the ever so pleasant climate.
Known as the religious center of India, Nasik is one of the four most holiest places in India where the drops of nectar fell when demigods and demons fought over it. It is located on the banks of river Godavari encircled by nine hills- Durga, Ganesh, chitraghanta, Pandav, Dinger Ali Mhasarul, Jogwanda, Pathanpura, and Konkani. Nasik is one city which rose to name in the mythological era and has carried its aura to the present age withstanding the test of time. The greatest of all shows on the land of India, the world renowned Maha Kumbhmela also happens in this city. It happens every 12 years and attracts tourists from all over the world. The important aspect of Kumbh mela is the astonishing unity amidst diversity that occurs in this sacred occasion.
As the legend has it, one of the greatest hero of Indian epics, Lord Rama, along with wife Sita and brother Laxmana stayed here for a while during their 14 year exile. It is from here Ravana abducted Sita and took her to his palace on the island of Lanka, now known as Sri Lanka. It was here Laxman cut off the nak (nose) of Ravana's sister Surpanakha, thus was the the name Nasik arrived on. The temples, the ghats on the Godavari river have made Nasik the holiest place for Hindus. The holy events like the Namavali, Rath Yatra, Nagbali add many folds to the already large number of pilgrims visiting the Sacred land of Nasik. Nasik is a very lively city in industrial and social arena as well. This city has become a major attraction also due to the clean and green surroundings and the ever so pleasant climate.
The Pilgrimage Sites - Abodes Of Our Gods
Nasik is literally the land of temples in India. It has been a home to many of the most famous and visited temples of India. Few are the most important temples that are not to be missed.
Trimbakeshwara Temple
This is one of the 12 sacred jyotirlingas. This temple which is devoted to Lord Shiva was built in 1730 by Baji Rao Peshwa. It is said that the source of Godavari river lies few hundred feet above the temple. Although the Non-Hindu are not allowed inside but they can go up till the steps and take a look inside. one will see the combination of both Malwa and Meru style in its architecture. It is not difficult to reach this temple as there are regular bus service from Nasik to Trimbakeshwara Temple.
Saptashringi Devi Temple
This a major temple devoted to the Saptashringi goddess (Seven pinnacled goddess). She is one of the forms of Shakti. She is considered to be the destroyer of evil and is depicted with 18 hands.
Kalaram Temple
Kalaram temple is a temple built by Peshwas and is an important pilgrimage site. This temple is famous for the great procession that are held here during Ramnavami, Chitra Padwa ( New year day for Hindus) and Dasara. This temple is completely build of black stone and the tip is made up of 2 tons of gold. After a Satyagraha by Dr. B.R Ambedkar in 1930, Harijans were also allowed into the temple.
Sundernarayan Temple
Sundernarayan temple is a marvel built in 1756 by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud. There are two mandaps which have enchanting works of architecture and the round dome is made of beautiful little ornamental cordon. You will find very precise work of carvings as well. When you move towards Godavri, on the way you will find a lake named Badarika Sangam pond which also finds a mention in the holy book of Dhyanasheri. But the most remarkable thing about this temple is the angle at which it is built. On every march 21st, rays of rising sun first fall directly on the Idols and to witness this extra-ordinary event many devotees throng to this temple on that day.
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