ashik attracts thousands of pilgrims annually because of the sanctity of the Godavari River, which is called the Ganges of the south and also because of the legend that Ram, the hero of the Ramayana epic, had spent most of his banishment tenure here, with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman.
Like Ujjain this is the site for the triennial Kumbh Mela which comes here every 12 years. The riverbanks are lined with steps above which stand temples and shrines. Although there are no particularly notable temples in Nashik the Sundar Narayan Temple, to the west of the city, is worth seeing.
Places to see in Nashik
• Kala Ram Mandir
The largest and simplest of the temples is Kalaram Mandir, built in 1790 by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa. It houses a black stone image of Rama, hence the name. The temple is made by complete black stones, which has four doors facing East, West, South and North and the apex made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple.
• Sita Gumpha
The Gumpha is near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, one can enter into the cave having the Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place.
• Shirdi
Shirdi is a very sacred and important place of pilgrimage in India. It is about 100 km drive from Nashik. Shirdi was a sleepy little village, tucked away in the interiors of Maharashtra and got famous because the sage Sai Baba. He was the mentor and prophet. Even today the last few surviving elders of the village vividly recall the miraculous wonders of the sage. He died in 1918. people from all the religion have faith in the saint and throng the place for his blessings.
• Pandav Caves
The Pandav Caves are located on a tableland on Trivashmi Hill. Built by Jain kings these Caves are around 2000 years old. There are some 24 Caves that were home to Jain saints such as Tirthankara Vrishabdeo, Veer Manibhadraji, and Ambikadevi. There are sculptures of the Buddha and bodhisattvas as well. The cave complex consists of large Caves, which were probably the meeting place of disciples.
• Panchavati
Northern part of Nashik is known as Panchavati as River Godavari flows. There are five Banyan (Vat) trees and hence the area is called Panchavati. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Infact it was here that Sita spotted the golden deer and was abducted by the demon king Ravan. People believe that she was abducted from the Sita Gumpha. This is a small cave underneath a banyan tree. One can enter the cave with the help of a narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Thus Panchavati gained lot of importance.
Shopping in Nashik
The main visitors of this city are religious pilgrims, so the markets pay more attention to their needs. So, it is one of the best places to buy items of religious significance little bronze statues and beaded necklaces. The city is a good place for jewelry lovers, as the prices are reasonable.
How to Get There:
By Air
Nearest airport from Nashik is at Mumbai, 185-km away from the city.
By Rail
Nashik Road is one of the major stations on Central Railway. Nashik is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi and Aurangabad.
By Bus
Nashik is well connected by road. There are also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.
