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Archive for the ‘Nasik’ Category

Nasik ranks among the popular tourist spots in India. It is also a well known pilgrimage spot and hundreds of pilgrims come here every year. The tourist places in Nasik are a must see attraction during a trip to this great city.

Nasik is located on the banks of the Godavari River. It is a part of the state of Maharashtra in India. The capital city of Mumbai is also close by.

The ideal time for coming to Nasik is between the months of October and February. The weather in Nasik is mainly tropical and as such this period is the best to come for a trip. The summer months are hot and humid while the winter months are cool and mild. Rainfall ranges between moderate and high.

Tourist Attractions

Shirdi

122 kms from Nashik is the abode of one of Maharashtra’s most revered saint, Sai Baba of Shirdi. Popularly known as the ‘Child of God’, Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood.
Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue.
There are other places of interest that devotees can visit as well including Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is the dhani or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.

Jain Mandir

A huge newly built temple complex dedicated to Jain saints, Jain Mandir is located at Vilhouli, Nasik. This pretty three-storied shrine presents a different architectural grandeur than that of the other temples. Shree Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth, which is popularly called as Jain Mandir is constructed with white marble and pink sand.

The ground floor of these eloquent building houses a Pravachan Hall, where sermons and meditations take place “Choumukhji” is placed in the first floor and the third floor is reserved for “Ashtapadji”. One among the deities of this Mandir is the 24th thirthankara of the Jains. This amazing deity weighs 12 ton and it is made up of Panchdhatu. Situated in a serene ambience, all the idols enshrined in this temple adorns a serious outlook.

Panchavati

All religious activities in Nasik are centered around the majestic Godavri River, especially on its Northern banks. Considered as the most holy spot, Panchavati is believed to be a shelter to Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita during their exile.

This sacred spot gets its name from the five banyan trees that stand by the riverside. Believed to be a part of the Dandakaranya Forest, Panchavadi is the right option to begin the tour. Since this place acquire a prominent place in the epic, people frequent here to take a holy dip so that they will be cleansed from their sins.

Ganga Ghat

One of the famous holy places in India, Nask is a hub of religious activities, which are centered around the sacred banks of the Godaveri River.The banks of this holy river is wizened with well maintained ghats and numerous temples. These bathing ghats reverberate with holy recites of people who gathers there to offer the last rituals of their beloved ones. Ganga bathing ghat whose waters are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an awe-inspiring view to the spectator.

The majestic Ganga ghat, looks incredibly stunning in the twilight, when the holy waters of the sacred rive is enlighten with multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.

Nasik is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most holy and ancient cities. The area extends upto 15,530 sq.km.It is growing at a fast pace in the field of development. The city is surrounded with beautiful scenic and a cool and pleasant climate. The place is also referred to as ‘Rambhumi’.Nasik is renowed worldwide for best quality Grapes. The best time to visit the place is from June to November.

Someshwar : Someshwar is located on the way to Gangapur dam, tourists are fascinated by the Its beautiful nature spot fascinates the tourists worldwide. On the banks of the river Godavari there is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman . A village named Anandwalli by Peshwas as Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived there for some time is located on the way to Someshwar. The temple – Navasha Ganpati was also built by Anandibai and Raghobadada.The facility of swimming and boating is also available.The greenery of the area and pleasant climate adds to its beauty. Someshwar has been a favourite location for many a filmshootings.

Deolali Camp : Deolali Camp is located at 16 km away from Nashik.Its foundation was laid by the British in the year 1861.It is an important Indian military center.It is covered with gardens, playgrounds and wide roads which gives it a unique look. An officer of the rank of Major General is chosen as the head of the Artillery school.Apart from being a military centre the place is also famous for marketting purpose.Tourist can also visit a famous temple of lord Khandoba,located on the hill popularly known as Khandobachi Tekadi.

Artillery Centre : The Artillery Center of Nashik is the biggest centre in Asia.It is located behind the Pandav Caves.In 1947 this artillery center was shifted from Pakistan to Nashik. The Indian army’s officers and soldiers are trained here. This centre also provides training for ‘Bofors Gun’. The area is under military and is restricted for civilians and local people.

Bhagur : Bhagur is situated 3 km away from Deolali Camp.The freedom fighter, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was born in this place.This place therefore has also gained historical importance in recent years. There is also a beautiful temple of “Bhagur Devi”.

Takli : This place belongs to saint Samarth Ramdas.He is remembered as the Guru (teacher) of Chatrapati Shivaji. He worked for the promotion of the Hindu religion and arouse among the people the importance of simple living and high thinking. Ramdas ran away from his marriage procession and settled down at Takli.Thereafter he meditated on this place for 12 years. He was devotee of Lord Ram . Ramdas Swami’s ashram is preserved at Takli. There is also a Hanuman temple surrounded with greenery on the bank of river Nandini or Nasardi.

Panchavati : The Northern part from where river Godavari flows through Nashik is known as Panchavati.Panchavati has gained holy importance as it is said that during the period of exile lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time.The are add to its holiness. Panchavati has derived its name from five Banyan (Vad) trees located at this place. Sita Gumpha (cave) is located nearby it is said that it is the same cave where Sita is said to have stayed for some time.

Tapovan : This place has temples of Laxmana and Hanuman.Laxmana – brother of Rama – used to stay here and had cut nose of Shurpanakha – sister of Ravana. On the right bank of Godavari, there are eleven rocky cavernous spaces where rishi-munis must have been retreating for sacraments.

Ramkund/Gandhi Memorial : Ramkund is so called as Lord Rama is believed to have taken bath there. Mortal remains (Asthi) immersed in this kunda, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this sacred kunda is considered very pious. Gandhi Lake (Talav) which is situated near Ramkund is a memorable monument carved out of white marble.It was built in memory of the Father of the Nation.

Kalaram mandir : The foundation of this temple was laid by Peshwas.On the occasion of Ramnavami, Dasara and Chaitra Padwa (Hindu new year day) the temple carry out procession. The temple is carved out of black stones.The speciality of this stones are that they were brought from Ramshej 200 years ago. Nearly 23 lakhs of rupees and 2000 workers were employed to built the temple in 12 years.The mount of the temple is made up of 32 tons of gold.

Nasik is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most holy and ancient cities. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated here.

According to historical records, Nasik is one of four places (Allahabad, Nasik, Haridwar and Ujjain) where the elixir of immortality, the ‘amrit’, fell to earth from a pitcher as gods and demons were engaged in the tussle to gain the ownership of the jar full of ‘amrit’.

Since then, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in all these places altenatively every 12 years.The kumbh mela is the largest religious gathering which attracts a huge crowd.