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Nashik is one of the important
religious centres of Maharashtra, located on the bank
of the river Godavari. It is particularly a city of temples and there are
around 2,000 temples, both big and small.
As the legendary home of Rama, hero of the Ramayana, Nashik is one of the
most sacred places of Hinduism; ancient Buddhist, Jain temples are also
here. Traditionally the place attracts tourists, as it is known to be
holly place.
Hundreds of pilgrims arrive here to take a holly dip at the 'Ramkund' in
the river Godavari, which is considered the 'Ganges of the south'. Ramkund
is the spot where the river Godavari turns to right at an angle of 90
degrees and gains importance, as Lord Ram is said to have taken his daily
bath here, during his stay at Nashik.
The most significant temple is the Kalaram temple located
in the Panchavati area. It was built in black stone few centuries ago it
stands 70 ft tall and the 'Kalash' is made of glittering gold. The
devotees worship idols of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita here. Nearby is the
'Sita gumpha' where Devi Sita is said to have stayed during her exile.
Amongst other temples are Kapaleshwar Temple, Sundarnarayan temple,
Naroshankar temple, Gorerram temple, Shree Balaji temple, all of them
being situated around the river bank. Each temple has a history of two to
three centuries and has there own legends and style of architecture. There
also is 'Gurugangeshwar ved mandir ' and the 'Muktidham' at Nashik road.
The Simhastha fair is held once in twelve years at Nasik and thousands of devotees from all over India come here to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Godavari.
Nashik being an important pilgrim
centre is well connected by road and rail with all the major places within
and outside the state. It has got a railway station.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Nashik.