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Nashik Rich Historical town of Legendary Lord Rama, who spent some time of his exile in Nashik is a unique blend of civilization& modernization. This City of temples is one of the holiest places for Hindus inviting thousands of tourist every year. Scenic beauty of Sahyadri range of mountains merged with vineyards & agricultural yields (Highest in India) and a busy hub of industrial activities. With the onset of monsoons and the start of Kumbhmela, Nashik is a paradise for tourists with Historical Caves,Temples, holy rituals, museums, wet lands and lots more.
Shree KalaRam Mandir
Artillery Centre Behind the Pandav Caves, is the biggest Artillery Center in Asia. This artillery center was shifted from Pakistan in 1947, and is now completing its 50th year. The Indian army's officers and soldiers are trained here. Training for 'Bofors Gun' is given here. The area is under military and is restricted for civilians. Nandur Madhmeshwar Through ceaseless efforts of Bombay Natural History Society, World Wildlife Fund and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra, this sanctuary which houses more than 220 species of birds, 400 species of vegetation, 24 species of fish and several smaller mammals came into existence along the Nandur Madhameshwar dam at the confluence of Godavari and Kadwa. Spread over the protected area of 10000 hectares, lies the core area of 1765 hectares, where the large variety of water birds,resident and migratory birds congregate in season. It is now counted as one of the important water fowl habitats in the region by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. Aptly called Maharashtra's Bharatpur developed since 1950 is favorite birdwatchers wetland area surrounded by fields of sugarcane, grape orchards. Large lake & islands abound with aquatic vegetation making it paradise for thousands of migratory birds, Ibises, Storks & variety of colorful water birds. The Madhmeshwar Temple on the river features prominently in Hindu mythology. Lord Ram is said to have killed the golden deer or Suvarnamrug at the spot where the temple stands today. The area around the lake is rich with fossils & visitors can find interesting pieces of these fascinating rocks scattered about. Ideal season to be here is from October to March.
Trimbakeshwar - one of the holy places of not only Maharashtra but the whole India is near Nashik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The following verse shall explain the importance of this sacred place and the next one gives names of the Twelve Jyotirlingas in India. This says that anybody who visits Tryambakeshwar attains salvation. There is no sacred place like Tryambakeshwar, no river like Godavari, no mountain like Brahmagiri etc. The reasons for its being so sacred are - Godavari river originates in this place, its a place of Tri-Sandhya Gayatri, the birth place of Lord Ganesha, a place of the first Nath of Nath Sampradaya consisting of Gorakhnath and others, a place where Nivrittinath was made to imbibe the holy knowledge by his Guru Gahininath, a place where Nivrittinath made his brothers and sister attain the self by his preaching. This is the holiest place to perform Shraddha ceremony. Nirnaya Sindhu - a religious book of Hindus, mentions that this place, where Sahyadri mountain and Godavari river exist is very purifying on the whole earth and is therefore very important for performing Shraddha ceremony.
Dhammagiri, Igatpuri Vipashyana International Academy is located at Igatpuri. It was established
in 1976 The aim was to conduct Vipassana Courses for those in search
of peace of mind and harmony. Known as Dhammagiri, it is located in
Igatpuri, 40 kms away from Nashik City, on Bombay-Agra road.This world
famous meditation centre offers techniques which relieve mental stress
and promote inner peace. It is turning the wheel of time conversion
from Kalchakra to Dharmachakra under the able guidance of Guruji Satyanarayan
Goenka. A 10 day residential course at the centre, which is free of
charge, ends with Bhavatu Saba Mangalam meaning May all beings be happy. Shree Saptshrungi Gad is situated at a distance of 60 km from Nashik.It is one of the most visited and religious places for pilgrims.As the temple is situated on a mountain, a regular bus service is provided from the foot of the mountain to the temple Shree Saptshrungi Devi, Vani.
Saputara: This famous hill station equipped with adequate facilities is on the border of Maharashtra & Gujrat State. Different hill points for sunrise & a sunset makes this ideal tourist destination. Bhandardara & Kalsubai Peak:
Bhagur is the birth place of the freedom fighter, Swatanrya Veer Savarkar and hence it has gained historical importance. There is also a beautiful temple of "Bhagur Devi" Bhagur is situated 3 km away from Deolali Camp and 17 km from Nashik road. Coin Museum: Gondeshwar Temple: Unique "Hemadpanthi" style architectural temple located at Sinner is the masterpiece of architecture. Historical & religious Gondeshwar temple has Lord Shiva's idol & small temples around huge temple complex.
Nashik City and the surrounding area is famous for many temples, pilgrimage places etc. One of the sacred places for Jain Religion is Teerthraj Gajpantha , which is at Mhasrul, 16 kms from Nashik Road Railway station and 5 kms from Nashik City. The famous CHAMBER CAVES are a part of this place. It is situated on the top of a small hill which is only 400 ft tall. The staircase, built in black stone leads to the temple and offers a panoramic view. Although the nearby landscape is quite barren, some plantation has been recently done. This is a very serene place, conducive for meditation. Gajapantha Teerth includes a caravanserai, a small hut the foot of the hill and a temple at the top of the Gajadhwaja Hillock. As per the ancient holy book "Shantinath Purana" Mysore’s Chamaraj King installed these statues (600 B.C.) in the temple top the hill. Thus the caves got the name "Chamer Caves" or "Chambhar Caves" in the regional language. Naroshankar Temple Situated in Panchavati area about 2km from Central Bus Stand, on the bank of river Godavari - fondly called as ganga by Nasikites - is Naroshankar Temple of Rameshwar built by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur in 1747. The architectural style of the temple is called "Maya". It is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture of the 18th century. Sculpture on the outer side of the temple is stunning. It has rows of exuberant designs. One layer is of decorative lacework. The next one is that of peacocks holding bead garlands. In four directions are statues of the saints in Padmasana. There is also an assembly of animals - tigers, monkeys,elephants etc. This depicts that Hindu culture is not limited only to human beings but also has relation with birds, animals, trees, and nature in general. In its four corners are umbrellas - called "Meghadambari" or "Barasati". One of them was washed away in Godavari floods and only three are existing presently. The surrounding fortification centres a "Bell house" in the front part. The famous bell , called "Naroshankar Bell" is fixed here. The bell is a victory memorial over Portuguese.
The Sundarnarayan temple is built by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in 1756 at a distance of 1 km from Central Bus Stand. The entrance of the temple is to the East. The architecture is attractive and the round dome is made by little ornamental cordons. The arched recesses are impressions of Mughal sclupture. The main deity is of Lord Vishnu - also called Narayana. To the left and right are Laxmi and Saraswati respectively. Fine design is carved on the stones of the temple. On the road leading towards Godavari River there is Badarika Sangam Pond. It is said that the king of Devgiri bathed and performed rites in this pond. We also find a mention of this pond in the holy book Dnyaneshwari. One remarkable thing about this temple is that it is built at such an angle that on 21st March, rays of the rising Sun first fall exactly upon the idols.
Muktidham temple is situated in Nashik Road. Built by Late Shri JayramBhai Bytco, is magnificient peice of architucture, made with marble from Makran in Rajastan, and by Rajastani scluptors. Unique to this temple are eighteen chapters of Geeta written on the walls. You can also see the replicas of all the twelve Jyotirlingas over here and also icons of all major Hindu Gods and Godesses. After visiting this temple one gets a feeling of visiting all the four Dhams in India. This temple is situated at a distance of 8 km from Central Bus Stand
Shree Kapaleshwar Mahadev Situated at a distance of 1km from Central Bus Stand, this temple is one of the peculiar Mahadev Temples in Nashik.The most prominent aspect regarding this temple is there is no idol of Nandi in front ofLord Mahadev.Shravani Somvar(Monday) and Shivratri are the 2 days when pilgrims gather in large numbers in this temple.. Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple, Tapovan Shree Someshwar Temple, Gangapur This temple is on the way to Gangapur dam, at a distance of 8km from Central Bus Stand. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of river Godavari. The area is covered with greenery, with a pleasant climate. Tourists can take pleasure of swimming and boating in the river.Someshwar has been a favourite location for many a filmshootings. On the way to Someshwar, there is a village named Anandwalli. It is so named because Peshwas - Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived there for some time. The temple - Navasha Ganpati was built by them
Sita Gumpha (Cave). Sita Gumpha is at a distance of 2 km from Central Bus Stand. It is situated at the western side door of Kalaram Temple.Lord Rama's wife, Sita dwelled at this place and King Ravan abducted her from this place. The Shiv linga that she worshiped is still there in the gumpha.There are five Banyan trees in this area and thus called "Panchvati".
This idol of Lord Maruti is placed on the bank of Godavari river near Ramkund. This idol has two faces on eithe sides. Pandav Caves(Pandav Lani) Pandav Lani is situated at a distance of 9km from Central Bus Stand.These
are three mountain peaks of Anjinagiri mountain ranges.These caves were
built by Jain Kings and are 2000 years old.The engravings inside the
gumpha are believedto be of Pandavas of 17th Century and thus these
caves are named as "Pandav Caves".
Godavari Ghat, Nashik. River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is known
as Panchavati. Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati
during exile. There are five Banyan (Vad) trees and thua the reason
it is called Panchavati.Nearby is Sita Gumpha (cave) where Sita stayed
for some time. |
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