Location : On The Banks Of The River Godavari, Maharashtra
Special Feature: 2,000 Temples
Previously Spelt As: Nasik
Attractions: Kapaleshwar Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple, Naroshankar Temple, Gorerram temple, Triambakeshwar Temple, Shree Balaji Temple

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.Temples

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.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Panchavati

Northern part of Nashik is known as Panchavati as River Godavari flows. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman (also spelt as Laxman) stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus Panchavati gained lot of importance. There are five Banyan ('Vad') trees and hence the area is called Panchavati.

Sita Gumpha

The Gumpha, which means a cave, located near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati is one of the attractions of Nashik. One can enter the cave with the help of a narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place.

Naroshankar Temple

Naroshankar Temple is situated in Panchavati area, on the bank of river Godavari - fondly called as Anga by Nasikites. Naroshankar Rajebahaddur built this temple in 1747. The architectural style of the temple is called "Maya" style. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of temple architecture of the 18th century. The temple is surrounded by 11 feet fortification. In its Four Corners are umbrellas - called "Meghadambari" or "Barasati". There is a "Bell house" called "Naroshankar Bell" in the front part, which is very famous.

Sundarnarayan Temple

Sundarnarayan temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge in Nashik. Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud built it in 1756. Presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Sundarnarayan.

Modakeshwar Ganesh Temple

Another famous temple of Nashik where the idol in the temple is believed to be self emerged. The 'Modak' is a special Maharastrian dish made of coconut and jaggery. This dish is considered to be Lord Ganesh's favorite.

Guru Gangeshwar Ved Mandir

Guru Gangeshwar Ved Mandir was built with the aim of studying Indian culture and Ved and Puranas. The entrance to the temple is very large and attractive with glasses and floodlights. Free training and education on Ved-Puranas is given to students from all over India. The temple contains the idols of Shri Ram, Laxman (also spelt as Lakshman) and Sita along with a beautiful idol of Guru Gangeshwaraji.

Yashwantrao Maharaj Memorial

Situated on the banks of the river Godavari, this temple dedicated to Saint Yashwantrao Maharaj Deo Mamaledar was built in 1887 after the Samadhi of Deo Mamaledar. Yashwantrao Maharaj was the Mamaledar (civil servant) at Satana.

Gondeshwar Temple

A beautiful temple built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture, during the Adilshahi rule in Maharashtra. This style of architecture was developed by one of the pradhans (minister) of Ahmednagar named Hemadpanth. He popularised this typical style of construction using locally available black stone and lime. This style became very popular and came to be known as the "Hemadpanthi" style. The Gondeshwar temple is one of the few structures of this style still in good shape.

Ramkund

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.

Muktidham Temple

Muktidham temple is about 7-km from downtown on the road to the railway station in Nashik. This temple is built in white marble and is one of the most important temples of the city. It has been constructed recently but still it is noted for its architecture. The Muktidham Temple is pure white, the colour of holiness and peace.

In addition to its unique architecture, eighteen chapters of the 'Gita' are written on the walls of the temples. After visiting this Temple, every Hindu feels that he has visited the four 'Dham' (holy centers) in India.

Kalaram Temple

The most significant temple is the Kalaram temple located in the Panchavati area, Nashik. This temple built in 1794 by Gopikabai Peshwa, is an architectural grandeur, with the motif, pretty much analogous to that of the Trimbakeshwar Temple. The speciality of the temple is that it was built with black stones.

Coin Museum

The Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies was established in 1980 and is the only one of its kind in Asia. To impart a general idea about Indian coins to the common people, the Institute has organized a small museum. The Coin Museum is positioned against the backdrop of the enthralling Ajneri Hill at Nashik.

Pandavleni Caves

Pandavleni caves are a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist Caves, dating from around the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, built by the Jain kings. These cvaes are situated about 8-km south of Nashik on a tableland atop the Trivashmi Hill, close to the Mumbai Road. Cave 3 is a large 'Vihara' with some interesting sculptures. Cave 10 is also a 'Vihara' and almost identical in design to cave 3, although it is much older and finer in its detail. It is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Cave 18 is a 'Chaitya' believed to date from the same time as the Karla Cave. It is a well-sculptured cave and its elaborate facade is particularly noteworth

Fairs 
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.

HOW TO GET THERE
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.