Nashik India Tourism
Proximity to many holy temples and sites including the famous pilgrimage
centre of Shirdi and a long tryst with Indias sacred past, has made
Nashik a confluence for the spiritually enlightened. Mythology has it that
Rama, the king of Ayodhya, made Nashik his temporary abode during the 14
years of his exile. The poets Rishi Valmiki, Mahakavi Kalidas and Bhavabhooti
have paid rich tributes to Nashik in many of their works. In addition, Nashik
has always been the epicentre of commerce and trade. Ptolemy, the famous
philosopher made a mention of Nashik in 150 BC, leading researchers to believe
that it was probably the country's largest market place.
Today, Nashik is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and
the modern. Scattered across the city are numerous forts and majestic
temples. But it is also the home to many industries. The Security Printing
Press of the government, which prints the nation's currency, is located
here.
It is part of the green belt and is renowned for the various fruits and
vegetables it produces. In fact the yield of grapes, strawberries and
onions in Nashik is amongst the highest in the country.
Places to See
Ramkund
This holy tank is 27 m by 12 m and was built in 1696 by Chitrarao Khatarkar.
It is believed that Rama and Sita used to bathe in this tank during their
exile. It is in this tank of holy water or kund that religious Hindus even
today, immerse a dead person's ashes so that the soul of the dead person
can attain moksha or liberation. The ashes of numerous personalities such
as Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Y B Chavan and others have been immersed
at Ramkund.
Muktidham Temple
This famous temple is located near Nashik station, just 7 kms from the city.
The Muktidham Temple is pure white, the colour signifying holiness and peace.
White Makrana marble was used to build this temple which has very unusual
architecture. Unique to this temple are the 18 chapters of the Gita written
on the walls. A visit to this temple by Hindus is considered as a visit
to the 4 dhams or holy centres.
Kalaram Temple
This temple was built in 1794 and is similar in its architectural design
to the nearby Trimbakeshwar Temple. The temple is 70 feet in height and
was the brainchild of Gopikabai Peshwa. It was built with black stone from
the mines of Ramsej Hill. There is a beautiful gold-plated copper peak on
the temple. There are icons of Rama, Sita and Laxman lavishly adorned with
adornments. The temple is surrounded by several smaller temples such as
the Vithal Temple, Ganapati Temple and Maruti Temple.
Coin Museum
The Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies was established here
in 1980. Located in the scenic surroundings of Anjneri Hill, the institute
is the only one of its kind in Asia. The museum has a well-documented record
of the history of Indian numismatics. Through photographs, articles, line
drawings, replicas and real coins, one can study the various currency systems
that existed in India down the ages. It has an extensive archive with nearly
one hundred thousand cardexes preserved for easy reference. It also holds
workshops to promote coin collecting in India. Anjneri itself has had a
glorious historical past. Its tryst with destiny has resulted in many ups
and downs, under many great rulers including the Bahmanis, Marathas, Mughals
and Kolis.
Pandavleni Caves
The Pandavleni 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 and areas of preaching sermons. There are several water
tanks chiseled into the rock.
Nashik India Tourism, West India Tourism Reservation Form