Nashik

Proximity to many holy temples and sites including the famous pilgrimage centre of Shirdi and a long tryst with India's 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.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.


How to Get There?

By Rail Nashik is one the major stations on the Central Railway and there are a number of convenient trains that connect Nashik to other cities and towns.

By road Nashik is 185 kms from Mumbai and can be reached by motoring on the NH-3 via Thane-Kasar-Igatpuri. Pune-Nashik is 220 kms. There are several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.