Nashik- A treat for traveller

Nashik, the Treasure Chest

Kalaram temple

Situated in the Panchvati area of Nashik near the banks of Godavari River, it houses black stoned idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman. Since the image of the Lord is in black color, the temple has come to be known as ‘Kala Ram’. The temple is made of complete black stones, which has four doors facing East, West, South and North and the apex made up of gold. Ramdas swami is supposed have visited and prayed in this temple for twelve years before he attained realization. Ramdas stayed at Nasik on the banks of the Godavari. He used to get up very early in the morning, go into the Godavari river, and with his body half-immersed in water, recite the sacred Gayatri Mantra till about noon.

Then he would go round for alms. He first offered the collected food to his Deity Sri Rama and then took it as Prasad.

In the Kalaram temple lane, is Goraram temple, which is a much smaller temple and has idols of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita in fair hue.

Sita Gumpha

Adjacent to the Goraram temple is a cave, approximately 4 ft in height, called Sita Gumpha. Sita, Ram and Lakshman prayed here to Lord Shiva. The ancient Shivalinga still exists in the small temple in the cave and is visited by devotees. Figures depicting the account of the incident adorn the walls.

Outside the cave is a large grove of 5 very old Banyan trees, after which the area is named, Panchvati. According to Hindu legends, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stayed in Panchavati during their Vanvasa period. The Laxman Rekha is located in Panchavati about a kilometre away from Sita Gupha. It was from here that Ravana abducted Goddess Sita. In addition you can also visit Tapovan(Once a part of the holy Dandakaranya forest)Tapovan is a province which was blessed by Lord Ram.

Gangapur dam

This dam is near village Gangawadi and is 10 Km. from Nashik city. This is an earthen dam constructed in 1954. It is a very beatiful and scenic spot. On the way to Gangapur dam, you may visit another nature spot called "Someshwar". There is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of the river Godavari.

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