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NASIK- VENUE FOR KUMBH MELANashik is well known as an important centre of Pilgrimage in India. It is because the holy river Godavari, coming down from Trimbakeshwar, flows through Nashik. Godavari is regarded as Deccan Ganga of Maharashtra. The sacred river Godavari going down from the Ahilyadevi-Bridge takes a right angular turn to thesouth from the pious kund called Ramkund.
Ramkund is one of the most holy places in India. The part of the town of Nasik, situated on the right bank of the Godavari, is well known as'· Shri Kshetra Panchavati". Panchavati is a part of ancient forest area called "Dandakaranya". Lord Ram, Laxman and Seeta completed their "VANVAS" of twelve years. Many pilgrims come from distant places to perform religious rituals at Ramkund and as such, a crowd is seen there round the year. It is a pride of Nashik that the sacred Kumbh-Mela is held at Ramkund, Nashik after every twelve years. Kumbha-Mela is the most important religious function of Hindu Community. It is unique to witness, about two lakhs Sadhus from various parts of India gather-together on the pious occasion of Parvani to take royal bath in the pious Ramkund. Residential arrangement for Sadhus is made in Tapobhumi called Tapovan on left bank of Godavari river.
Similarly, about twenty takhs pilgrims, including a thousand or more from abroad also enjoy a sacred bath in the holy river Godavari, 5. specially in Ramkund.
The river Godavari flows through the city.
Over 2000 temples and ghats on the banks of Godavari have made Nashik one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World.Trimbakeshwar, one of the holy places of not only Maharashtra but the whole of India is near Nashik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. About 38 kms away from Nashik Road Railway Station, it is connected by bus and taxi service.
