Nashik & Trimbakeshwar - A rich Wine of Mythology

Brahmagiri

Nashik, a four hour beautiful drive from Mumbai is a city which has made a mark on the tourist map for a lot of reasons, namely:

• It is one amongst the four destinations which hosts the largest religious congregation globally – The Kumbh Mela.
• Nashik boasts of having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas as the famous temple of Trimbakeshwar.
• Ramayana, one of the most loved epics in India, had a backdrop of Panchavati. This very own Panchavati is in Nashik.
• The Currency Note Press and the India Security Press are located in Nashik. The Indian Currency and the Government stamp papers are printed in Nashik.
• Another star which has been recently added in the name of Nashik is the wineries located in this area. It is the Nappa Valley of India, with the most famous brand Sula Wines located in Nashik.
• Nashik is also host of annual wine fest – SulaFest.
• Nashik has a unique Coin Musuem.
• The origin of River Godavari is in Nashik.

Nashik has been in our list of places to visit for a long time. Finally last weekend we were able to knock it off our list. J

Popular Religious/Mythological Sites:

• Trimbakeshwar Temple
• Ramkund
• Kalaram Temple
• Muktidham Temple
• Sundarnarayan Temple
• Sita Gumpha
• Someshwar Temple
• Brahmagiri – Origin of River Godavari

Most of the religious places do not allow photography and videography.

Nashik City

The Kumbh Mela

As per the Hindu Mythology, the Devas (Gods) and the Asuras (Demons) fought over the amrita, the elixir of immortality produced by the joint churning of the ocean. During the fight for the elixir between the Devas (Gods) and the Asuras (Demons), the drop of the elixir are believed to had fallen at four earthy sites. At these four places the Kumbh Mela is celebrated.

The Kumbh Mela is celebrated four times over the span of twelve years between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers – Haridwar on River Ganga, Godavari in Nashik, Ujjain on River Shipra, Prayagraj over the confluence of River Ganga, River Yamuna and River Saraswati. It is believed during the Kumbh Mela the planets are in such an auspicious position, that the river turns into the elixir and a dip in the sacred river will bring in purity.

Ramayana Trail

Nashik is the place where a major part of the Hindu epic, Ramayana was played out. It is believed that Rama, Lakshman and Sita stayed here during their 14 years of exile from Ayodhya. It is also believed to be the place where that the sister of Ravana, Surpanakha was attracted to Rama. To teach her a lesson, Lakshman cut her nose, thus giving this place the name – Nasika – meaning nose. This is the place where Ravana mesmerized with the beauty of Sita, abducted her which led to the war between Rama and Ravana as told in Ramayana.

During our visit our first stop was Panchavati, this is where Ram Kund is located. Located in Panchavati is the very famous temple of Nashik – the Kala Ram Temple.

One of the numerous temple in Nashik

The temple got its name from the black stone statue of Lord Ram in this temple.

Very near to this temple is Sita Gumpha or Sita Caves. Walking distance from Sita Gumpha is Tapovan, which is believed to be the place for meditationand Lakshman Bridge which is as per local belief is the Lakshman Rekha or the line which Lakshman has drawn to protect Sita.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

One amongst the twelve Jotirlingas, Trimbakeshwar is one of the holiest places in India and is located around 30 kms from Nashik.

The temple is beautifully built with black stone with Brahmagiri Hills as the backdrop. Unlike other temples, the sanctum is deep and therefore a mirror is placed above it, so that the devotees can have a clear view of the linga. The lingam in this temple has three faces – signifying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Early morning is the best time to visit the temple. As the day progresses the crowd increases and you might have to stand in queue for hours. The timing of the temple is 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. Every Monday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm the crown of the Lord is taken out on a procession to the kund.

Please note mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. If you don’t want to leave the mobile phone in your hotel room or car, the shops near the temple have mobile locker facilities.  There is a shoe stand on the left hand side of the temple entrance gate.

There are plenty of hotels and dharamshalas near the Trimbakeshwar Temple.

The Pandavleni Caves

Pandavleni Caves

A group of 24 Buddhist around 2000 year’s old caves is situated atop a hill in the middle of Nashik. Around 200 steps climb and you can feast your eyes with the panoramic view of the City. These caves are not as grand as the caves of Ajanta Ellora in Aurangabad but if you have time then do make a visit.

Gangadwar

After our visit to Trimbakeshwar, we decided to climb around 800 steps and visit the Gangadwar. Gangadwar is the place where River Godavari originates from the Hills. 

View - Trek to Gangadwar

There is a temple of Maa Godavari and at her feet is a stone in the shape of cow’s head through which River Godavari water is flowing drop by drop.

River Godavari origin

The short and sweet story of the origin of River Godavari goes like this – Rishi Gautama and his wife Ahilya used to stay in this area. A cow was accidentally killed by Rishi Gautama. To become free from the sin of killing a cow (gao hatya) he was asked to take a dip in the sacred water of River Ganga. Rishi Gautama and wife Ahilya meditated (tapasya) for years in the name of Lord Shiva to send the River Ganga on earth. After years of mediation Lord Shiva relented and thus River Godavari originated from Brahmagiri Hills. Rishi Gautama took a dip in River Godavari and was released from the sin of killing the cow.

The view from Gangadwar is a site to see.

108 Shivlingas

Near the Gangadwar is a small temple/cave where there are 108 shivlingas. This is the cave where Maharishi Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva.

Wine Tourism

Nashik has now become the little gem for Wine lovers. Nashik is our very own Napa valley. An entrepreneur Rajeev Samant, set up a small vineyard on few acres of family land. From a few acres it has now become synonyms with Indian Wines – Sula Wines. The Sula vineyards now provide wine tours and wine tasting.

Sula Vineyard

The entry fee in Sula Vineyard is Rs 200 per person which can be redeem against any purchase or tour taken in the vineyard. The wine making tour costs Rs 150 per person and wine tasting (6 wines to taste) Rs 400 per peron. Once you complete your wine tour, take your pick from the dining options - Little Italy (Italian Food) & Rasa (Indian Food).

Lets shop Wine

Sula Vineyards also has two luxury resort called ‘The Source”& Beyond” wherein you can enjoy the calmness in comfort. The prime moto of the resorts are – Relax. Unwind. Rejuvenate.

Other places to visit in Nashik:

• Someshwar Waterfall – A quick visit to Someshwar waterfall in this trip told us that this will be a beautiful place in the monsoons and should be a must visit in the rainy season.
• Gangapur Dam – Not very far from the Someshwar Waterfall, lies Gangapur Lake & Dam. We stopped over at this place but were not given entry as permission from the Department of Irrigation is required.
• Trek to Brahmagiri – We have decided to do this trek in the monsoon this year when the weather will be pleasant and the mountains will be green and serene.
• Coin Museum – Another place to visit on our next trip to Nashik is the coin Museum. It is closed on Sunday.
• Anjaneri Fort – It is believed to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman. A 2 kms drive from the highway and around a 5 kms trek will take you to Anjaneri Fort. This is one place that’s on our list to visit on our next visit to Nashik.

How to reach Nashik

By Road: Regular buses ply from Mumbai and Aurangabad. The roads are good.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Nashik Road and is well connected to major cities in India like Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Delhi etc.

By Air: Closest airport is in Mumbai which is approx 200 kms far.