Wanderlust Tales : Religious tour in Nashik

DAY 2

After our visit from Trimbakeswar, we moved forward to see the other religious points in Nashik.

NASHIK DIARIES:

 https://xylo742.blogspot.in/2017/03/wanderlust-tales-trip-to-one-of-holiest.html

HOW TO GET HERE:

The Ola driver was very helpful with the information about the places to see around in Nashik - where to start from, what to see etc.

From the Ginger Hotel, the nearest religious place was at a mere distance of 7 kms.

He dropped us at the Panchavati wan and the nearing places from here were at distance of 2-3 km - easily at a walk able distance.

You might get lured by the auto rickshaw guys, wanting to take you on a tour of all the nearby places at a cost of 100-200 bucks - but if you don't mind walking a little distance, the places can be easily covered on foot.

PLACES TO VISIT:

• Panchavati

PANCHAVATI is a series of 5 banyan trees which are situated around the SITA GUFA. The trees have been numbered for easy identification.

• Sita Gufa

As history has it, the sita gufa was carved by Ram and Laxman to hide Maa Sita, post the episode where Laxman in his anger thrashed the nose of Suparnarekha. Fearing the possible attack by the demons, the gufa was built.

It is sad to see, how highly commercialized the area is - there is little sense of religiousness that one would feel. I can't speak for others but for me it was a big NO. With proper roads built through and the surrounding residential area, the auto stand - a lot has changed since time. The sita gufa now has proper entrance built by commoners to provide a passage. There is a big dhol kept at the entrance of the gufa - wonder why?!

Do note, there is no charge for entering the gufa.

The Gufa as the name suggests is a very small tunnel-like structure - mostly built that way, to ward off the heavy and huge demons.
A word of caution out there, all the people who are

• claustrophobic
• obese
• have breathing problems

MUST avoid going in, It could deem to be damn risky - it so happened that an obese aunty in the queue, got stuck midway - and it created quite a ruckus in the attempt trying to pull her out of the gufa.
Me being claustrophobic did not try on this brave adventure, I put my foot down. But my mom who is usually a big no for such things - marched ahead.

The SITA GUFA has a small room in the gufa with the idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman and in the adjoining is a ShivLinga, which pretty much sums up the Sita Gufa. As you walk out there is a small souvenir shop selling items.

More cleanliness and awareness creation is a must.

Do we fail to realize that, Pachavati & Sita Gufa, are one of the HOLIEST places, having played a crucial part in the RAMANAYA?!

• Sitaharan Marichwad

Right across the street, is the Hanuman Temple called the SITAHARAN MARICHWAD. The temple is built in black rock. Looked spectacular!

• Kalaram Mandir

It is one of the temples built by the Peshwas. The temple is located on your way to the Kund. This is one of the largest temple in Nashik, and is constructed of black stones entirely. Almost 2000 workers spent 12 years to build it. 

• Ramkund

After this short and quick visit, we headed down towards the RAMKUND - a walk of about 1 km or so. What can I say, about the place?! A huge-huge disappointment - hurt my religious sentiments totally!
Commercializing places of worship is a common phenomenon in India - but not maintaining the sanctity of the place is disarmingly troubling.

It is our duty, as law law-abiding citizens to protect these marks of history - but who cares, isn't it?! It is a business after all.

It is believed that it was here in Ram Kund that Lord Rama and Sita used to bathe, during their period of exile. It embodies in it, the water from River Gangotri - the Ganges of the South.

People believe in immersing the mortal remains of their loved ones in this kund, as an act of paying their last respect.
Also, it was here in Ram Kund, that the mortal remains of our Father of nation were immersed.There is a structure built in white marble in his memory.
The famous Kumbh Mela happens here when millions and millions of people crowd here to wash off their sins.

The place is heavily crowded, a full market setup across -  surprisingly you would find many kids searching the water desperately for coins thrown by worshipers into the water.

All through, you can spot innumerable vendors selling ayurvedic stuff, which is intriguing.

More pictures:

Panchavati:

Sita Gufa:

Sitaharan Marichwad:

As we headed ahead, there were numerous vendor selling a variety of food items, jewelry items, bangles, idols. The place is literally flooded with these shops.

It is a total bliss for someone who is a street photography expert - the people, the atmosphere, the ambiance are to die for.

Here are few clicks:

Ramkund:

Cheers to life!!

~Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

P.S All the photos have been clicked by me.