Located in the present-day city of Nashik in Maharashtra, India, Panchavati is reputed to be the site where Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent a considerable part of their 14-year, it comes in dandakaranya forest the names means the forest of punishment , it is filled with demons and dark entities.
In Ramayana, during their exile, Rama and his company moved through various forests and places of India, and Panchavati was chosen by them as a suitable place for their stay because of its natural beauty. ‘Panchavati’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Pancha’ (five) and ‘Vati’ (banyan trees), referring to the area being surrounded by five banyan trees.
The five banyan trees are still present as described in the Ramayana
In this place surpanaka ,sister of Ravana ,encounters Ram and Lakshman, and she expresses her desire to marry Ram, As Lord Ram respectfully explains her that, he is already married with Sita and rejects her offer of marrying her.
Surpanakha gets angry and attacks Sita , Lakshman cuts of her nose in defense of Sita, Wounded and humiliated, Surpanakha flees to her brother Ravana and tells him not only of her disfigurement but also describes Sita’s beauty, sowing the seeds of desire in Ravana to abduct Sita.
Historical Places to Visit in Nashik near Panchavati
RAMKUND (near Panchavati)
Ramkund is the place located at the banks of river Godavari, it where Ram , Lakshman and Sita , took bath during their exile.
SITA CAVE
Sita Gufa (cave) the place which is believed where Raavan Abducted Sita During their exile.
TRIMBAKESHWAR
Trimbakeshwar Temple, located in the town of Trimbak in the Nashik, houses the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, which represents Lord Shiva’s cosmic form as a pillar of light. It is believed to be self-manifested and is one of the holiest sites for Shaivites.
MUKTIDHAM MANDIR
MuktiDham mandir houses the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, which represents Lord Shiva’s cosmic form as a pillar of light. It is believed to be self-manifested and is one of the holiest sites for Shaivites.
SAPTASHRUNGI DEVI TEMPLE
Saptashrungi Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saptashrungi, also known as Mahishasura Mardini or Durga. Saptashrungi Devi manifested to annihilate the demon Mahishasura (after whom she is also known as Mahishasura Mardini). The temple is believed to be one of the locations where parts of her body fell during the battle.
KAPALESHWAR TEMPLE(near Panchavati)
Kapaleshwar Temple is located in the Panchavati area of Nashik, Maharashtra, India. It stands near the banks of the Godavari River, The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Nashik.
NASHIK CAVES
The Nashik Caves are situated on the Trivashmi Hills, also known as Pandavleni or Pandu Lena, on the outskirts of Nashik city.The Nashik Caves comprise a group of around 24 caves, though not all are open to the public. The main caves are arranged in two separate groups, with one group facing north and the other facing south.
JAIN TEMPLE
Nashik is home to several Jain temples, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity and religious tolerance.
- Shri Dharmachakra Jain Temple: Located in Nashik Road, this temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
- Jain Temple, Pathardi: Situated in the Pathardi area of Nashik, this temple complex includes multiple shrines dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras.
- Jain Mandir, Adgaon: This Jain temple, located in the Adgaon area of Nashik, is another significant religious site for Jain devotees.
ANJANERI HILLS (Panchavati)
Anjaneri Hills are situated approximately 20 kilometers from Nashik city, in the Trimbak range of the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats).
The hills rise to an elevation of around 4,300 feet (1,310 meters) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Anjaneri Temple: Atop the hills, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as the Anjaneri Temple. Anjaneri Hills are believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.