A Relaxing weekend in Nashik – The ancient City of Faith

The History

Today’s vibrant Nashik is nestled in history by its mythological relevance which is more than just another city on the banks of the Godavari. It is a place where mythology seems to have left its footprints everywhere. The ancient Panchavati (drawing the name from the 5 banyan tress surrounding the area) is believed to have been home to Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their years of exile. As the legend goes, It was here that Shurpanakha’s encounter with Lakshmana changed the course of the story and gave Nashik its name. Not far away, Sita Gufa is associated with the abduction of Sita by Ravana. And then, beyond the city about 24 kms from downtown Nashik the Brahmagiri hills carry another sacred story — that of Gautama Rishi, Shiva and the birth of the Godavari at Trimbakeshwar. Perhaps that is what makes Nashik different: here, rivers, hills, temples and ancient stories don’t merely belong to the past; they continue to shape the character of the city even today. You can almost feel the history in the air.

Drive to Nashik

Started around 11.30am. About 4 hours after we planned.

220 odd kms from Pune, is not what we would call long distance these days after being used to 500kms trips frequently. But as the sun burnt down, it did get a bit uncomfortable, especially us being early morning starters. Quickly understood, that late starting was not our bread.

Around 12.30pm about 25 kms to Rajgurunagar, we found a massive restaurant – Hotel Ashok that served pure veg food. I usually use the “If you have been there it must be good” flow to chose to stop at a restaurant on the highway and surely the 20 odd parked cars made me pull up beside them.

A play are for kids, several shops selling condiments and confectionaries. Clean, big and modern washrooms. I always wait for my wife’s views on the Ladies one. If it is worth a use, it has to be a good place.

Then comes the massive hall, the dinning area. At the very look of it, tells me to be a 150 cover dinning hall. Comfortable seats, polite waiters, plus menu and tasty food left us happy and satiated.

Stay at Ginger Hotel

Now this has become a norm. A muscle memory activated. If there is Ginger Hotel in the city, we would chose it almost without a second thought, with complete trust on the Indian Hotels group of consistent high quality services offered. The polite staff, great food helped us relax. We slept without a worry in this world.

There is a lot more from their live counter if you like, Omlettes, Dosas. Eat to your hearts content.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

24kms off Nashik, there is something almost timeless about Trimbakeshwar. Nestled at the foot of Brahmagiri, this is where mythology, faith and the river Godavari come together. According to legend, Gautama Rishi’s penance moved Lord Shiva to bring the sacred Ganga down to earth, giving birth to the Godavari. Shiva is then believed to have manifested here as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga — uniquely representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Centuries later, the present black-stone temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao between 1740 and 1760, on the site of an older shrine. Standing there, it is difficult not to feel that you are looking at a place where a very old story is still being lived.

We opted for the VIP pass, for INR 200 per pax. You can either get it on the Trimbakeshwar trust website or at the counter by the temple. But owing to the huge rush I would suggest you pre book this pass and cut down your visit hours by atleast 2 hrs.

Back to Pune

Started with a visit to Panchavati and Ramkund. We did catch a glimpse of the Ramkund from the bridge on the river Godavari. Ramkund – It is said, Lord Rama performed the last rites of his father, King Dashratha at Ramkund. Later he immersed his ashes in the sacred Godavari at the Ramkund.

Reached Pune about 5 pm with no major stops, apart from a couple of bio breaks at JIO Petrol stations. Our highway go to restrooms.

A different trip this to Nashik, where our spirituality was nursed, history rehearsed and we got our well deserved rest 220kms off Pune.

The next trip will planned around the vineyards of Nashik. I hope you will like reading those pieces too.

Hey, If you liked reading this Blog, do consider sharing it with your family and friends. Stay tuned to may more blogs in the coming days and I recommend you to go through some work of my recent blogs as well. Happy Reading.

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