I’ve been to many historical places in Nashik. Some are significant religiously, others monumentally. The following 9 are a mix of both, which I’ve personally found to be very fascinating.
The 9 Places
1. Anjaneri Hills
Distance from CCM
20 Km approx.
Spot Description
Shree Hanuman’s Birthplace
Anjaneri hill is said to be the birthplace of Mahaveer Hanumanji. The hills name thus comes from Hanumanji’s mother “Anjani Mata”. It also has the world’s only temple of Anjani Mata.
There is this lake on the hill, which has a rather unique structure. The lake is in the form of a footprint. It is believed that when Hanumanji jumped from the earth to take a bite of the sun, the pressure from his foot created a print on the hill. Thus it’s potentially Hanumanji’s footprint.
Another unique thing on this hill is the temple of Bal Hanuman. The idol of Hanumanji in this temple is of a child avatar. This is something not seen in other temples. Learn more
2. Sita Gufa
Distance from CCM
5 Km approx.
Spot Description
Maa Sita’s cave residence during exile
Sita Gufa is one of the most important historical places in Nashik. The place has direct link to Ramayana & is believed to be the spot where Maa Sita was kidnapped by Raavan.
This cave used to be residence of Lord Ram, Lord Laxman & Maa Sita during their time in exile. A narrow staircase in the caves lead you to the place where Maa Sita used to stay when Shree Ram & Laxman used to go out in search for food.
Further ahead, there is also a Shiv-Linga in the cave. This is believed to be set-up by Maa Sita, as Mahadev were her ‘Aaradhya’.
3. Ramkund
Distance from CCM
5 Km approx.
Spot Description
The sacred site where Lord Rama bathed during exile
Ramkund is believed to be the holiest place of Nashik. Lord Ram himself used to bathe in this kund.
Ramkund is on the banks of holy river Godavari. Thus people dip the ashes of their deceased loved ones in this kund, as Godavari is also known as the Dakshin Ganga (Ganga of the South).
Ashes of big personalities like Indira Gandhi & Pandir Nehru have been laid to rest in this kund. Although, the biggest personality to have their ashes in Ramkund is believed to be King Dasharatha, the father of Lord Rama.
4. Sarkar Wada
Distance from CCM
5 Km approx.
Spot Description
The historic mansion of Maratha rulers in Nashik
Sarkar Wada is one the historical place in Nashik with deep ties to the Marathas. It was built for Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb) under the supervision of Sardar Odhekar.
The wada was even under the Britishers in the form of administrative headquarters for Nashik division. Since the exit of Britishers, the place was converted into a museum by the government.
Many renovations have been done to preserve the heritage of this monument in the gold lane, Saraf Bazar. The museum currently hosts many artefacts, some even sourced from the neighbouring districts.
5. Pandav Leni
Distance from CCM
10 Km approx.
Spot Description
A group of Buddhist caves, dating back to B.C. 250
Pandav Leni is a group of Buddhist caves on the Trirashmi Hill. These caves are very old, some dating back to even B.C. 250. Although, owing to their advantageous position on the hill the caves have not gone any significant damage.
Many people also believe that this is the place where the Pandavas used to live during their exile, though no evidence supporting it is yet found.
Regardless, the architectural beauty & structural integrity of the caves make them a popular historical place of Nashik.
6. Shree Kalaram Mandir
Distance from CCM
5 Km approx.
Spot Description
A Temple with Black idol of Shri Ram, Shri Laxman Maa Sita & Mahaveer Hanuman.
Kalaram Mandir has a long history connected to Hinduism as well as Indian History. The first striking feature of the temples is its black theme. Not only temple is made with black stones but even the idols of Shri Ram, Shri Laxman Maa Sita & Mahaveer Hanuman are in black. This is something you don’t get to see in other temples.
Secondly, Kalaram Mandir has a deep history connected to the anti-caste movement in India. Dr B.R Ambedkar led a protest for the entry of Dalits in this temple in March, 1930. Though the protest wasn’t completely successful, the protest marked an importation step forward in the Dalit Community. Learn more
7. Shree Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir
Distance from CCM
5 Km approx.
Spot Description
Only Mahadev Mandir with no Nandi
Nashik is known for Mahadev Temples. Though, Shree Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir is one of a kind among all. This is the only temple of Shivji with no Nandi in it.
It is believed that Mahadev had accidentally committed ‘Gauhatya’ (the sin of killing a cow). Nandiji thus advised Mahadev to take a dip in the holy Ramkund to wash off their sins. Because Nandiji acted as a mentor of Mahadev in this situation, the temple doesn’t have the idol of Mahadev disciple Nandi.
8. Shree Gomay Hanuman Mandir
Distance from CCM
10 Km approx.
Spot Description
A unique temple founded by Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami
Shree Gomay is the holy temple where Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami meditated and prayed for twelve years. The idol made of ‘Gomay’ (cow-dung) was crafted & curated by Ramdas Swamiji himself.
The temple features a stone room where Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami used to meditate. The room is thus now converted into a meditation room.
One of the important historical places of Nashik, this temple now is a popular attraction for tourists & devotees alike.
9. Kapildhara Tirth
Distance from CCM
40 Km approx.
Spot Description
A sacred site linked to sage Kapila’s penance
Kapildhara Tirth has a history dating back to the ancient times. This is the place where the Kumbh Mela originally started from. It is also believed to be the place where revered sage, Saint Gajanan Maharaj, performed his 12-year ‘Tapasyacharya’ (penance).
There are many other stories related to this place. It’s said that this is the place where Shri Laxman got unconscious after taking a strike from Raavan. Some also say that this is the place where Shri Ram met Mahadev.
The temple is thus a home to the deities of many gods, inviting a lot of devotees regularly. A bit far from Nashik, this temple is one of the top historical places in Nashik, especially religiously.
