Panchavati

From Shingnapur we came back to Nashik. It was a hectic day but not tiring. Sleep came without being called.

Tomorrow we would be moving to Panchavati. Not a long way, but an important destination to us.

Panchavati reminds us of childhood memories of Ramayana. It was here that Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshman stayed while at Dandakaranya. It was here that Lakshman had cut the nose off the ogress Surpanaka.

Today it is a big town on the bank of the Godavari. Most of the religious places have become tourist spots. Religion has become, of late, a serious affair to many people. The influence of the age of Aquarius?

The temples of Mahadev, and of Kalaram were crowded. Only the person who knows what to look for, will be benefitted. Other just mumble some prayers, and get lost in the crowd.

  It is in the Mahadev temple that you find the linga that Lord Ram worshipped.

Sita Gunpha is a small cave—a cave where Sita had hid. The five banyan trees—panchavati—had surrounded this Gunpha.

Source : Internet

Source : Internet

Kalaram temple is not that old, however. It houses black idols of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuma. Hence the term Kala—black. It was built by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar.

Source :Internet

Goddess Godavari

The place still retains the ancient spiritual flavour. It is a matter of faith. And faith is part of one’s being.