User:Chaitanya Gaidhani/sandbox

Nashik History
Mythology

Godavari: While dwelling in a forest God Shrirama was staying at Panchvati near Godavari bank. Rishi ‘Valmiki’ also got inspired to write Ramayana in the Panchavati area. Godavari river is mentioned as ‘Sapta-Godavari’ in Mahabharata. There are many pilgrimages on the Godavri banks. Savitri, Dashashwamedhik, Kishkindha, Vidarbha, are few names of the pilgrimages. Brahmapuran also says that Godavari river is holy deity and it comprises 100 pilgrimages, among them ‘Kushavarta’, ‘Trimbaka’, ‘Janasthana’, ‘Pravara sangama’, are main places to visit. Godavari is an oldest river and holy deity which represents ‘Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva’. During ‘Kumbh Mela’ season bathing in Godavari river helps remitting sins. Every 12 years, people gather at Godavari river banks for ‘Kumbh Mela’. It’s a big festival which goes on for a year.[1]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:02, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Godavari Origin: Godavari is a holy river in India. Brahmagiri hill is the source place of Godavari river. ‘Gautami ganga’ is another name of the river. As per mythological sources, ‘Gautam Rishi’s (ascetic) ashrama was populated in Brahmagiri hill area. Once there was a drought in south region of Nashik, so all the ascetics and villagers went to Gautama Rishi’s ashrama and asked for help. ‘Gautama rishi’s ashrama was in good weather area and there was a well cultivated agro land. There was no drought in his ashrama region. Same time ‘Parvati’ (Lord Shiva’s wife) got jealous with Ganga River, whom Lord Shiva holds on his head. ‘Parvati’ explained her sadness to son ‘Ganesha’ and both intrigued a plan with the help of servant ‘Jaya’, against ‘Ganga’. ‘Ganesha’ went to ‘Rishi Gautama’s ashrama in human being’s disguise and stayed there. Once then servant ‘Jaya’ entered ‘Gautama’s land in cow’s disguise. ‘Gautama’ tried to drove her out by using a stick. As the stick got touched to the cow, she gave up the life. ‘Go Hatya’ i.e. killing any cow is most serious sin as per the mythology. Hence ‘Ganesha’ advised ‘Gautama’ to start penance and bring ‘Ganga’ on earth from ‘Lord Shiva’ which will help him getting free from all sins. ‘Gautama’ started the penance and ‘Lord Shiva’ came to meet him as he was satisfied with ‘Gautama’s penance. ‘Gautama’ asked ‘Lord Shiva’ and brought ‘Ganga’ on Brahmagiri hill. Thereafter the river got named as ‘Gautami Ganga’. ‘Ganga’ came to earth and with her holy water the cow also got her life back. Since then the river is called ‘Godavari’.[2]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:02, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Kalaram Temple: This is one of the famous and important temple from Nashik. Mr Rangarao Odhekar reconstructed the temple in 1780 A.D. The stones used for reconstruction were brought from ‘Ramsej hill’. Every stone was kept in boiling milk for a long time and the ones which didn’t cracked were used for reconstruction. This temple doesn’t have much of art and carving, but it’s glory and grandeur is worth of notice. There is stone wall fencing around the temple and dharamshalas were also built during the era. It is believed that ‘God Shriram’ came down to Panchvati on ‘Agastya Rishi’s advice. He was fascinated by the beauty of the nature and asked brother ‘Laxmana’ to build a hut (Parnakuti) for dwelling purpose. Kalaram temple is situated at the same place where the hut was built. The idol of ‘God Shrirama’ is in standing position. Idol’s one hand is holding a bow and another one on his heart. It is believed that sight of this idol for a while helps people to achieve eternal peace. The sanctum of the temple is quite big. And has an idol of ‘God Maruti’ in standing position. The construction of both idol is such that the feet of ‘God Shrirama’s idol and head of ‘God Maruti’s idol are considered to be in one straight line. It is said that Saint Ramdas Swami used to narrate mythology in the Kalaram temple and ‘God Maruti’ used to listen him in a child disguise.[3]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:02, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Seeta Gumpha: Seeta gumpha is a cave situated on the north side of the Kalaram temple beneath the ground. By climbing down seven narrow steps in this cave one can find idols of ‘God Shrirama, ‘Seeta’ and ‘Laxmana’. By crawling further to the south direction inside the cave one can find ‘Shivlinga’. ‘Seeta’ used this cave for taking shelter while ‘God Shriram’ and ‘Laxmana’ used to go out for hunting. This cave was a secured place for ‘Seeta’ to take shelter. Therefore the place is called ‘Seeta gumpha’. [4]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:02, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Kapaleshwara Temple: This is ‘Lord Shiva’s temple and situated in front of Ramkunda in Panchvati. People of Fishermen caste built the inner portion of the temple in 1738 A.D. and Mr Jagjeevan Pawar funded for outer part. This is one of the important temples from Nashik. Usually ‘Lord Shiva’s temple always comprises a Nandi i.e. a seating bull in front of the ‘Shivlinga’. But this ‘Kapaleshwara temple does not have a Nandi here. There is a myth about this temple. Earlier ‘Lord Brahmadeo’ used to have five heads. He used to read and sing ‘Ved mantras’ by four heads and by rest one he used to criticize ‘Lord Vishnu’. Later on he started criticizing ‘Lord Shiva’ also. ‘Lord Shiva’ then angrily cursed ‘Lord Brahma’ and he slaughtered ‘Lord Brahma’s fifth head. But when ‘Lord Shiva’ realized that he committed a severe sin by cutting ‘Lord Brahma’s head, he went on a pilgrimage for 12 years. During the pilgrimage once he arrived at ‘Govardhan’ area in Nashik. While roaming around in search of food he heard a conversation between a cow n her calf. Calf was saying to his mother that he’s going to kill his owner as the owner used to beat him. But mother cow protested and said no to him, as this would be a ‘Brahmahatya’ for which calf would have to suffer in hell. But calf said that after killing the owner, he would go to Godavari-Aruna river confluence for taking bath. Bathing in the Aruna river will set him free from all sins. From this conversation ‘Lord Siva’ came to know about the importance of ‘Godavari and Aruna’. Thereafter he went to the river and bathed to get free from sins. And all heavenly people came down and ‘Lord Vishnu’ established a ‘Shivlinga’ called ‘Kapaleshwara’. ‘Kapaleshwara temple’ celebrates ‘Lord Shiva’s mahapuja every Monday. Priests clean ‘Lord Shiva’s crown and prance it with a systematic parade. It is believed that ‘Kapaleshwara’ is secondary ‘Shivlinga’ for 12 jyotirlingas. [5]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:08, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Naroshankar Temple: Chieftain Naroshankar built the temple in 1747 A.D. Peshva Chimaji Appa conquered Vasai fort in battle with Portuguese. Naroshankar brought the huge iron bell from the fort and hung it under top beam in the Lord Shiva’s temple. There after the temple was called as Naroshankar Temple. According to historical sources, this iron bell was casted by Portuguese in 1721 A.D. [6]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:08, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Ganga Temple: Peshava queen Gopika Bai built this temple near Ramkunda in 1700 A.D. After every 12 years during Kumbh mela season, pilgrims are allowed to visit the temple for one year. Otherwise the temple remains closed all the time. Apart from these two temples, in this area there are many more temples like Balaji, Tilbhandeshwar, Tilya Ganapati, Neelkantheshwar, Ekmukhi Datt, Goraram, Modakeshwar, Vitthal etc. Also there are many hermitages and ascetics’ arenas (akhadas). As there are many temples in Nashik, number of festivals also been celebrated throughout the year, which includes Ram Navami, Ganga-Godavari Festival, Tripuri Pournima i.e. lights’ festival.[7]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:08, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Tapovan: Some trees of tamarind and Banyans are believed to be as old as God Shriram’s era. God Shriram freed Nashik and surrounding area from the arrogant and troublesome demons. He set the fear free area for ascetics. There is a temple of Laxmana (god Shriram’s brother) which was built in 1817 A.D. God Shrirama killed demon Maricha who disguised in spotted deer’s appearance and Laxmana cut ears and nose of demoness Shurpanakha as both were troublesome. In Ramayana, it is mentioned that these events took place in the Tapovan area. Kapila and Godavari rivar confluence is nearby this area. There is a hill on the riverbank which has 11 caves. These caves are known as Laxmana caves but according to experts these caves were engraved in ancient Jain era. [8]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:18, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Panchavati: Panchavati literally means a group of five banyan trees. But this place has an mythological origin. Lord Brahma’s daughter ‘Usha’ got married to ‘God Suryadeo’ (Sun). ‘Usha’ gave birth to three children, ‘Daivswat Manu’, ‘Yama’ and a girl child ‘Yamuna’. Over a time ‘Usha’ could not endured with radiance of ‘God Suryadeo’. She went back to her father i.e. ‘Lord Brahma’. She left her shadow servant ‘Chhaya’ there to take care of her children. But ‘Lord Brahma’ advised her to go back to ‘God Suryadeo’. Hence she went to river Bhagirathi and started penance with putting on a horse disguise. During her absence her servant ‘Chhaya’ and ‘God Suryadeo’ delivered a boy named ‘Shanaishwara’ and a girl ‘Vaidhuti’. Thereafter servant ‘Chhaya’ started treating Usha’s children maliciously. ‘God Suryadeo’ was unaware of all these events. Once ‘Yama’ kicked ‘Chhaya’ at her back and she cursed him with twisted legs. ‘Yama’ went to his father with having twisted legs and complained that Chhaya is not a real mother, as real mother can’t curse her children. ‘God Suryadeo’ questioned ‘Chhaya’ and came to know all the circumstances. Putting on a horse disguise, he immediately went to the Bhagirathi river where his wife ‘Usha’ was doing her penance. But when she saw a terrible horse approaching her, she got scared and ran towards south. But the scary and powerful horse kept chasing her. Frightened ‘Usha’ in horse disguise entered in an old ascetic’s ashram near Godavari river. The ascetic was teaching five students. As the students saw a horse entering in ashram they drove her away. Witnessing all these things ‘God Suryadeo’ angrily cursed the students and transformed them in five banyan trees. Thereafter this place was called ‘Panchvati’. ‘Usha’ and ‘God Suryadeo’ came together after all these incidences. Further they delivered two intelligent, bright baby boys. These boys were later came in fame as ‘Ashwinikumars’. When ‘God Suryadeo’ cursed students, the old ascetic realized that this was not an ordinary horse but ‘God Suryadeo’ himself. And he apologized on students’ behalf to ‘God Suryadeo’. Then god said that ‘God Shrirama’ will soon come to Panchvati and when he’ll touch them by his feet, students will get their lives back. ‘Yama’ and ‘Yamuna’ came to this Panchvati in search of ‘God Suryadeo’ and they liked the place. They merged in the Godavari river by becoming Godavari’s two streams i.e. ‘Aruna’ and ‘Varuna’. Since then this point, where three river confluences occurred, was treated as holy place. At this holy place ‘God Shrirama’ performed yearly offering called ‘Shraddha’ after his father’s death. Hence this place is called as ‘Ramakunda’.

Sundar Narayana temple: This temple is near Ahilyabai Holkar bridge in Nashik. Earlier there was a small temple at this place, which Muslims destroyed and used the place for their graveyard. Then in 1756 A.D. chieftain Chandrachuda rebuilt the temple on the same place. This is ‘Lord Vishnu’s temple which has an idol of ‘Lord Vishnu’ and two idols of his wives ‘Vrunda’ and ‘Laxmi’. In ancient ages there was a demon called Jalandhar. He praised ‘Lord Shiva’ and achieved super powers. He started war against all gods. He used to trouble ascetics and threatened them for not worshiping any god other than himself. Once he started capturing ‘Lord Shiva’s place ‘Kailasa’ also. Then ‘Lord Shiva’ fought with ‘Jalandhar’ but even after dreadful fights ‘Jalandhar’ was out of control. ‘Jalandhar’s honest wife ‘Vrunda’ was behind his unending power. Then ‘Lord Vishnu’ visited her in ‘Jalandhar’s disguise and breached her honesty towards her husband. And finally ‘Lord Shiva’ succeeded in slaying ‘Jalandhar’. When ‘Vrunda’ came to know the reality, she got angry. And cursed ‘Lord Vishnu’ that further his skin will be ugly black and he’ll never get eternal peace. Afterwords ‘Lord Vishnu’ came to Nashik and bathed in Godavari river at ‘Badrikashram’. After bathing in Godavari, he got back his original beautiful body. Therefore ‘Lord Vishnu’ became ‘Sundar Narayan’. Sundar Narayana temple was built in plane black rocks. It has very astonishing carving on it. The main door of the temple is on east side. The direction is so perfect that when the sun rises on the equator, the early rays in morning touches idol’s feet. Kapaleshwara and Sundar Narayana temples are in south north direction on Godavari’s bank. By standing in one temple, one can easily seek darshan of the idol in another temple. Every year people celebrate a festival called ‘Harihar bhet’ (‘Hari’ i.e. Sundar Narayana and ‘Har’ i.e. Kapaleshwara). It is believed that on this date both ‘Lord Shiva and Vishnu’ come together secretly on the river bank at night. People celebrate this festival on 14th day of Kartik month as per Marathi Calander.

Trimbakeshwara: This is a holy place, located in Nashik District, Maharashtra. It’s about 25 kms away from Nashik city. Brahmagiri hill is located in Trimbakeshwara. The hill is the source place of Godavari river and god Trimbakeshwara’s temple is located at the foot of the hill. There are 12 jyotirlingas in India which are assumed as God Shiva’s symbolic parts. Trimbakeshwara is one of them. There is a mythogical origin for the Trimbakeshwara temple. Once ‘Lord Brahma and Vishnu’ started arguing about greatness and grandeur of ‘Lord Shiva’. But they could not find the solution. Then both decided to visit earth to discover the ‘Shiva Tattva’. No one succeeded in the search. But ‘Lord Brahma’ plotted false witnesses by creating a ‘Ketaki’ flower and a ‘cow’. When ‘Lord Vishnu’ and ‘Lord Brahma’ came back from earth, ‘Brahma’ said that he found ‘Shiv Tattva’ and presented two witnesses. But he couldn’t stand with the false witnesses. ‘Lord Shiva’ got angry because of his lies. He cursed ‘Lord Brahma’ and his witnesses that nobody will worship Brahma on the earth. But ‘Lord Brahma’ also got angry and cursed ‘Lord Shiva’ that he’ll become a rocky hill on earth. Over a time period both realized and spoke with each other peacefully. Thereafter ‘Lord Shiva’ sent his part to hill in Nashik region and named the hill ‘Brahmagiri’. The temple has rock fencing around it. The area of temple is 265*218 feet. It has a ‘Nandi’ statue which is carved in plain white stone. There is a lake behind the temple. Lake water is used for ‘Shivpuja’. Entrance of the temple is facing east side. Walls of the temple have heavy carving on it. The ‘Shivlinga, is placed in a small pot hole. It has a very thin crack on it, which continuously releases water in a small proportion. The temple has five gold crowns and a mask made up in gold for the ‘Shivalinga’. These are used in a festival season. Muslim emperors have stolen away these from the temple. And later ‘Peshavas’ conquered everything in a battle with Muslims in Delhi. They returned all ornaments to the temple back. There are many other temples in the Trimbakeshwara temple area, like Ganga, Shrikrishna, Parshuram, Laxmi-Narayana. There is another hill called ‘Neel Parvat’ on the north side of the villege. There is a goddess ‘Neelantika’ temple on it. There are many hermitages and arenas in this area. ‘Gangasagar’ is another lake in this area. On the lakeshore, there is a temple of Saint ‘Nivruttinath’. Every year as per Marathi calander, people gather here for a festival on 25th day of Paush month (Paush Vadya Ekadashi). ‘Kushavarta’ is one important and ancient pilgrimage lake in this area. Godavari river originates on ‘Brahmagiri’ hill and reappears directly in this lake travelling from the hill beneath the ground. Gautam Rishi arrested the flow of river water by building a grass wall. Grass namely ‘Kusha’ was used for this purpose. Hence it is called as ‘Kushavarta’. During ‘Kumbha Mela’ this ‘Kushavarta’ carries great importance for bathing in view of remitting sins. This lake is quite big and built with stone steps from all four sides. It is a practice to have bath in ‘Kushavarta’ before entering ‘Trimbakeshwara’ temple for ‘puja’. ‘Trimbakeshwara’ is known for several processions called ‘Narayana Nag Bali’, ‘Shraddha i.e. yearly offerings to departed souls’.[9]Chaitanya Gaidhani (talk) 12:18, 2 February 2015 (UTC)