Nasik, a prominent
city in the north of Maharashtra, is situated 200 kms from Mumbai and Pune.
The city has gained immense popularity owing to its pleasant climatic
conditions, beautiful architecture, temples and caves. The famous temples of
note are: Sundranarayan temple, Kampaleshwar temple, Balaji temple, Kalaram
Mandir, the Goraram Mandir and the Rameshwar or Bell temple. Nasik has thus,
rightfully been called the Benares of South India and the Godavari, the
Ganges of the South.The Site For The Kumbh Mela
Trimbakeshwar is a holy town that houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. It also is the origin of the river Godavari and is situated 38 kms away from Nasik. The Sinhasta Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
According to historical records, Nasik is one of four places where the elixir of immortality, the 'amrit', fell to earth from a pitcher as gods and demons were engaged in the tussle to gain the ownership of the jar full of 'amrit'. The Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy sites every three years.
The Kumbh Mela is marked by millions of devotees' plunge into the river Godavari that is believed would cleanse their souls leading to salvation. A ritual bath at a predetermined time and place is the major event of the festival. The annual festival of Shivratri is also celebrated with great pomp and show inviting thousands of pilgrims.
The Ongoing Kumbh Mela, 2003
The holy dips are scheduled for August 17 and 27 and September 1 in Nasik and August 12 and 27 and September 7 in Trimbakeshwar.
The dates for 'Shahi snan' are as follows :
- Pratham (first) Snan : Shravan Pornima (full moon), Aug. 12th, 2003
- Dwitiya (second) Snan : Maha Parva - Shravan Amavasya (new moon), Aug. 27th, 2003
- Tritiya (third) Snan : Bhadrapad Amavasya (new moon), Sept. 10th, 2003
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