NASHIK
Nashik is one of the larger cities in Maharashatra which is the point of crucial action in the Ramayana. The turning point in Ramayana created by the abduction of Sita happened at Panchavati which is today in Nashik. It has a lot of important locales therefore, which have great significance for the Ramayana. 
It is said in the Ramayana that this place was so bountifully provided by nature that both Rama and Sita were enchanted by it and asked to live there as per Sage Agastya's instructions. Hence, Lakshmana
Sita Gufa.
While living at Panchavati, Rama single handedly fought and killed 11000 asuras including Khar & Dhushana who came to avenge the insult to their sister Shoorpanakha. Since it would be too much for Sita, He asked Lakshamana to take Sita to a nearby cave and keep her there safely. Acharyas mention that it is because the Devi was not there by Rama's side, that He gave the capital punishment to the Asuras. If she had been there, then he would have forgiven them.
Kale Ram mandir
This is one of the most prominent temples in the city, though it has no direct bearing on the Ramayana. It is a beautiful temple made of black stone in Hoysala style. The Lord along with Sita and Lakshmana, is swayambhu, made of black stone and of amazing beauty. The hanuman in front of the Lord’s sannidhi is really stunningly beautiful with a studded stone kireetam. His face is the very epitome of devotion and love and service.
Gore Ram mandir
This famous temple is just next to the Kale Ram mandir. The Lord here is as white as the Kale Ram Lord is black. It is a smaller temple with beautiful small white marble idols of Rama Lakshmana & Sita. There is a also a hanuman sannidhi.
Tapovanam
Though there is no forest here right now and urban development is seen everywhere, the locals say that this is where Agastya Ashram was. However, this place is important in the Ramayana as this is where Lakshmana cut off Shoorpanaka’s nose and ears. There is a small temple for Lakshmana and idols depicting this important event in the Ramayana. A small Hanuman also adds to the aura of the place. It’s a very scenic place on the banks of the sangam of rivers Godavari & Kapila. Despite all round development, there are many modern ashrams here, even now. The government has allotted close to 200 acres here to be used by sadhus during the Kumbh Mela held every 12 yrs at Nashik.
Just outside the Tapovanam is a small rivulet Kapila joining the Godavari, running in front. On the banks of this, is a large open rocky place which is a beautiful location to perch on and take in the scenic beauty of the place. This is a place which is at its most beautiful at sunrise, with the mist and gentle opening rays of the sun. Along the edge of the river, are small idols showing Rama and Sita and that of Lakshmana chopping off Shoorpanakha’s nose and ears.
The morning mist covered everything. As we peered to look around, we saw a set of 3 dark figures atop a hill. As the sun drove the mist away, the beauty of this sight emerged. What we saw was a stunning sight - Exactly on the opposite bank of the Kapila on a small hilltop are 3 really large metal idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in motion. There is a raw power in the figures of Rama and Lakshmana that makes you feel like they are just going to take out their arrow and shoot. Sita seems demure yet firm in resolve. It’s a moment that all of us would wish would stand still in time.
Lamba Hanuman
This is a 5100 years old temple which is a must see for most tourists. The deity is swayambhu and is gigantic. He measures about 7 ft in girth, and is 15 ft tall. Just seeing him is awe-inspiring. The temple also has a Ram Sita Lakshman mandir just opposite it in the same large hall.
To view photos of Nashik in Rama Anu Yatra click on:
Godavari Bath at Ram ghat
The Godavari, as we saw, begins underground at Chitrakoot and flows for a long distance before coming out in the Dandakaranya forest nearby. The exact point, being deep in the jungle is not very accessible. We however see it flowing through the city of Nashik.
At Nashik, the Ram Ghat is one of the major ghats on the Godavari, for bathing at Nashik.. Locals say that this is the place where Rama used to do tarpanam every amavasya.
Panchavati
At Nashik, the Ram Ghat is one of the major ghats on the Godavari, for bathing at Nashik.. Locals say that this is the place where Rama used to do tarpanam every amavasya.
Panchavati
It is said in the Ramayana that this place was so bountifully provided by nature that both Rama and Sita were enchanted by it and asked to live there as per Sage Agastya's instructions. Hence, Lakshmana This is also the place from where Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka in his chariot. The current day Panchavati has a beautiful small hut with frescoes and idols depicting the entire scene of the abduction. The 5 trees are also numbered and marked.
Sita Gufa.
This cave is almost opposite to the Panchavati hermitage. It is a small cave with idol of Rama, Lakshmana & Sita. It also has a shivaling.
Kale Ram mandir
This is one of the most prominent temples in the city, though it has no direct bearing on the Ramayana. It is a beautiful temple made of black stone in Hoysala style. The Lord along with Sita and Lakshmana, is swayambhu, made of black stone and of amazing beauty. The hanuman in front of the Lord’s sannidhi is really stunningly beautiful with a studded stone kireetam. His face is the very epitome of devotion and love and service. Gore Ram mandir
Tapovanam
Though there is no forest here right now and urban development is seen everywhere, the locals say that this is where Agastya Ashram was. However, this place is important in the Ramayana as this is where Lakshmana cut off Shoorpanaka’s nose and ears. There is a small temple for Lakshmana and idols depicting this important event in the Ramayana. A small Hanuman also adds to the aura of the place. It’s a very scenic place on the banks of the sangam of rivers Godavari & Kapila. Despite all round development, there are many modern ashrams here, even now. The government has allotted close to 200 acres here to be used by sadhus during the Kumbh Mela held every 12 yrs at Nashik.
Just outside the Tapovanam is a small rivulet Kapila joining the Godavari, running in front. On the banks of this, is a large open rocky place which is a beautiful location to perch on and take in the scenic beauty of the place. This is a place which is at its most beautiful at sunrise, with the mist and gentle opening rays of the sun. Along the edge of the river, are small idols showing Rama and Sita and that of Lakshmana chopping off Shoorpanakha’s nose and ears.
The morning mist covered everything. As we peered to look around, we saw a set of 3 dark figures atop a hill. As the sun drove the mist away, the beauty of this sight emerged. What we saw was a stunning sight - Exactly on the opposite bank of the Kapila on a small hilltop are 3 really large metal idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in motion. There is a raw power in the figures of Rama and Lakshmana that makes you feel like they are just going to take out their arrow and shoot. Sita seems demure yet firm in resolve. It’s a moment that all of us would wish would stand still in time. 
This is a 5100 years old temple which is a must see for most tourists. The deity is swayambhu and is gigantic. He measures about 7 ft in girth, and is 15 ft tall. Just seeing him is awe-inspiring. The temple also has a Ram Sita Lakshman mandir just opposite it in the same large hall. To view photos of Nashik in Rama Anu Yatra click on:
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