04/01/2023
The name, Nashik, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Nāsikā' which literally means 'Nose'.
As per Ramayana, Nashik is the location on the banks of Godavari river where Laxman, by the wish of Bhagwan Ram cut the nose of demoness Shurpanakha and thus this city was named as "Nashik" It is also known by the name Panchavati.
Sita Gupha or Gumpha:-
Sita Gumpha is believed to be the place where Sita worshipped Bhagwan Shiva during their exile. The cave, containing the idols of Bhagwan Ram, Sita and Lakshmana, can be accessible only through the help of a narrow staircase.
The ancient Shivlinga still exists in the cave , devotees have to crawl down the cave for the darshan.
Outside the cave is a large grove of 5 very old Banyan trees, after which the area is named, Panchavati means 'a garden of five banyan trees'.
These trees are said to have been there ever since the vanvas of Shree Rama.