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Jaiba Palace Jawhar Nashik Tourism

Jai Vilas Palace Jawhar

The Jai Vilas palace or the Raj Bari was built by Raje Mr.Yashwant Rao Mukane in near by 1940. The name Jai Vilas is derived from the one of the raje of Jawhar Mr. Jaiba Maharaj Mukane. The stone used for this is syenite which was brought from sakhara which is 12km away from its location.It is said that when the work of palace was completed, the quarry from which the stone was extracted was broken down and now the Geological Department of Government of India has taken up to locate the quarry .The palace is a master piece of pink stone.There is a beautiful garden with a dense forest like foliage, having trees of cashewnut everywhere.

Jawhar is a hill station located at an altitude of 518m. It is about 80 km from Nashik and 145 km away from Mumbai. Situated in newly formed Palghar district, Jawhar is known for its picturesque setting and a vibrant cultural heritage. It is also known as the ‘Mahabaleshwar’ of Thane district but now in Palghar district. It is one of the very few tribal regions of Maharashtra and is famous for its vibrant Warli paintings that are a characteristic landmark of this place.

Inside the palace, the hall has some lovely portraits of the Mukane clan. Upstairs is the children’s nursery, drawing room, some intricate antique furniture items, the royal bedroom, the obligatory stuffed tigers, loos the size of bedrooms and a huge lobby. The guest section is locked but the guide informs us that every now and then important guests come and stay here. For instance, Akshay Kumar and his team camped here for 10 days during the shooting of Khiladi. The palace is a popular location for film shoots. The palace has close to 50 rooms; the terrace affords a great view of Jawhar.

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Jai Vilas Palace jawhar

Patta-Fort-Trek-Vishramgad-Pattewadi

Vishramgad – Patta Fort

Patta Fort, or Patta Killa, also known as Vishramgad, is a fort situated between Nasik and Ahmadnagar in Maharashtra. Shivaji Maharaj once visited and rested there. The residents of Patta Killa are known as Pattekar, meaning “residents of Fort Patta”. The height of Patta Fort from sea level is approximately 1,392 Meters (4,566 feet).

This fort was in the Bahamani empire. In 1490 when the Bahamani Empire was torn into pieces, this fort was captured by Nizam of Ahmednagar. In 1627 this fort was won by Moghuls. In 1671 Moropant Pingale captured this fort but, it was again recaptured by Moghuls in 1672. In 1675 this fort was captured again by Moropant Pingale. Patta used to be at the border of the Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj arrived at this fort in November 1679 after winning Jalnapur, the Mughal army trapped him from three sides. It was because of the skill of Bahirji Naik, head of the detective department that Maharaj, that he was able to reach Patta safely. On 11 January 1688, this fort was captured by Moghul army headed by Matabarkhan. He appointed Govindsingh of Bhagur as the chief of the fort. This fort was captured by Peshwas. In 1818 this fort was won by the British.

This fort is very easy to climb. There is a Rajwada near the site of the fort, but has fallen into disarray and ruin as a result of a lack of care. The Pattai Devi Mandir is constructed by villagers on the fort. The Trymbak Darwaja is also in good condition. Patta Fort also has a shrine of Shri Laxmangiri Maharaj in the caves near the village of Pattawadi. On the day of full moon (Poornima), the disciples of Laxmangiri Maharaj gather at these caves. The ‘Ambarkhana’ is a big hall newly reconstructed. It can accommodate about 200 visitors for night stay. There is a rock cut cistern near Ambarkhana. The forest department with the help of villages has developed the pathways, steps and gazebo on the fort. There are many windmills on the way to Pattewadi constructed by Enercon.

Brief History

A Historical Perspective

Nashik has a personality of its own, due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world. Nashik has a rich historical past, as the mythology has it that Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya, made Nashik his adobe during his 14 years in exile. At the same place Lord Laxman, by the wish of Lord Rama, cut the nose of “Shurpnakha” and thus this city was named as “Nasik”.

In Kritayuga, Nashik was ‘Trikantak’, ‘Janasthana’ in Dwaparyuga and later in Kuliyuga it became ‘Navashikh’ or ‘Nashik’. Renowed poets like Valmiki, Kalidas and Bhavabhooti have paid rich tributes here. Nashik in 150 BC.was beleived to be the country’s largets market place. From 1487 A.D, this province came under the rule of Mughals and was known as ‘Gulchanabad’. It was also home of emperor Akbar and he has written at lenght about Nashik in ‘Ein-e-Akbari’. It was also known as the ‘Land of the brave’ during the regime of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Ramayana Period

No one knows when the city of Nashik came into existence. It is stated to have been present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra along with wife Sita and brother Laxman settled down in Nashik for the major time of their “Vanwasa”. According to the mythology, Laxman cut the nose (“Nasika” in Sanskrita) of “Shurpanakha” and hence the city got the name ‘Nashik’. Long ago, Brahmadeva had meditated in “Padmasana” here, so the city was also called “Padma-Aasana” for some time. It is also believed that, Lord Vishnu had defeated the three demons and thus city also had the name “Tri-Kantak” (Tri = Three).

During Peshwa’s period

In the recent past, the Moguls were fascinated by the beauty of the city and renamed it as “Gulshanabad” meaning the city of gardens. Beautiful fresh flowers were sent to Aurangazeb from Gulshanabad i.e. Nashik. But it was during the rule of the Peshwas, when the place was finally renamed as Nashik. During the Peshwas period, Raghobadada and his wife Anandibai settled down at ‘Anandwalli’ in Nashik. There re some remains of Anandibai’s fort. There is also a temple called ‘Navasha Ganapati’ built by Anandibai. It was during the British rule in April 1818, when Nashik once again regained its importance. The British fell in love with the beauty of the city and developed it in various fields. The Golf course, developed by the British, was one of the largest in Asia. Nashik is surrounded by nine hills, namely: Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul, Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani. This beautiful city with hills surrounding it has lakes, adding to its beauty.

Rise & Growth Of National Movement

In 1869 the region came to enjoy unbroken peace. In 1869 Nashik was made a full-fledged district with its present talukas. With the return of peace Nashik flourished into prosperity. Reasons, political, religious, as well as commercial led to its rapid development. With the construction of the railway, going from Bombay to north-east, from very near the city, religious minded devotees came to be attracted to The town in ever increasing numbers where they made their purchases of various artistic & useful articles. This made Nashik a great trade centre where artisans skilled in manufacturing utensils & smiths excelling in workmanship in silver & gold crowded to ply their trade. Already Nashik was a highly flourishing town even under later Maratha rule & some time during that period the sow car families like barves, Vaishampayans & Gadres of the locality started their financial activity. Under Maratha rule they advanced sums to finance military campaigns of feudal Sardars & in their later times their Pedhi’s gradually began to finance the flourishing trade in metalware & fabrics as well as grapes & onions. By the middle of 19th century the British Rule was firmly established & the public life of Nashik began to pulsating with activities suited to the times. In 1840 was established a ‘ Native Library Nashik’ . In 1861 an Anglo-vernacular school was started & 1864, The town came to have a municipality of its own.

During these days there lived in Nashik a saintly person, known as Dev Mamaledar. His name was Yeshvant Mahadev Bhosekar. He began his career as an humble clerk in the revenue department & gradually rose to the position of Mamaledar. He always had a feeling for the poor & the suffering. During the period of his service as a Mamlatdar in Baglan Taluka which has its head quarter at Satana , A severe famine affected the area & Bhosekar generously helped the people to alleviate their sufferings. He always led a virtuous life & spent his spare moments in devout religious practices. In course of time he became so famous that princes & people began to respect him as a saint & called him Yeshvantrav Maharaj. Upon his death in 1887 people raised a small beautiful temple for his Samadhi on the bank of the river where his last funeral rites were performed. The paved floor around came to be known as Yeshvant Patangana which has now become a great centre of public assemblage & activity.

Nashik’s struggle for freedom

21st December 1909. Anant Kanhere shot the collector Jackson in Vijayanand theater. The murder of Jackson challenged the British Rule. The people involved in the incidence, Anant LaxmanKanhere, Krishnaji Gopal Karve and Vinayak Ramchandra Deshpande were sentenced to death. It wasduring this time that ‘Abhinav Bharat ‘ was formed. The young Nashikites were influenced by the speech of Lokmanya Tilak given on the 26th of August 1906. Veer Savarkar successfully organised underground movement against the rulers.

The revolutionary activities at Nashik however continued. Although elaborately planned & very cautiously carried out they came to be suddenly interrupted on account of the hot-headed, intemperate & hasty on the part of a group of young men from Aurangabad, who involved some of the weaker members of the Mitra-Mela in their plan. Of these hot-headed persons one Anant Kanhere came to Nashik & on the night of 21st December 1909 suddenly fired at Mr. Jackson, the collector of Nashik when the latter had gone to see a drama ‘Sharada’ stagd by Kirlosker Natak Mandali in the local Vijayanand theater. The collector died on the spot. This set a whole chain of government inquiry into vigorous activity, the result of which was that all those connected with underground activities in the name of Mitra-Mela, including Savarkar, who at that time had been in India came to be arrested, tried & sentenced to severe punishments. The embers of revolution flared , in those days, into Marathi songs full of patriotic fervour written by various writers, prominent among whom was G.T. Darekar popularly called ‘Govind Kavi’ whose poems such as ‘Who could ever win freedom without fight ?’ or addressing his prayer to God Rama & saying ‘When, O Rama, wilt thou be pleased to satisfy our burning desire for freedom,

If Italy be free, why not India ?
If Ireland be free, why not India ?
If America be free, why not India ?’

The tempo in singing such songs in congregation used to enliven the audience & strengthen their determination to face the struggle. Subsequently government banned all such songs & suppressed all undrground activities with a heavy hand. The government had become very sensitive & even an utterance here or there or a display of an objectionable picture led to extreme government action. A few examples would suffice. Shri Khare, a pleader in Nashik , was accused to havesaid the following a few days before the murder of Mr.Jackson : “Today 4 crores of people rule over 33 crores & they have destroyed Indian industries .” . “It is the businessof the white to ruin us black people”. “europeans are like the demon ghost Putana, who was fair outside but poisonous within”. ” The time for action has come. How many of you ae ready to go to jail or to die?” & the like. Shri Khare was asked to submit a personal bond failing which the High Court recommended that his sanad should be suspended till such time that the order to furnish security continues in force Another interesting case was that of Shridhar Waman Nagarkar of Nashik who was sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment for drawing & publishing a picture containing a mythological representation of the slaying of demon Mahish by the Goddess Durga, framed with portrails of certain persons, notorious for sedition. The government took the view that the picture is likely to excite disaffection towards His Majesty or the government established by law in British India. Similar was the case against Devising Mohansing & Shankar Gir Hanumantgir of Nashik for publishing a seditious picture under the title “Rashtra Purusha”. The former was sentenced to three years’ rigorous imprisonment. Given below are the details of Jackson murder case that resulted in the subsequent unrest & discontent:-

Jackson Murder Case

Story of The Nashik Conspiracy

The Mitra Mandal

The evidence in this case establishes that prior to the year 1906 , an association of young men , mostly Brahmans, existed in Nashik under leadership of Ganesh & Vinayak Savarkar which was known as the Mitra-Mela. In it were reproduced the features of other similar associations in the Deccan to which reference has already been made. Exciting songs were prepared for the Ganapati & Shivaji festivals & the members of the Mitra-Mela used to join in singing these songs either in procession or in the precincts of some temple or other place of assembly.

Physical instruction was given to members by one of the witnesses in this case & by a Mahomedan brought for the purpose from Baroda. The activities of the association did not, however, cease there, for we have evidence, which we accept as true, that meetings were held at the house of Ganesh Savarkar & of Aba Darekar, one of the song-writers of the association, at which the biographies of patriotic revolutionists were read & re-read, the particular favourites being Mazzini, Shivaji & Ramdas & where discusssions were carried on with regard to the means for attaining independence for India. At these meetings the methods advocated were the education of public by means of lectures, books & songs, & the preparation for rising against the British Government by collection of arms & ammunition.

We have examples of inflammatory speeches delivered by Vinayak & Narayan Savarkar & by Mahadev Bhat, & a photograph of number of members of the Mitra Mela, several of whom are among the accused, grouped round Vinayak Savarkar in which four or five pictures of Shivaji, A board bearing the words “Bande Mataram” & a book bearing the name of Mazzini on the outer cover are prominently displayed, which corroborate the general description of the aims & methods of the association given by the witnesses.

The photograph Exhibit A-271, to which referance has been made, marks an important stage in the history of the association . Its occasion was the impending departure of Vinayak Savarkar for England in the middle of June 1906, a step which he was enabled to take owing to his being the recipent of a scholarship given by Shamji Krishna Varma, the founder of the India House at Highgate. Up to the time of his departure Vinayak Savarkar had been one of the most active & probably the most stimulating of the members of the Mitra Mela. In the early part of 1906 speeches were delivered by him in Poona & in nashik the object of which was to arouse the country & to suggest how by means of mental training & physical exercises, preparation might be made for successful revolt.

Jackson Murder Case

The following persons were arrested in connection with the murder of Mr. Jackson, Collector of Nashik, on the night of the 21st December, 1909:-

Name Arrested
on
Made
statement on
Anant Laxman Kanhere 21st December 1909 21st December 1909.
Krishna Gopal Karve 24th December 1909 6th January 1910.
Vinayak Narayan Deshpande 23rd December 1909 6th January 1910.
Shankar Ramchandra Soman 23rd December 1909 6th January 1910.
.Waman Daji Narayan Joshi 30th December 1909 4th January 1910.
Ganesh B. Vaidya 22nd December 1909 2nd january 1910.
Dattatraya Pandurang Joshi 22nd December 1909 5th January 1910.

Abhinav Bharat

Before the departure of Vinayak Savarkar the Mitra Mela had developed into or given birth to the Abhinav Bharat or Young India Society a title which the prosecution suggests was borrowed from the “Young Italy” of Muzzini. Its objects were unquestionably revolutionary.
The aim of its members was to be prepared for war. The list of objects enumerated in Exhibit 9B found in the possession of Kashikar in 1909 affords ample corroboration of the evidence of witnesses upon this point.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

After matriculation in 1901, he took admission in Fergusson College of Poona.
He was however more interested in India’s freedom from British rule. The young college students in Poona were charged by the speeches by the patriots and political leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhopatkar etc. The news papers in Poona were also actively participating in creating anti-British atmosphere in the society and appealing society’s feelings of Nationalism. Savarkar was the uncrowned leader of the youth in this movement. In 1905 he burnt the imported clothes as a token of India’s protest to imported clothes. In May 1904, he established an International Revolution Institute named “Abhinav Bharat”. His instigating patriotic speeches and activities irritated the British Government. As a result his B.A. degree was withdrawn by the Government. In June 1906 he left for London to become Barrister. However, once in London, he united and inflamed the Indian students in England against British. He believed in use of arms against the foreign rulers and created a network of Indians in England, equipped with weapons . Although he passed Barrister Examination in England, because of his anti-government activities, he was denied the Degree.

He was the prime inspiration for the Indian students to rise against British rule. The British Government Officers were waiting for some opportunity to arrest him. He was arrested in London on 13 March 1910 on some fabricated offenses. The case against him was to be heard by the court in India. So he was to be sent to India. During his travel in a ship, as the ship neared Marseilles in France, he jumped through a porthole and swam to the port. This was on 8 July 1910. As per the plan, his colleagues were to reach there beforehand. However, they reached late and he was caught by French Police. The French Government denied him asylum.

After the case was decided in India, he was sentenced to 50 years rigorous life imprisonment in Andaman on 24 December 1910. Since 4 July 1911, he was in Andaman Jail in solitude. On 2nd May 1921 he was brought to India from Andaman. Since 1921 to 1922, he was in Alipur (Bengal) and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) Jails. On 6th January 1924, he was released from the jail on two conditions viz. a) He will not actively participate in politics and b) he will stay in Ratnagiri District. He was in house arrest at Ratnagiri. Thereafter he spent his life in different fields of social work. He breathed his last at the age of 83, on Saturday, February 26, 1966. “Prayopveshana” , meaning fast till death, was what he observed and refused any intake of food. His death was like a true warrior. Death did not grab him, he approached death with erect head.

Revolutionary Songs

The books of verse composed by members of the socitey known as the “Laghu Abhinav Bharat Mala” were printed & published in Bombay & Sholapur & were for a long time openly sold though of a most inflammatory character. The publisher of four of the earlier issues of the above series departure for England in 1906 & an edition of 5,000 copies was published in September of that year.

Ganesh Savarkar Sentenced

This series of publications culminated in 1908 with the issue by Ganesh Savarkar of Fiowers 8 & 9 containing a clear incitement to war against the British. They resulted in the arrest of Ganesh Savarkar on the 28th February 1909 & his subsequent conviction & transportation but not before he had made arrangements for the reception in Bombay of a consignment of Browning pistols which were originally destined for Nashik.

Anant Kanhere

The supreme sacrifice of Anant Kanhere , Krishnaji Karve & Vinayak Deshpande is a glorious chapter in the history of Nashik.

The begining of 20th century witnessed increase in atrocities by Britishers on the innocent Indians . Lokmanya Tilak was put behind the bars for 6 years . Babarao alias Ganesh Damodar Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment for publishing the patriotic songs of his younger brother Vinayak Savarkar . Jackson , the then collector of Nashik , was responsible for prosecution of Babarao Savarkar . He tortured Waman Sakharam Khare , a well-known lawyer , so much that Khare lost his mental balance . The only ‘offence ‘ of Khare was : he pleaded for revolutionaries.
All these incidences evoked a sharp reaction in the patriotic youths of Nashik . The last straw came when a British officer beat a farmer to death for not allowing his vehicle to overtake . When the situation was heating up to the boiling point , Jackson was transferred on promotion outside Nashik .
Kanhere & his friends made up their minds : It’s now or never !

A farewell ceremony was arranged for Jackson in the Vijayanand theatre .
A famous Marathi drama Sharada was staged to mark the occasion . Anant Kanhere & his friends were all set to execute their plan . Anant grabed the opportunity & fired at Jackson. As per the plan , Anant tried to commit suicide but he failed to do so . He used one of the 20 revolvers which were sent by Veer Savarkar from England . The historical day was : December 21 , 1909.

It was planned that only Anant should take entire responsibility of the assassination so that other conspirators would remain in dark . But it did not happen . The Police arrested Krushnaji Gopal Karve , Vinayak Narayan Deshpande , Shankarrao Soman , Wamanrao Joshi & Ganu Vaidya . All these youths were detained in the Sarkarwada & were treated brutally to know more about the conspiracy . The torturing Police team was headed by Alikhan who was reputed for his inhuman behavior. The prosecution of these brave youths is well-known in the history of India as ‘Nashik Conspiracy Case’ .

Milestones in the history of Nashik

Some of the major events in the history of Nashik are :
· 1840 : Sarvajanik Vachanalaya established. (Public Library)
· 1854 : Sharanpur Colony formed.
· 1861 : Deolali Cantonment formed.
· 1862 : Nashik Road railway station was built.
· 1864 : Nashik Municipality formed.
· 1869 : Nashik district formed.
· 1894 : Saint Andrew Church built.
· 1894 : Construction work for Victoria Bridge started.
· 1910 : Police Training School established.
· 1922 : Distillery started at Nashik Road.
· 1927 : Security Press formed at Nashik Road.
· 1941 : Artillery Center migrated to Nashik Road from Quetta in Pakistan.

Dutondya Maruti, Nashik

About Nashik

Nashik is a district head quarters located on the banks of Godavari and is 185 km away from Mumbai. The climate is moderate, and is located at 635 m above mean sea level. The city has developed on both the banks of Godavari which divides the city into almost equal halves. The History of the city dates back to Ramayana. There are many references of the city in many epics as well as vedas. Today the city has developed into a metropolis with a population of 14 lakh souls. The city since old days have developed on the banks with basically the design of a religious place How-ever today it has been a flourishing Industrial Centre as well as an educational centre.

Nashik as a Holy Place

The banks or Ghats on the Godavari at Nashik are considered to be sacred. It is believed that all the Sins are washed out by taking Holy dip in the Kundas (Ponds) constructed in the river. Also by performing the last rites, Moksha is attained by the deseased soul. The river in the Ramkunda (Pond) flow from North to South, hence the river becomes Dakshin Wahini i.e. flowing towards South. This gives the Ramkunda a unique place or religious importance. Almost daily 3 to 5 thousand pilgrims come and take Holy dip on the ghats. Also during some imporant days as per Hindus Calender, the number reaches to about 15 to 20 thousand pilgrims on a day. These ocassions are almost 2 to 3 in a month.

Kumbh mela

Kumbhamella is a glorious gathering of Sadhus as well as Pilgrims at a place on some specific days. The gathering is of 10 to 15 lakh people on a day at Nashik. As per the legend, the Amrut was spilled in the Ramkunda and thus on a specific day, by taking bath on the Ghats, on attain ‘Moksha’. This period is called Sinhastha at Nashik and Kumbhamella at other places. It is held after every 12 years. The other places where Kumbhamella is held are Ujjain, Allahabad & Haridwar. The ‘Holy place’ status thus attained is directly linked with the ‘Holy dip’ in the river at the ‘Holy Ghats’. The river Godavari which passes through the city, is having length of 18 kms, in the Municipal Corporation area. There are few villages on the banks. Also the old part of the city is located on both banks. As per the religious beliefs, the stretch of the river from Ahilyabai Holkar Bridge to the Ram setu bridge is considered to be most sacred.

Ancient Temples / Kundas Constructed

Temples:

Kala Ram Temple – Year 1782 by Odhekar family
Sunder Narayan Temple – Year 1756 by Peshwas
Umamaheshar Temple – Year 1758
Nilkantheshwar Temple – Year 1747
Goreram Temple – Year 1720-1740
Naroshankar Temple – Year 1747 by Naroshankar Rajebahadur

Kundas:

Ramkunda – Year 1761-1772 by Peshwas
Murudeshwar – Year 1770

History of Kumbh mela
Kumbhamella’s are held at these places Nashik, Ujjain, Haridwar & Allahabad.
Kumbhamella held after 12 years.
It is believed that at Sins are washed by taking ‘Holy bath’ during Kumbhamella
Parvanis Holy days gather large Crowds and Sadhus.
Area of Corporation : 259.13 sq kms
Present Population : 11.00 lacs (Approx)
Present Water Supply: 120 lpcd

Shree Someshwar Temple, Gangapur, Nashik

Shree Someshwar Temple, Gangapur

Someshwar is On the way to Gangapur dam, tourists are fascinated by the beautiful nature spot called “Someshwar”. There is a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman on the banks of the river Godavari. The area is covered with greenery all over, with a pleasant climate. Tourists can take pleasure of swimming and boating in the river.Someshwar has been a favourite location for many a filmshootings. On the way to Someshwar, there is a village named Anandwalli. It is so named because Peshwas – Anandibai and Raghobadada, lived there for some time. The temple – Navasha Ganpati was built by them.

Shree KalaRam Mandir, Nashik

Shree KalaRam Mandir

Kalaram mandir Another important temple is that of Kala Ram. This temple was built by Peshwas. There are great processions and utsav on Ramnavami, Dasara and Chaitra Padwa (Hindu new year day). The specialty of the temple is that it was built with black stones.The stones were brought from Ramshej 200 years ago. It took 23 lakhs of rupees and 2000 workers to build the temple in 12 years. The apex of the temple is made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple.

Ramkund, Nashik

Ramkund

The most important place in Panchavati is Ramkund. It is so called because Lord Rama is believed to have taken bath there. Mortal remains (Asthi) immersed in this kunda, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this sacred kunda is considered very pious. Situated nearby is Gandhi Lake (Talav) having a memorable monument made out of white marble, in memory of the Father of the Nation. The ashes were dropped in Ramkund after Gandhiji passed away on 30th January 1948. Mr. Nehru was also present on this occasion.

Naroshankar Temple, Nashik

Naroshankar Temple

Situated in Panchavati area, on the bank of river Godavari – fondly called as anga by Nasikites – isNaroshankar Temple of Rameshwar built by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur in 1747. The architectural style of the temple is called “Maya” style. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of temple architecture of the 18th century. The main temple is on a platform. Rather than inside of the temple, sculpture on the outer part is stunning. It has rows of striking designs. One layer is of decorative lacework. The next one is that of peacocks holding bead garlends. In four directions are statues of the saints in Padmasana – one holding rosary, the other one a holy book – they are all scholars. Some of the statues are deformed – their hands are broken. There is also an assembly of animals – tigers, monkeys,elephants etc. This depicts that Hindu culture is not limited only to human beings but also has relation with birds, animals, trees, and nature in general.

Sundarnarayan Temple, Nashik

Sundarnarayan Temple

Sundarnarayan temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge. The story goes like this : Vrinda Devi was a very pious and faithful wife of Jalandar – a wicked demon. Jalandar, a mighty crook, was the devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his prayers and impressed by Jalandar’s wife’s chastity, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that made him immortal. With this boon, Jalandar became vicious and started creating havoc on earth. He not only troubled human beings, but also disturbed the Gods. He even ventured to pick up a quarrel with Lord Shiva himself. It became necessary to eliminate him which was contrary to the boon given by Lord Shiva. The only way out was to suspect Vrinda Devi’s chastity. For this task Lord Vishnu duplicated himself to look like Jalandar and lived with Vrinda Devi. Thus her chastity was suspected and the boon given to Jalandar was withdrawn and he was destroyed. When Vrinda Devi came to know of the trick played by Lord Vishnu, she got furious and cursed Lord Vishnu. His attractive body turned black due to the curse. Lord Vishnu took a holy bath in the river Godavari and regained his complexion. Since he became beautiful again, – the Lord is named as Sundarnarayana. Sundar in Marathi means beautiful.