The Aranya Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana describes how Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana made their home during part of their forest exile at Panchavati — named for the five (pancha) banyan (vata) trees that grew there. The Godavari flows through this area, which is why it earned the name Dakshin Ganga (the Ganga of the south).
It is here that the episode with Shurpanakha is described, and where the events leading to Sita's abduction unfold. The Lakshman Rekha — the protective line Lakshmana drew — is placed by tradition at Panchavati. Today, the ancient part of Nashik that holds these traditional sites is called Panchavati, while the broader city has grown around it. Trimbakeshwar, the source of the Godavari and the site of a Jyotirlinga, is about thirty kilometres away.
Nashik is one of the four cities that hosts the Kumbh Mela — the Godavari Simhastha, held every twelve years when Jupiter enters Leo.
Ramkund is the most revered ghat on the Godavari at Nashik — it is said that Rama bathed here during his stay. The tradition of bathing at Ramkund and then visiting the nearby temples has continued for centuries.
During the Simhastha Kumbh, Nashik and the Godavari bank become one of the most vibrant places in Maharashtra. The combination of Ramayana significance and Kumbh tradition makes this tirtha unique among the four Kumbh sites.
- Panchavati is on the Godavari bank — the ancient part of Nashik.
- Tradition: bathe at Ramkund, then visit temples in the Panchavati area.
- Simhastha Kumbh every twelve years brings large pilgrim gatherings.
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (Godavari source) is ~30 km away.