Panchavati
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Panchavati (Marathi: पंचवटी) is a place of religious significance and a pilgrimage spot,[1] near the city of Nashik in Maharashtra, western India. In Hindu mythology and epic Ramayana, Panchavati was the place in the forest of Dandakaranya (Danda Kingdom), where Rama built his home along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their exile period.
[edit] Etymology
The name is derived from the Sanskrit pañca five vata Banyan Tree. The area of five Banyan trees is situated on the banks of River Godavari in Nasik, Maharashtra, India.
[edit] Overview
It has been proposed to identify it with the modern Nasik, because Lakshmana cut off Surpanakha's nose (nasika) at Panchavati.
In Panchavati today, there are five trees marked, one of which is an Ashoka tree. There is also a cave here called Sita Gupha. Sita, Ram and Lakshman prayed here to Lord Shiva. The ancient Shivalinga still exists in the small temple in the cave and is visited by devotees.
According to Hindu legends and Ramayana Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stayed in Panchavati during their Vanvasa period. The Laxman Rekha is located in Panchavati about a kilometre away from Sita Gupha. It was from here that Ravana abducted Goddess Sita. Today this area is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
Panchavati has many temples like Kalaram Temple, Goraram Temple, Sita Gumpha. There are also many temples in Tapovan which is very close to Panchavati.Panchavati is spreaded across 500 acres of land.
Its people are proud of its culture and its five thousand year old tradition. Festivals such as Ganesh Utsav, Gokul Ashtami and Rangpanchami are celebrated with full enthusiasm by the people.Previously it was under the rule of Lord Ram.
On auspicious occasions like Mahashivratri, Rangapanchami, Makar Sankranti people take baths in river Godavari at Ramkund which is considered to be one of the most important places in Indian theology. According to Hindu theology, it is believed to be the place where a few drops of 'amrut' fell while the kalash was carried to the devatas.
[edit] References
- ^ Kapoor, Subodh (ed.) (2002). Encyclopaedia of Ancient Indian Geography. Vol.2. New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. p. 514. ISBN 81-7755-299-6. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=8897ridkczoC&pg=PA514&dq=panchavati+Nashik&ct=result#v=onepage&q&f=false.
