Shirdi:-
Shirdi, a small village in Kopargam Taluk, in Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra is regarded to be an important pilgrimage place in India as sage Sai Baba lived here till his death. It is about 285 km, which is 6 hours drive from Mumbai. After his death, Sai Baba's fame has spread far and wide. Sai Baba believed and respected all religions. Samadhi Temple was started during the lifetime of Sai Baba, with a view to having a temple of Sri Krishna. But later, Sai Baba himself decided to live there. So, after Sai Baba attained Nirvana (eternal peace), His mortal remains were buried at the place. The articles and valuables, which were used by the Baba, are exhibited in a room here.
Thrimbakeswar:-
This place is famous for the Trimbakeshwar Temple and as the source of the Godavari River. Trimbakeshwar is about 38 km away from Nashik. Trimbakeshwar enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva and this one is considered to be the main jyotirlinga.
One of the holy places of not only Maharashtra but the whole India is near Nashik. Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (of lord shiva) in India. At the time of the marriage of Lord Shiva with Miss Parvati, all the Devarshis gathered together. Brahmadev, the creator of the Universe, seeing the beauty of Parvati, had a discharge of semen. Lord Shiva observing this, offered him water of Ganges, the purest water and said, “You will wipe off your sin by this water”.
Brahmadev kept the holy water in his kamandalu (a particular container made out of dried fruit carried by Sadhus) and was purified by its bath. Rathayatra of Trimbakeshwar - On the full moon day of the month Kartika , called Tripuri Paurnima- sometime in November
There are modern Dharmashalas (caravansary) built by charitable Gujarathi Community available for stay for three days to any individual. The stay can be extended by written permission of the trustees. Besides, there are big houses of Kshetropadhyes (the local priests), where lodging and boarding is made available.
Dudhasagar Waterfalls:-
Dudhasagar waterfall, situated at Someshwar is a favourite destination for youngsters where they come often to liven up their spirits. This is one of the best picturesque spots in Nashik. The waterfalls are 10m long and the water is milky white, so it is called Dudhsagar waterfall.
Dudhsagar waterfalls situated at a distance of 60 Km from Margoa; that is, on the border of Goa and Karnataka and lying on the eastern border of Goa-Karnataka, is a beholder's delight.
Dudhsagar Waterfall is amongst the top 100 highest waterfalls in the world. This cascading waterfall takes a steep plunge of 2000 feet down in the wooded mountains of the Western Ghats. It is also believed to be one of the highest falls in the country.
The magnificent falls are located in an idyllic tropical forest with intersecting streams all along, thus, rendering an awesome look when viewed from the top. The falls looks even better at the mysterious radiance of the first morning sun.
Saptashringi Devi Temple :-
The Saptashrungi Devi temple is located at Vani near Nashik in Maharashtra. This temple is one among the 51 Shakti peethas located on the Indian subcontinent.
The Devi is said be swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit), hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks). The image of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons.
The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. She is believed to be Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo. Hence, at the foot of the hill, from where one starts climbing the steps, there is the head of a buffalo, made is stone, and believed to be that of the demon.
Mahishasur Mandir.
The temple is at Wani, which is 55 km from Nashik. This temple is at Saptashringi Hill. The presiding goddess Saptashringi Devi has 18 weapons in 18 hands and is positioned ready to fight the demons. Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI) or at Sitakund at Mhasrul village is on the way. Sita the wife of Rama used to bathe at this is the site.
