WHY NASHIK IS CALLED NASHIK?

Introduction

Maharashtra a pilgrim state has a district named Nashik. In this district we have a place called panchavati which is seventeen kilometers away from Nashik road station. According to a legend it is said that Lord Rama, his wife Sita and Rama’s brother Lakshmana lived in panchavati.

Maharashtra

There is something very interesting about Maharashtra for those who are new to this state and those who want to know about it. The state of Maharashtra came into existence on May 1, 1960 (also known as Maharashtra Day) initially with twenty eight districts and recently seven new districts have been formed to the total number of districts to thirty five. These districts are grouped into six administrative divisions. The state is located on the western coast of India. It is India's third largest state by area and second largest by population. It is also one of the richest states in India, contributing to 15% of the country's industrial output and 13.2% of its GDP in year 2005-06. The state covers an area of 307,731 km2 (118,816 sq mi) or 9.84% of the total geographical area of India.

Etymology

The name Maharashtra is derived from a combination of Marathi words Maha means Great, and Rashtra means Nation. Maharashtra literally means Great Nation.

Nashik as Nashik

It was said that Rama in his earthly journey stopped at this place called panchavati which is in Nashik, significantly because he was thrilled by the beauty of the place. Eventually he ordered Lakshmana his brother to build an ashram to enjoy the beauty of this place. What is that attracted him most was the beautiful hills which are near by the river Godavari. The trees with flowers and the sweet singing birds. Lord Rama and Sita lived happily in the service of Lakshmana.

It happened that, one day when Rama had gone to the river to fulfill his morning obligations and prayer, Sita was left alone in the ashram. Here the Surpanakha enters the story. She loved Rama and begs him to marry him, Rama refuses. She thought this was her chance to carry Sita away. She did not notice that Lakshmana was in the woods nearby. She rushed towards Sita. Lakshmana shouted and jumped on the Rakshasi. He caught hold of her hair, kicked her and drew his sword and cut off her breasts and nose. Surpanakha when she was attacked she changed into her original form and attacks Lakshmana. In Marti the nose is called nak in Sanskrit it is called nasika. That is why this place is called Nashik. I think this could be one interpretation.

Thanking you Love and Prayers Papi Reddy Gade