Ramkund, Nashik
The Holy Water of Panchvati
Ramkund Nashik: The Holy Water of Panchvati
Ramkund is the most sacred place in Nashik. It is a large pond made of stone on the banks of the Godavari River. Thousands of people visit this place every day to pray and take a holy dip.
“Ramkund is not just a local water tank; it is the main center of holy travel in Maharashtra. Located in the middle of the rich Godavari river area, this sacred place has pulled in saints, kings, and people looking for God for thousands of years. Among all the big Hindu holy sites in India, Ramkund holds a very special place because it joins ancient river worship with deep historical roots.”
History of Ramkund Nashik
The stone pond we see today was built during the time of the Maratha Empire.
- Built in 1696: A man named Chitrarao Khatarkar built the pond.
- Repaired by Royalty: Later, the mother of the fourth Peshwa, Gopikabai, fixed the stone steps.
- Exact Size: According to the 1883 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, the pond is a perfect square. It is exactly 80 feet long and 80 feet wide.
The Story of Lord Ram
The name “Ramkund” comes from the hero of the Ramayana.
- The Holy Bath: The Padma Purana says that Lord Ram took a bath here every day during his years in Panchavati.
- The Last Rites: Lord Ram performed the final prayers for his father here. He put the ashes into this water. Because of this, millions of people still come here to do the same for their family members who have passed away.
- It is believed that putting ashes here during Asthivisarjan makes the bones disappear naturally, giving the soul peace and freedom forever.
The Science: Why do Bones Dissolve?
Ramkund is also called Asthivilaya Tirtha. This means “The Place where Bones Dissolve.”
- Fast Dissolving: In most rivers, bones take a very long time to disappear. In Ramkund, they dissolve very fast.
- Natural Minerals: The 1883 Gazetteer mentions that the rocks under the water have special minerals. These minerals help the bones turn back into nature quickly.
Three Rivers meet: There are two small rivers named Aruna and Varuna that flow underground. They meet the Godavari exactly at Ramkund. This makes the water flow very fast and stay clean.
The Kumbh Mela
Ramkund is the main center for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
- Every 12 Years: The festival happens only once every 12 years. This is called the Simhastha Kumbh.
- The Story of Nectar: The Skanda Purana explains that during a war between Gods and Demons, drops of the “Nectar of Immortality” (Amrit) fell at four places. Ramkund is one of those four places.
The Next Date: The next Kumbh Mela in Nashik will start in 31 October 2026. During this time, the water is believed to turn into pure nectar.
The 108 Small Temples
If you look closely at the walls of the pond, you will see many small holes or “niches.”
- There are 108 of these small spots.
- In the old days, people would light 108 oil lamps here at night. It looked like the stars were shining in the water.
The Temple with No Bull
Right next to the pond is the Kapaleshwar Temple. This temple is very famous for one unique fact.
- The Missing Nandi: In almost every Shiva temple, there is a statue of Nandi (the bull). But here, there is no Nandi.
The Reason: The Brahma Purana tells a story that the bull (Nandi) gave advice to Lord Shiva. Nandi told Shiva to bathe in Ramkund to wash away a sin. Because Nandi was the “Teacher,” Lord Shiva did not put him in the usual spot.
Ramkund Timings & Atmosphere
Ramkund is open 24 hours a day, but the energy and crowd change completely depending on the time.
| Time | Rituals |
|---|---|
|
4:00 AM – 6:00 AM |
Brahma Muhurta |
|
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
Pinda Daan (Rituals) |
|
7:00 PM |
Ganga Godavari Aarti |
|
9:00 PM onwards |
Night Time |
Godavari Aarti: Dates and Timings 2026
Location: Goda Ghat, Panchavati, Nashik
Event Name : Daily Goda Ghat Aarti
Time : Every Evening at 7.00 PM
Experience: A beautiful prayer with large lamps and bells on the riverbank.
Famous Festivals at Ramkund (2026)
| Date | Festivals |
|---|---|
|
January 14, 2026
|
Makar Sankranti
|
|
February 15, 2026
|
Mahashivratri |
|
March 26, 2026
|
Ram Navami
|
|
October 31, 2026 |
Kumbh Mela Start
|
|
November 24, 2026
|
Tripurari Purnima
|
📸 Photography You can take pictures of the river, the Aarti, and the beautiful surroundings. However, please be respectful and do not take close-up photos of people performing private prayer rituals (Pitri Tarpan).
🩴 Footwear Shoes and sandals are not allowed near the edge of the holy water. You must leave your footwear at the stands near the steps before you enter the Ghat area.
🎒 Bags & Safety The Ghats are an open public area with no lockers or safe places to keep your things. Do not carry heavy bags, laptops, or expensive items. Be very careful of pickpockets and thieves in the crowds. It is best to leave your bags in your hotel or locked in your car.
Since Ramkund is in the busy, old center of Panchvati, driving directly to the main entrance is a bad idea. You will get stuck in traffic.
🅿️ Parking Hack The best way to visit Ramkund is to avoid the narrow market lanes of Panchavati Karanja completely.
The Location: Set your map to “Gauri Patangan Parking” or “Prachin Shri Goreram Mandir.”
Accessibility: This gives you open riverside parking. From here, Ramkund is just a simple, flat 5-minute walk along the river. This is highly recommended if you are traveling with older family members, as it avoids the crowded city walking.
Parking Charges: Around ₹30 – ₹50. It saves you time and keeps your car safe from scratches in the narrow lanes.
⚠️ Safety Warning: Slippery Steps & Deep Water
While the 1696 stone architecture is beautiful, getting into the water requires serious caution:
The Risk: The lower stone steps (ghats) are always wet and often covered in green moss. They are as slippery as ice.
The Depth: The water level drops suddenly, and the river current can be strong.
Advice: Always hold the heavy iron chains fixed at the banks when taking a holy dip. If you are traveling with elderly relatives—especially anyone with heart conditions or low physical stamina—ensure you hold their hand tightly. A sudden slip here can cause serious injury. Never let children walk on the wet stones alone.
How to Reach Ramkund, Nashik
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Ramkund is the spiritual center of Nashik. Built in 1696 by Chitrarao Khatarkar and later repaired by the mother of the fourth Peshwa, it is the exact spot where Lord Ram stayed during his exile. It is globally famous as the place where Lord Ram performed the last rites for his father and immersed his ashes.
According to the 1883 Gazetteer, the rocks under the water contain unique minerals that help bones return to nature quickly. Additionally, the meeting of the underground Aruna and Varuna rivers with the Godavari creates a fast current that keeps the water clean and active.
The best time is during Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM). At this time, you can experience the morning silence and take a holy dip before the city becomes crowded.
Yes, photography of the river and the evening Aarti is allowed. However, it is important to be respectful and avoid taking photos of families performing private ancestral rituals (Pitri Tarpan).
Yes, but you must be careful. The stone steps are often very slippery due to moss. Always hold the heavy iron chains fixed at the banks and watch your footing. Children and the elderly should never be left alone near the water.
Avoid the narrow market lanes. The best “parking hack” is to set your map to “Gauri Patangan Parking” or “Prachin Shri Goreram Mandir.” It offers riverside parking and a flat, 5-minute walk to Ramkund.
The next Simhastha Kumbh Mela will officially begin on October 31, 2026, with the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ramkund.