Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra India

Panchavati is a place of religious significance and a pilgrimage spot,near the city of Nashik in Maharashtra, western India. In Hindu theology 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.

Panchavati is believed to be a shelter to Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita during their exile. River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is called as Panchavati.There are five (Pancham) Banyan trees (Vat Vriksha) and hence the area is called Pancha-vati.It is believed to be a part of the Dandakaranya Forest, Since this place acquire a prominent place in the epic, people frequent here to take a holy dip so that they will be cleansed from their sins.