History behind the name of nashik

History behind Name of Nashik

Or

बारस

Nashik is an ancient city of India. References are found showing its importance in all the four Yugas. It was known as Padmanagar in Kruta Yuga, Janasthana in Dwapar Yuga and Nashik in Kali-Yuga. It has many associations with the Hindu epic Ramayana. Lord Ram his wife Sita and Laxman was said to have cut off the nose (Nasika) of Ravana’s sister Shurpanakha here, thus giving the city name “Nashik”.

Ramayana Period

No one knows when the city of Nashik came into existence. It is stated to have Kalaram Nashikbeen present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra along with wife Sita and brother Laxman settled down in Nashik for the major time of their "Vanwasa". According to the mythology, Laxman cut the nose ("Nasika" in Sanskrita) of "Shurpanakha" and hence the city got the name 'Nashik'. Long ago, Brahmadeva had meditated in "Padmasana" here, so the city was also called "Padma-Aasana" for some time. It is also believed that, Lord Vishnu had defeated the three demons and thus city also had the name "Tri-Kantak" (Tri = Three).

During Peshwa's period

In the recent past, the Moguls were fascinated by the beauty of the city and renamed it as "Gulshanabad" meaning the city of gardens. Beautiful fresh flowers were sent to Aurangazeb from Gulshanabad i.e. Nashik. But it was during the rule of the Peshwas, when the place was finally renamed as Nashik. During the Peshwas period, Raghobadada and his wife Anandibai settled down at 'Anandwalli' in Nashik. There Are some remains of Anandibai's fort. There is also a temple called 'Navasha Ganapati' built by Anandibai. It was during the British rule in April 1818, when Nashik once again regained its importance. The British fell in love with the beauty of the city and developed it in various fields. The Golf course, developed by the British, was one of the largest in Asia. Nashik is surrounded by nine hills, namely: Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul, Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani. This beautiful city with hills surrounding it has lakes, adding to its beauty.

There is confusion whether it is pronounced Nasik or Nashik. Before 1982 both the city and district were called by the name Nasik. On 7 November 1982 the population of Nasik City exceeded to 1.2 million, so as per incorporation rules, Nasik City became a Corporation. Since then the city name has changed to Nashik City.