Place Details:
One of the most revered temples in Nashik city in Maharashtra, the Sundarnarayan Temple lies near the Ahilyabai Holka bridge. The temple is closely associated with the tale of Jalandar, a wicked demon, and his faithful and pious wife Vrinda Devi. Jalandar once received the boon of immortality from the god Shiva, and he used this power to wreck havoc in the world, even confronting Shiva himself. Realizing that the only way to win against this threat was to attack the chastity of Vrinda Devi, the god Vishnu took the form of Jalandar and came to her. Her faith and chastity gone, the angry Vrinda Devi cursed Vishnu to turn black. It was only when he bathed in the waters of the Godavari that he regained his beauty. He is thus called Sundarnarayana, and the temple is dedicated to him.
Built in 1756 by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud, the temple uses simple Mughal-inspired architecture, but with fine details carved on its stone. Along with Vishnu, the goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi are also venerated here. The temple is designed in a way that every March 21, the rising sun’s first rays fall upon the idols. The road here that leads to the river also has a pond named Badarika Sangam. It is said that the local king, Devgiri, bathed and performed his rites at the pond. Badarika Sangam is also mentioned in Dnyaneshwari, a holy book.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NASHIK
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Nashik is as given below. The best time to visit Nashik is also specified.
