Panchavati
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Panchavati is a famous religious and pilgrimage place in India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit pañca five vata Banyan Tree. The area of five Banyan trees is situated on the banks of River Godavari in Nasik, Maharashtra, India.It has been proposed to identify it with the modern Nasik, because Lakshmana cut off Surpanakha's nose (nasika) at Panchavati.
In Panchavati today, there are five trees marked, one of which is an Ashoka tree, however. There is also a cave here where Sita, Ram and Lakshman prayed to Lord Shiva which is known as Sita Gumpha. The ancient Shivlinga still exists in the small place of worship in the cave and is visited by devotees.
According to Hindu legends and Ramayana Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman, stayed in Panchavati during their Vanwasa period. The famous Laxman Rekha is located in Panchavati about a kilometre away from Sita Gumpha. It was from this place that Ravana abducted goddess Sita. Today this area is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
