About Ramkund
Ramkund is the most sacred river ghat in Nashik, located on the banks of the holy Godavari River in the ancient Panchavati area. Built in 1696 CE by Chitrarao Khatarkar and later restored by Gopikabai — mother of the fourth Peshwa Madhavrao — this rectangular stone tank (27 × 12 metres) stands as one of Maharashtra's most revered pilgrimage sites.
🌊 Asthi Vilaya Tirtha — Ramkund is also known as Asthi Vilaya Tirtha (the Bone Immersion Tank). According to legend, Lord Rama performed his father King Dasharatha's funeral rites here and immersed his ashes in these sacred waters. Hindus believe that immersing the ashes of departed loved ones here grants moksha (liberation) to the soul.
The Godavari River makes a 90-degree turn at this very location, a geographical feature considered divinely significant. Notable figures including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi had their ashes scattered here. Every 12 years, Ramkund becomes the epicentre of the Nashik Kumbh Mela — one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth.
Spiritual Significance
Ramkund is far more than a bathing tank — it is a living centre of Hindu faith, ancestral rites, and Ramayana heritage. Each element of this sacred site carries deep spiritual meaning.
Ramayana Connection
Lord Rama's Sacred Ghat
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent a significant part of their 14-year exile in the Panchavati region of Nashik. Ramkund is the exact spot where Lord Rama is believed to have bathed during this period, forever sanctifying these waters.
Ancestral Rites
Asthi Visarjan & Pind Daan
Thousands of Hindus visit Ramkund each year to immerse the ashes of their deceased loved ones (Asthi Visarjan) and perform Pind Daan — ancestral offerings. The site's unique mineral-rich waters are believed to help bones dissolve quickly, returning the departed to nature.
Kumbh Mela
Simhastha Kumbh Nashik
Ramkund is the primary site for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years. According to the Skanda Purana, drops of the divine nectar (Amrit) fell at four places — Nashik being one of them. The next Kumbh Mela in Nashik is scheduled for 2026.
Temple Tank
108 Sacred Niches
The walls of Ramkund contain 108 small niches — in ancient times, oil lamps were lit here, creating a breathtaking reflection on the water like stars in the sky. Adjacent to the kund is the Kapaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the famous Gandhi Talav lake.
How to Reach from Shirdi
Ramkund in Nashik is approximately 190 km from Shirdi. The drive takes about 3.5 hours via NH 160. It is ideally combined with a visit to Kalaram Temple, Pandavleni Caves, and Muktidham for a full Nashik pilgrimage day trip.
Private Taxi (Recommended)
The most comfortable option. Book a full-day taxi from Shirdi to cover Ramkund, Kalaram Temple, Pandavleni Caves, and Muktidham in one trip. Drivers familiar with Nashik's Panchavati area are readily available from all Shirdi hotels.
State Bus (MSRTC)
Regular MSRTC buses connect Shirdi to Nashik CBS (Central Bus Stand). From Nashik CBS, Ramkund is just 4 km — easily reached by auto-rickshaw or local city bus towards Panchavati.
By Train
Nashik Road Railway Station is the nearest railhead, approximately 10 km from Ramkund. Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, and major cities stop here. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available outside the station.
By Air
Nashik's Ojhar International Airport is approximately 24 km from Ramkund. Mumbai Airport, 167 km away, offers more flight options with road connectivity to Nashik via NH 3 (Nashik-Mumbai Expressway).
Shirdi to Nashik route tip: Take NH 160 (Shirdi–Ahmednagar–Nashik highway) for the fastest route. Start by 6:00 AM from Shirdi to reach Ramkund by 9:30 AM — perfect timing for the morning aarti and a peaceful holy dip before the crowds arrive. Combine with Kalaram Temple (just 2 km from Ramkund) for a complete Panchavati pilgrimage.
Rituals, Timings & Aarti
Open Hours: Ramkund Ghat is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Entry is free for all visitors.
- Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM): The most spiritually auspicious time for a holy dip. The ghat is calm and serene, filled with morning prayers and chants — the best time for a truly immersive spiritual experience.
- Daylight Hours (6:00 AM – 8:00 PM): Local priests (Pandits) are available during these hours to assist with Asthi Visarjan, Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Shradh rituals for ancestors.
- Evening Godavari Aarti (7:00 PM): The daily Goda Ghat Aarti at Ramkund is one of Nashik's most moving experiences — lamps, bells, and devotional chants on the riverbank at dusk create an atmosphere of profound spirituality.
- Changing Rooms: Separate changing areas for men and women are available at the ghat, maintained by the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
- Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended. Men may wear dhoti or trousers; women are advised to wear sarees or salwar kameez. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops as a mark of respect.
- Photography: Photography of the river and aarti is permitted. Please avoid photographing devotees during private rituals such as Pitri Tarpan — observe respectfully and at a distance.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips
Best season: October to March — pleasant weather (10°C to 25°C) ideal for ghat walks and outdoor rituals. Avoid summer afternoons when temperatures rise sharply.
- Visit early morning (before 8:00 AM) for a peaceful, crowd-free experience on the ghat steps.
- Remove footwear before stepping onto the ghat — footwear stands are available near the steps.
- Do not carry heavy bags, laptops, or valuables — the ghats are open public areas with no lockers. Stay vigilant in crowds.
- Monsoon (July–September) brings a lush, photogenic riverside atmosphere but slippery ghat steps require extra caution.
- Non-Hindus are generally welcome to walk along the ghats and adjacent areas; entry to the inner sanctum during certain rituals may be restricted.
- Combine your Ramkund visit with Kalaram Temple (2 km), Muktidham Temple, Pandavleni Caves, and Sita Gufa for a comprehensive Nashik Panchavati spiritual circuit.
- During Kumbh Mela years: The site becomes extremely crowded. On Shahi Snan (royal bath) days, general public entry to Ramkund is restricted until afternoon.
Nearby Attractions
Panchavati in Nashik is a dense cluster of sacred sites — all within walking distance of Ramkund. Make the most of your day trip from Shirdi by exploring these spiritual landmarks:
- Kalaram Temple (~2 km from Ramkund) — The iconic black-stone Rama temple in Panchavati. One of Maharashtra's most revered shrines, housing a rare black idol of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. A must-visit alongside Ramkund. Learn more →
- Muktidham Temple (~8 km from Ramkund) — A stunning all-white Rajasthani marble temple complex housing replicas of all 12 Jyotirlingas and 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on its walls. Learn more →
- Pandavleni Caves (~10 km from Ramkund) — Ancient 2,000-year-old Buddhist rock-cut caves on Trirashmi Hill with extraordinary carvings, inscriptions, and hilltop panoramic views. Learn more →
- Sita Gufa (near Ramkund) — A sacred cave where Sita Mata is believed to have sheltered during the Ramayana exile, surrounded by ancient banyan trees.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple (~30 km from Nashik) — One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located at the source of the Godavari River — an essential addition to any Nashik spiritual itinerary.