Holy dip, Asthi Visarjan and puja at Ramkund and Trimbakeshwar
At the Nashik Kumbh Mela pilgrims take a holy dip in the Godavari at Ramkund in Nashik or at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar, perform Asthi Visarjan and Pind Daan for ancestors at Ramkund, and book special pujas at Trimbakeshwar. Agree the dakshina in advance, ask for a receipt and follow the police and volunteers at the ghats.
Where do pilgrims take the holy dip?
- Ramkund, Nashik - the main ghat on the Godavari in Panchavati, linked with Lord Rama. Vaishnav akharas take their Shahi Snan here.
- Kushavarta Kund, Trimbakeshwar - the sacred tank near the source of the Godavari. Shaiva akharas take their Shahi Snan here.
- Other ghats along the Godavari in Nashik are opened for pilgrims to spread the crowd.
On Shahi Snan days the akharas bathe first, in procession; pilgrims bathe after them or at the other ghats. See the snan dates.
How do I take the holy dip safely?
- Go early and keep your group together; agree on a meeting point.
- Leave valuables at your stay. Carry a copy of your ID and a phone number written on paper.
- Stay inside the barricaded bathing area and do not go into deep water.
- Take a short dip and make way for others; change in the changing rooms.
- Follow police, lifeguards and volunteers. In an emergency use the helplines.
How is Asthi Visarjan done at Ramkund?
Asthi Visarjan is the immersion of a departed person's ashes in the Godavari at Ramkund, done with a priest who recites the mantras.
- Bring the ashes (asthi) in a cloth or urn, and flowers.
- Meet a priest at the ghat and agree the dakshina before you start.
- The priest performs a short puja and sankalp with the family.
- The ashes are immersed in the river at the place the priest shows.
- Many families also perform Pind Daan or Shraddha the same day.
Which pujas are done at Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Families come for darshan and for rituals such as Narayan Nagbali, Kaal Sarp puja, Tripindi Shraddha and Rudrabhishek. Some take more than one day, so plan your stay and book with the priest in advance.
How do I find a genuine priest and avoid scams?
- Book through the temple trust or a priest recommended by people you know; ask for the priest's name and phone number.
- Agree the full dakshina and what it includes before the ritual starts.
- Ask for a written receipt.
- Be careful with people who approach you in the crowd offering a "special" puja or quick darshan for money.
- Report problems at a police help desk; see safety and help.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Asthi Visarjan done in Nashik?
At Ramkund on the Godavari in Panchavati, with a priest who performs the puja and sankalp.
Where do the akharas take the Shahi Snan?
Vaishnav akharas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik and Shaiva akharas at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar.
Can ordinary pilgrims bathe on a Shahi Snan day?
Yes, after the akhara processions have bathed, or at the other ghats opened for pilgrims.
How do I avoid puja scams?
Book through the temple trust or a known priest, agree the dakshina first, ask for a receipt and ignore strangers offering quick darshan for money.
