INFORMATION ABOUT AKHADAS

There are 14 Akhadas, of which 11 belong to the Shaiva sect (of the 11 Shaiva Akhadasa, one—Bhudada Akhada—is defunct, while 10 are active) and 3 to the Vaishnava sect. 

The Shaiva Akhadas take a holy dip at Kushavart in Trimbakeshwar, about 30 km from Nashik. 

The Vaishnav Akhadas perform rituals at Ramkund in Godavari and stay at Tapovan. 

The Vaishnava Akhadas have Khalsas (religious groups headed by Mahantas attached with Akhadas) attached with them. 

Both Shaiva and Vaishnava Sadhus used to take the holy dip in Trimbakeshwar, until 1838, when a clash between them led to bloodshed and the Peshwa ruler requested Shaiva sadhus to perform rituals at Trimbakeshwar and Vaishnavs to move downstream to Ramakunda in Nasik

WHY? this place was named as "Nasik"????

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At the same place Lakshmana, cut off the nose of Surpanakha and thus this place was named as "Nasik"(in Sanskrit Nasika means nose). Several other references to the Ramayana can be found, which includes the Sita Gumpha caves, from where Sita, Lord Rama's wife, was abducted by Ravana.

The Nasik Kumbh mela celebration is held 
once in every 12 years in Nashik - it is scheduled for 2015. It draws millions of devotees and tourists from all over the country and the world. Trimbakeshwar is a holy town that houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. It also is the origin of the river Godavari and is situated 38 kms away from Nasik. The Sinhasta Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. According to historical records, Nasik is one of four places where the elixir of immortality, the 'Amrit', fell to earth from a pitcher as gods and demons were engaged in the tussle to gain the ownership of the jar full of 'Amrit'. The Kumbh Mela rotates among the four holy sites every three years. The Kumbh Mela is marked by millions of devotees' plunge into the river Godavari that is believed would cleanse their souls leading to salvation. A ritual bath at a predetermined time and place s the major event of the festival.

Nasik Maha Kumbh 2015

The next Kumbha Mela will be held at Nashik (Maharashtra). The details of most auspicious days (bathing dates) in year 2015 during Nashik Kumbh Mela are:

• 14th July 2015 (Tuesday): Flag hoisting of the main ceremony at Ram Kunda
• 14th August 2015 (Friday): Flag hoisting of the Akhara at Sadhugram
• 26th August 2015 (Wednesday): Shravan Shudha- First Snan
• 29th August 2015 (Saturday): Shravan Purnima - First Shahi Snan at Ram Kunda
• 13th September 2015 (Sunday): Bhadrapad Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan/ Main bathing  day
• 18th September 2015 (Friday): Bhadrapad 
• Shukla Panchmi (Rushipanchami) - Third Shahi Snan
• 25th September 2015 (Friday): Bhadrapad Shukla Dwadashi - Vaman Dwadashi Snan

QUESTION :Timing for Trimbakeshwar nasik how we know ?

ANSWER : 

Kumbh Mela is celebrated at different locations depending on the position of the planet of Bṛhaspati (Jupiter) and the sun. When Jupiter and the sun are in the zodiac sign Leo (Singh
                                                                                     

Morden Nashik is a mini-Mumbai, a haphazard shamble of high-rises fringing both sides of the Mumbai-Agra-Highway. The heart of the old coty couldn't be more different-- a congested beehive of activity, with narrow streets and ancient temples throbbing which flows a sacred Indian river.

Panchvati is the center of spiritual action. It's best to start with the sites clustered around Panchavati, then reach out to Anjneri and then the sacred Trymbakeshwar Joytirlinga.

                      The important temples you can visit in Panchavati include Naroshankar Temple, across the river from Ramkund, the Kapileswara Temple, set on a slight rise near Ramkund and the 70-foot-high black stone Kalaram Temple with its gold-plated dome located a short drive west of Panchavati. A little further out is Muktidham Temple, 7 km south-west of the city, just off NH50.

                     Tryambakesyhwar, 28 km from Nashik, is the site of what is popularity called the Nashik Kumbh. The town has an extra-special Joytirlinga -- the waters of the Godavari literally spout out of the center of the rock linha. The Next Kumbh  in Trymbakeshwar will fall in August-September 2015.

Special Bathing Dates of Nasik Kumbh Mela- 2015
The flag hoisting of the main ceremony	14 July 2015 at Ram Kunda
The flag hoisting of the Akharas	19 Aug. 2015 at Sadhugram
Shravan Shudha Pratham (First) Snan	26 Aug. 2015
Shravan Sudha pornima (First Shahi Snan)	29 Aug. 2015
Bhadrapad Krushna Amavasya Dwitiya (Second Shahi Snan)	13 Sept. 2015 (Main Bathing Day)
Bhadrapad Rushipanchami Dwitiya (Third Shahi Snan)	18 Sept. 2015
Bhadrapad Shukla Vaman Dwadashi Tritiya	25 Sept. 2015