Sacred Laxmi Narayan Temple/Pavitra povan, Nashik, Nashik

At the present-day Tapovan, situated at the confluence of the Godavari and Kapila rivers, Bhagwan Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita spent a period of their exile. Since numerous great sages and ascetics performed severe penance here for hundreds of years, this region of Dandakaranya came to be known as ‘Tapovan’. The Lakshmi Narayan temple in Tapovan is the only sacred site where devotees devoutly believe that Bhagwan resides in two different avatars—Shri Rama and Shri Krishna.


There are several holy kunds (water tanks) at the confluence of the Godavari and Kapila rivers in Tapovan. According to legend, when Shri Rama arrived here along with Sita and Lakshmana, He instructed Sita to place her original form within the fire. Accordingly, Sita invoked Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, entered the fire in Their presence, and began living in the illusory form at Sita Gufa in Panchavati. Consequently, along with Brahmatirtha, Vishnutirtha, and Shivatirtha, there are Sita Kund (Saubhagya Tirtha) and Agni Kund here. Rishi Kapila also performed penance here for many years, which is why the local river was named ‘Kapila’. An idol of Rishi Kapila is situated near these kunds on the banks of the Kapila River. Furthermore, it was right here that Lakshmana severed the nose and ears of Shurpanakha.


There are several temples in the Tapovan area, including Shri Rama Parnakuti, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Sarvadharma Temple, and Shaineshwar Temple. It is said that Bhagwan Shri Rama spent a portion of His exile in this leaf-hut (parnakuti). The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple here is a prominent spiritual destination and is considered the sacred manifestation site of the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years. This temple plays a vital role during the Kumbh Mela. During this period, arrangements for the accommodation and meals of thousands of devotees, saints, and mahants are made here.

According to a legend associated with this temple, hundreds of sages performed penance in the Tapovan area during the Treta Yuga. During His exile, Shri Rama also came here to perform penance. Beholding the radiant form of Shri Rama, some of the sages expressed a desire to experience marital love with Him, and were even willing to transform into women to do so; however, Shri Rama told the sages that this wish would be fulfilled in His future avatar. Later, in the Krishna avatar, these sages manifested as Gopis in Vrindavan. After experiencing the divine love of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, these sages-turned-Gopis implored Shri Krishna to come to Tapovan and dwell with them. Consequently, Shri Krishna began to reside here, and that very site is today’s Lakshmi-Narayan Temple in Tapovan.

With its three tall shikhara (spires), the distinctiveness of the Lakshmi-Narayan Temple in Tapovan catches the eye from afar. Just inside the entrance on the left side is the Narayaneshwar Mahadev Temple, which houses idols of the Shivlinga, Nandi, Hanuman, Ganesha, Dattatreya, and Goddesses. Outside the main assembly hall (sabhamandapa), there are small, shrine-like alcoves dedicated to Maruti and Garuda. Inside the spacious, open sabhamandapa supported by numerous pillars, there is a large idol of Ganesha on the left. Comprising a sabhamandapa and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the garbhagriha of this temple is divided into 3 parts, with the idol of Lakshmi-Narayan placed in the central garbhagriha. The garbhagriha on the left houses the idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, while the right side features the idol of Shri Krishna. All these idols are carved in white marble, and their divine facial expressions, attire, and ornaments accentuate their beauty.

A goshala (cow shelter) spans about one and a half acres within the temple premises, where service is rendered to more than 100 cows. The complex also houses a saint’s dwelling (santinivas), a dispensary, and a school. During the two months of the Kumbh Mela, free arrangements for accommodation and meals for sadhus, saints, and devotees are provided at the santinivas here. Annadanam (donation of food) is also offered to devotees on Amavasya, Purnima, and Govardhan Puja (Kartik Shukla Pratipada). The major festivals celebrated here are Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Ramnavami, Diwali, and Ganeshotsav, during which devotees flock to the temple. Aarti and worship are performed daily at 7 in the morning and 8 in the night, attended by local residents and devotees.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery