shik Kumbh: A temple that opens once in 12 years

shik, July 14: The Shree Ganga Godavari Temple at Ramkund on Tuesday threw open its doors after 12 years to coincide with the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2015 which has begun in the twin pilgrim centres of shik and Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra. Thousands made a beeline for the temple, on the banks of the Godavari river, since early morning for prayers. Dedicated to Goddess Godavari, temple priest S.W. Jadhav led the morning prayers. “This is the only temple which opens to coincide with the 12-year Kumbh Mela cycle in shik. When it is closed for another 12 years, people pray from outside,” Jadhav told the media and pilgrims. Besides the Shree Ganga Godavari Temple, there are a total of 108 temples in and around Ramkund, making it one of the holiests Hindu sites in the country. Ramkund is associated with Lord Shiva, and the Kapaleshwar Temple here is said to be the only temple in the country without an idol of ndi.  (IANS)