Chandwad

For the village in Palghar district, see Chandwad, Dahanu.
Chandwad
चांदवड
Chandvad
Town

National Highway 3 at Chandwad
Chandwad

Location in Maharashtra, India

Coordinates: 20°19′45″N 74°14′40″E / 20.32917°N 74.24444°E / 20.32917; 74.24444Coordinates: 20°19′45″N 74°14′40″E / 20.32917°N 74.24444°E / 20.32917; 74.24444
Country  India
State Maharashtra
District Nashik
Population
 • Total 205,189
Demonym(s) Chandwadkar
Language
 • Official Marathi
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 423101
Vehicle registration MH-15
Nearest city Nashik
Website http://www.chandwadtaluka.com

Chandwad (IPA:Cāndavaḍa) is a town located in the Nashik district in Maharashtra. It is 250 km away from Mumbai. There are many historical places like Renuka devi mandir, Chandreshwar temple and Rangmahal located in Chandwad.

Chandwad is a tehsil in Malegaon subdivision of Nashik district in Maharashtra, India. It is a historical place where Ahilyadevi Holkar's Rangmahal (fort) is situated. It is surrounded by big mountains and is like a hill station. The population is around 20000. Chandwad is also well known for bhagwan chandraprabhu caves situated near a hill. It has special importance for Jains. Jain people living in Chandwad city and also older people believe that these caves are made in chaturthkal (Jain calendar) i.e. before 2600–2700 years.

History

Rishi Parashurama was asked by his father Jamadagni (known for his anger) to kill his mother Renuka. Parashurama, being an obedient son, separated her head from body. The head landed in Chandwad while the body fell near Mahur. There is a scenic temple of Goddess Renuka on the outskirts of Chandwad. Similarly there are temples of Lord Ganesh, Mahadeo (Chandreshwar) and Goddess Kalika, the last two being on mountains.

Geography

The city is located on NH-3 (famous as Mumbai-Agara Road) between Pimpalgaon Baswant and Malegaon. The main attraction of the city are Rangmahal (fort built by Ahilyadevi Holkar) and an adjoining well. The Rangmahal now houses many government offices, and a government school. Mrs. Holkar also built a famous network of subways from her palace to different popular locations like Goddess Renuka Temple and a well near Vinchur. They were supposed to be used as safe passage under enemy attack. Mrs. Ahilyadevi Holkar made a road from Indore (Indur in Marathi) to Trimbakeshwar, which is now part of NH-3. The Holkars were appointed as key Jahagirdaar by the Peshwas. The road was an important trade and travel link between Indore to Trimbakeshwar, with onward link to Pune originating from Malegaon City.

The town boasts cosmopolitan culture, and amity. Ganeshotsav is an important festival for the town, and is celebrated at the town level. The town had many handlooms, which vanished after 1970. The state highway from Vinchur (district Nashik) to Prakasha (district Dhule) crosses NH-3 in this town. The other state highway originates from Chandwad to Manmad and further to Nandgaon. This town acts as a gateway for traffic from the north part of Nashik district to Ahmadnagar and Aurangabad, and especially to Manmad Rail station. As a result, the town has significant traffic and allied trade (transport, hotels and garages).

Education

The SNJb's College Of Engineering is one of the most important educational centres of the town and one of the most famous college in Nashik district.

Campus also contain BHMS College, Pharmacy College and Polytechnic college.

Places to visit

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