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Nashik Overview
Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. Situated very close to the origin point of Godavari River, this shrine houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled within the laps of Brahmagiri Hills, Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated in the holy city of Trimbak which falls under the Nashik district. The city is mentioned in the Mrityunjaya Mantra that confers longevity and immortality to human beings.
The temple was constructed by Peshwa Nana Saheb who was a fearless Maratha ruler. Built-in the 18th century, the shrine is a perfect illustration of classic architecture. The ‘Kunda’ or Kusavarta situated within the premises of the temple is considered to be the source of Godavari river.
Trimbakeshwar Temple witnesses a huge surge of devotees throughout the year. The most attractive feature of Jyotirlinga here is that it’s a three-faced structure that symbolises the presence of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Rudra.
The hills around are known for its picturesque landscapes and lush greenery. You will also spot a few waterfalls, cascading elegantly through the dense vegetation. While you explore the temple, you can satisfy your hunger by trying the delicious roasted corn or ‘bhuttas’ sold by the vendors right outside the temple.
The town of Trimbak is indeed a paradise on earth. Those seeking spirituality should visit this place while in Nashik. Soak yourself in the purity and holiness of the temple, and it believed that a visit to this temple washes away all your sins.
More on Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple History
There are many interesting legends behind the Trimbakeshwar Temple. According to one legend, it is believed this region was home to several sages and rishi-munis. One of the sages named Gautam Rishi lived here with his wife Ahilya and was well known for his good deeds. During an unfortunate event, the region experienced the worst drought and all the supplies of water had dried out. Seeing the dreadful situation, Gautam prayed to God Varuna, the Lord of water, to solve this crisis. The Lord accepted his prayer and offered him an unlimited supply of water. For this reason, other sages envied Gautam and they conspired to harm him.
The other rishis prayed to Lord Ganesha and requested him to send a cow to the Gautam’s field that was flourishing with crops. When the cow went to destroy his crops, Gautam tried to scare it away but during that process, the cow died. He felt guilty for his action and along with his wife, Gautam went to seek penance for his act from Lord Shiva. Seeing the sincerity, Lord Shiva was pleased and he commanded Ganga to descend to earth. The Ganga river then chartered her way through the Brahmagiri Hills and while this happened, Gautam trapped it in a kund which is known as Kushavarta. After this, the Rishi requested Lord Shiva to reside near the Kund. The Lord accepted his requested and transformed into a linga.
As per another story, it is assumed that Lord Brahma lied about finding the endpoint of the endless pillar of fire that originated from Lord Shiva. This infuriated Lord Shiva and he cursed Brahma stating that he will not be worshipped from then onwards. Brahma got angry at this act of Shiva and he, in turn, cursed Shiva. After this, Lord Shiva went under the ground and for this reason, the Linga at Trinbakeshwar Temple is below the ground.
Trimbakeshwar Temple Architecture
Constructed in the 18th century, the Trimbakeshwar Temple has an appealing architecture. The temple’s architecture is highly influenced by the Nagara Style and is made from black stone. Positioned right in the centre of a large courtyard, the shrine has a sky-touching Shikhara which in turn has a large amalaka, a lotus-shaped structure made of stone. The amalaka holds a golden Kalash which adds to the beauty of the temple.
As you delve inside the temple, you will come across garbhagriha, which is the inmost part of the shrine where Shiva resides. A mandap or a prayer hall is situated right in front of garbhagriha which can be accessed by the devotees from the three sides. The pillars and arches in the temple are uniquely craved with patterns like flowers, images of deities, human figurines and animals.
The jyotirlinga situated in the temples is called Trimbaka because the Lord has three eyes. There are also other three small lingas present in the temple that represents Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The main lingam is present underneath the ground of the sanatorium. The lingas are usually covered with sliver mask, however, on festivals, they are adorned with a golden diadem. So as to make it easier for the devotees to take a glance at the Lord, a mirror is fitted in the sanctum.
Festivals at Trimbakeshwar Temple
Plan your trip to Trimbakeshwar Temple around one of the following festivals held in the town:
The Kumbh Mela- This fair is held once every 12 years and is one of the largest fairs in the world. Millions of travellers and devotees visit this place and take a dip in the holy Godavari river to wash away their sins. The fair was held in 2015.
Mahashivaratri- On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, which is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated in the month of February, the temple resonates with hymns throughout the day. This festival marks the auspicious day of Shiva and Parvati’s marriage.
Tripuri Purnima- This festival is celebrated during the month of November or Karthik Mahina. It signifies the demolition of demon cities of Tripura by Lord Shiva.
Worship Rituals at Trimbakeshwar Temple
Kaal Sarp Pooja- Those who face difficulties in life due to the position of planets between Ketu and Rahu perform Kaal Sarp Pooja at this temple. Few of the important types of this pooja are Takshak Kaalsarpa Yog, Vasuki Kaalsarpa, Kulik Kaalsarpa, Maha Padma Kaalsarpa, Ananta Kaalsarpa and Shankhapaal Kaalsarpa. As a part of the ritual, the devotees should offer sugar, milk, honey and ghee to the Naag Bhagwan. If you want to perform this pooja then you have to book a pandit in advance and fee for the same is ₹2000 per individual.
Narayan Nagbali Pooja- This worship is conducted to remove the Pitru-Dosh from the family. These are the ancestral curses that hinder the growth and prosperity of the family, both economic and health-wise. As a part of this pooja, the devotees have to seek forgiveness of Naag Devta. Narayan Nagbali Pooja at this temple also involves Tripindi Shradha Pooja and the purpose of the same is to compose the souls of the deceased in the family.
The Mahamrityunjaya Pooja- This pooja is done for a healthy and long life and to get healed from prolonged sickness. It is performed from 7 am to 9 am in this temple.
The Rudrabhishek- The Rudrabhishek is performed at this temple around 7 am to 9 am. As a part of this pooja, the lingas are bathed with Panchamrit which is made of milk, honey, curd, ghee and sugar.
The Maha Rudrabhishek- In this pooja, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda are performed in the temple.
Tips for Visiting Trimbakeshwar
1. You can book a pandit for your pooja outside the temple. They will sincerely guide you with all the process involved in the pooja.
2. Keep your belongings safe as it is very crowded inside the temple.
Best Time to Visit Trimbakeshwar
The ideal time to visit this temple is during the months from October to March. The weather during this time of the year is cool and pleasant. However, this is also the peak season and hence, the temple will be very crowded with the devotees. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can travel to this place during the monsoon season. Visit the temple in the early hours of the day as the temple gets crowded after 10 am.
How to Reach Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbak town can be reached from any parts of Nashik by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
