Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple is one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples of India located in the town of Trimbak. It is an ancient and beautiful temple surrounded by lush green nature. Therefore, this place attracts both spiritual seekers as well as nature lovers.
About Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple is an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Trimbak, Near Nahsik, Maharashtra, India. The temple is located at the source of the Godavari river and located between three hills namely Brahmagiri, Nilagiri, and Kalagiri. The temple is situated at the base of Brahmagiri mountain. It is one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples and is very sacred for Hindu pilgrims.
The unique feature about the temple is the jyotirlinga of the temple is in the form of three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Also, the entire temple is built with black stones, which enhances its beauty and has a spire topped with a golden trident.
The Kumbha Mela is held once in twelve years in Trimbakeshwar. During this event, millions of devotees throng the place and take a dip in River Godavari. Most of the actions of Kumbh Mela take place in the surrounding areas of the Trimbakeshwar temple.
What is Jyotirlinga
Tryambakeshwar Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, where it is believed that the supreme deity of Hinduism, Lord Shiva himself resides in different manifestations in the form of linga. Jyotirlinga means a column of light. Lingam signifies the infinite nature of Lord Shiva, without the beginning and the end. According to ancient scripture, Shiva Puran and Nandi Puran, Lord Shiva will have a presence all over the space. However, his presence will be felt more in these jyotirlingas. In all these places, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Lingam.
Read more on Jyotirlinga and legends
History of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
Trimbakeshwar temple is constructed by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) at the site of an old temple. It is said that once Peshwa made a bet on whether the stone surrounding the jyotirlinga, is hollow from inside or not. And the stone was indeed hollow and lost the bet. The Peshwa constructed a breathtaking temple with it. It is said that the deity was garlanded with the world-famous Nassak diamond. Later it was looted by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha war.
Legend behind Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
Once upon a time, Sage Gautama was living near Brahmagiri Mountain. There was once a famine in that area and people of that area were affected severely. Sage Gautama did severe penance and worshipped Lord Varuna (rain god). Pleased with his penance, Lord Varuna blessed his ashram with plenty of rain. He used to sow crops around the ashram and feed the large group of sages daily. This made other sages jealous of him. They sent a cow to destroy the crop. When Sage Gautama threw a darbha grass (sharp grass) to drive the cow away, it injured that cow and died. He was advised to worship Lord Shiva to bring Ganga to absolve from this sin. Again, Sage Gautama did harsh penance and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with his efforts, Lord Shiva appeared and gave him the River Ganga. Gautama took bath and was discharged from sin. At the request of Gautama and Ganga, Lord Shiva agreed to stay there.
Architecture of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
The Shivalinga is believed to have emerged naturally. The roof of the temple is in dome shape from within. There are four entry gates to the temple.
The entire temple is built with black stones, which enhances its beauty and has a spire topped with a golden trident. The temple is decorated with carved pillars and arches. The walls are designed with statues of various Gods and Goddesses and with floral designs.
Once in twelve years, Kumbha mela is celebrated in Nashik. Most of the actions of Kumbh Mela takes place in the surrounding areas of Trimbakeshwar temple
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Timings
- Darshan Timings - 5:30 AM to 9 PM
- Entry Fee - Free
- Time Required - 1 - 2 Hour
- Special Poojas - Narayana Nagabali, kalasarpa Pooja, Rudrabhishek, Tripindi Shraddha, Mahamrityunjay pooja, etc.
- Special Days – Maha Shivaratri
How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at a distance of 28 km from Nashik city. Nasik is well connected with major cities of the country. It is 200 km away from Mumbai.
By Air - The nearest airport is in Nashik, which is 39 km away and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is 180 km in distance.
By Train - The nearest Railway station is Nashik road junction, which is 44km in distance.
By Road - Nasik is well connected through bus services from other major cities of the country.
Places near Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
Brahmagiri Hill
Trimbakeshwar temple is located at the base of Brahmagiri hills. It is the originating point of the holy river Godavari and flows underground before emerging at Kushavarta Kund within the Trmbakeshwar temple complex. Trekking to the top of Brahmagiri hills will be a thrilling experience with the green lush surroundings. It may take two to three hours to reach the top. It is named after Lord Brahma, as it is believed to be the mythological throne of Brahma.
Ramkund
Ramkund is a sacred bathing tank located on the bank of River Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik city. It is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Nashik central bus station. It is believed that Lord Ram during exile, was taking bath in this pond. Also, Rama is believed to have performed his father’s last rites in this kund, and hence it is also called Asthi Vilaya Tirtha. Therefore, people come here to immerse the ashes of their loved ones.
Pandavleni Caves or Nashik Caves or Trirashmi Caves
At a distance of 8 km from Nasik central bus station, Pandavleni caves are a group of 24 ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BC. It is related to Buddhism representing Hinayana Buddhism. The caves were built by the rulers of the Shatavahana dynasty and other rulers. They originally built caves for Buddhist monks as viharas or monasteries to meet and hear sermons. Some of the caves contain magnificent sculptures and statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The peak of the caves can be reached in 20 minutes with well-built steps.
Sri Kalaram Temple and Sita Gufa
Sri Kalaram mandir is an old Hindu temple situated at a distance of 2.5 km from Nasik central, dedicated to Lord Rama. The sanctum sanatorium is enshrined with the statues of Lord Rama, consort Sita, and brother Lakshmana. And all the idols are crafted with black stones; hence the temple is called Kalaram (black ram). At the entrance, there is an idol of Lord Hanuman, which is also carved out of black stone. The summit of the Kalaram temple is made up of 32 tons of gold. The architecture of this temple closely resembles that of the Trimbakeshwar jyotirlinga temple. There are many other temples in the close vicinity. Close to Kalaram temple, is the Sita Gufa or the cave of the Goddess Sita. It is believed that Sita along with Lord Ram worshiped a shivaling in this place during the period of exile.
Kumbha Mela at Nashik
Once in twelve years, Kumbha Mela is celebrated in Nashik. Most of the actions of Kumbh Mela take place in the surrounding areas of the Trimbakeshwar temple. There is a story as to why Kumbh Mela takes place here. It is believed that, after Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Gods and Asuras (demons) fought for the Amrit (nectar). However, to prevent the demons to take control of the nectar, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, whisked the pot (Kumbh) containing the nectar. It is said that the celestial bird Garuda was carrying Amrit to heaven and accidentally spilled few drops at four places on earth, where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated. The four places are Haridwar (Brahmakund), Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayag. It is believed that it took twelve divine days which is equivalent to twelve human years for Garuda to carry the nectar to heaven. Therefore, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated once every twelve years at a given place.
Other Jyotirlinga Temples