Trimbakeshwar Temple Historical significance:
India is well-known for its historical and cultural significance. Spirituality and religion are a component of a lot of people’s day-to-day lives in India. Many religions reside in India side by side. Among them is one religion- Hinduism. Lord Shiva is the most venerated god among Hindus all over the world. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Shivling and is also referred to as Mahadev (‘the mighty God’).
A Jyotirlinga is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is revered as a blazing pillar of light. ‘Jyoti’ signifies ‘radiance,’ and Lingam refers to the Shiva Lingam, which is the Almighty’s mark or sign,’ or the phallus symbol. As a result, Jyotirlingam refers to the Almighty’s luminous symbol.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are:
- Somnath Temple, Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Baidyanath Dham, Jharkhand
- Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
- Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
- Nageshwar Temple, Gujarat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar Temple, Maharashtra
- Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
- Grishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Temple:
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is an old as well as historical Hindu temple devoted to Lord Trimbakeshwar in Trimbak village (Supreme deity Lord Shiva). Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is situated around 28 kilometers from Nashik, Maharashtra, near the Brahamagiri Mountain, which is 3000 feet above sea level and from whence the river Godavari flows. The river Godavari is fed by a pond on the temple grounds. Trimbakeshwar is great for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a spiritual retreat because of its serene ambiance and good temperature.
The Trimbakeshwar temple is distinguished by the three-faced jyotirlinga of Shiva, which represents Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. It features a spire capped with a golden trident and is made completely of black stones. The walls of the temple are artistically sculpted with floral motifs and statues of various Gods and Goddesses, while the porch is ornamented with chiseled pillars and arches. The temple is claimed to have been erected by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.
Trimbakeshwar hosts the Simhasta Kumbh Mela every 12 years. Millions of pilgrims flock to the Kumbh Mela to wipe away their misdeeds by taking a plunge into the Godavari. Trimbakeshwar also enthusiastically celebrates the yearly celebration of Shivratri.
Legend of the temple:
Gautama Rishi and his wife Ahalya are believed to have resided in the Brahmagiri hills. There was plenty of food inside the rishi’s ashram, even if there was starvation everywhere else on the land. Because of his unwavering dedication and consistent prayers, the gods had granted him. Jealous of him, the other rishis dispatched a cow into his crops.
The cow died when Gautama tried to scare it away from his crops. Gautama prayed to Lord Shiva to unleash the Ganga River and allow it to pour into his ashram to cleanse it for the sin of slaughtering a cow. Lord Shiva freed Ganga and instructed her to stay there since he was pleased with his dedication. The Godavari’s source is the Kushavarta, or sacred pond, which remains today. (The Godavari is revered as Ganga). The sage also begged that Lord Shiva make the location his home, which he accomplished in the shape of the jyotirlinga.
How to reach the temple?
Trimbak is a tiny town with no airport or railway station. Getting to the temple, on the other hand, would require a variety of forms of transportation.
- Flight: Nashik Airport, commonly known as Ozar Airport, is the closest airport to Trimbak. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is around 30 kilometers away and may be reached by bus or cab.
- Train: The Nashik Road Railway Station, which is also in Nashik, is the nearest railway station to the Temple. The temple is around 36 kilometers away from the station. The Nashik railway station is served by several services. Trains depart from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune, among other cities. From the Nashik Railway station, visitors can take an auto or a cab to the temple.
- Road: Trimbak is well-connected to Mumbai via road. You may either drive down from Mumbai or take a local bus from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Temple, which takes 2.5 hours. Taxis from Mumbai to Trimbak are also available. A bus ride from Mumbai’s Mahim Bus Station to Trimbak will take about 7 hours.
Best time to visit:
Trimbakeshwar Temple is best visited between October and March. Because it is also high season, prices are likely to rise, and the temple will be crowded. Monsoon season (July to September) is, nevertheless, the best period for budget travelers.
It is best to enter the temple before 10 a.m., as it tends to become crowded after that time. Every Monday between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., the deity procession takes place.
Places to visit:
- Panchvati
- Sula Vineyard
- Dudhsagar falls, Nasik
- Saptashrungi
- Nasik Caves
How to commute to local areas?
The city’s public transportation system is well-developed. Cabs are accessible on demand. There are buses which carry travelers around the major tourist destinations and can be booked before.
Things to know before visiting:
- Only male worshipers are permitted in the temple’s central section, known as the ‘garbhgriha.’
- A sovala or silk dhoti is essential to be worn here.
- You can contact the pandits outside the temple if you want to take part in the temple rites for free.
- Because Trimbakeshwar temple is usually extremely crowded, it is a good idea to keep your possessions secure.
Image Source: Google