Trimbakeshwar Temple

Overview

The Trimbakeshwar Temple stands at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, about 28 km from Nashik, at the traditional source of the Godavari River. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Shiva, and its sanctum is unusual: instead of one raised linga it holds a small hollow with three tiny lingas for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The present black basalt temple was built by the Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb) between 1755 and 1786 on the site of an older shrine. Beside it is the Kushavarta Kund, a sacred tank where pilgrims bathe, and the Nashik Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years, centres on this area and on Ramkund.

What to look for

• The black basalt temple and its carved porches
• The Kushavarta Kund, the sacred tank
• The lanes of pilgrims and priests around the temple
• The Brahmagiri hill behind, where the Godavari is said to rise

Visiting tips

• Entry to the inner sanctum may be restricted to Hindus and has a strict dress code for the special darshan; ask your guide what applies when you visit.
• Mobile phones and cameras are generally not allowed inside the sanctum, and photography is not permitted during rituals.
• Queues can be long, especially on Mondays and festival days; go early.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Trimbakeshwar Temple, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Karla Caves Shaniwar Wada Bhaja Caves Lohagad Fort Aga Khan Palace Pataleshwar Cave Pandavleni Caves Ramkund