Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar lies at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, about 28 km from Nashik in Maharashtra. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is also the source of the Godavari, the great river of the Deccan, which is believed to start here as a trickle from the hill.

What sets the shrine apart is its lingam. In place of a single stone, the sanctum holds a hollow in which three small lingams stand, representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are worn smooth by the water that seeps through, and legend associates the site with the sage Gautama, whose penance brought the Godavari to the earth.

Rebuilt in its present form by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. The Nashik–Trimbak Kumbh Mela is held here every twelve years.

The temple was built in the 18th century by the Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), and the work took around three decades. It is built of black basalt in the Nagara style, with a tall pyramidal spire topped with a golden finial, and the walls are covered in fine carving.

The temple compound has an enclosed courtyard and a hall with carved pillars. In front of the shrine lies the Kushavarta Kund, a stone-lined sacred tank that tradition regards as the source of the Godavari, where pilgrims bathe.

Trimbakeshwar is known for rituals that are done only at a few places, including Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti and Tripindi Shraddha, which are performed by the local priests. The lingams are adorned with a jewelled crown that dates back to the Peshwa period.

The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years when Jupiter enters Leo, is shared between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, and the next is due in 2027. Maha Shivaratri and the Shravan Mondays also draw large crowds, with a procession to the Kushavarta Kund.

• Maha Shivaratri
• Kumbh Mela
• Tripuri Poornima

The queues are long on Mondays and festival days, and a paid special-entry darshan is available. Phones are not permitted in the sanctum, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Verify booking options through the official temple trust.

For a view of the source of the river, a climb of around 700 steps leads up Brahmagiri to Gangadwar. In Nashik, the Panchavati area and the Sita Gumpha are linked to the Ramayana, and the Pandavleni caves are nearby.

Trimbak is 28 km from Nashik. Buses and taxis run frequently.

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Where is Trimbakeshwar Temple located?

Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at Trimbak, Nashik 422212, in Nashik, Maharashtra, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The presiding deity at Trimbakeshwar Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.

What are the timings of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbakeshwar Temple is generally open 05:30–21:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Trimbakeshwar Temple built?

Trimbakeshwar Temple was established 1755 CE (present form). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbakeshwar Temple is built in the Nagara style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Trimbakeshwar Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Trimbakeshwar Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Kumbh Mela, Tripuri Poornima. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Maharashtra and beyond.

How can I reach Trimbakeshwar Temple?

Trimbak is 28 km from Nashik. Buses and taxis run frequently.

Why is Trimbakeshwar Temple significant?

Jyotirlinga at the source of the Godavari river. Unique for having three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

What is the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar Temple?

October to March for weather; the monsoon (June to September) is lush and the hills are green, but the climb is slippery.