Trimbakeshwar

Overview:

The small village of Trimbak, located 28 kilometers from the city of Nashik, is a very popular getaway destination for residents and tourists alike. The village houses the sacred ancient Hindu shrine, Trimbakeshwar. Trimbakeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is among one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is at the source of the Godavari River, which is the longest river in peninsular India. Kusavarta Kund is considered to be the symbolic origin of the river. Originating from the Brahmagiri mountains and culminating at the sea near Rajahmudry, the river is considered very sacred within Hinduism. The existing temple was commissioned by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (a.k.a Nanasaheb). Legend has it that Nanasaheb had betted against the stone surrounding the Jyotirlinga, to be solid. On being proved to be hollow, and on losing the bet, he built the marvelous temple out of basalt. Appropriated by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the world famous Nassak diamond was originally an ornament of the temple’s Shiva deity. According to history, originally there were believed to be sixty-four jyothirlingas, while twelve of them are considered to be the most auspicious and holy. The Trimbakeshwar temple is an important religious center, housing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the remarkable attribute of the Jyotirlinga located here, is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Rudra and Lord Vishnu . The linga has started to erode due to excessive use of water. Religiously this erosion is believed to typify the eroding nature of modern day human society. Acknowledged for its appealing all black-stone architecture and sculptures, the temple is famous for administering lots of religious rituals (vidhis). A centre for Vedic Gurukuls (kind of boarding school), Trimbak town has a huge number of Brahmin households. Untouched by pollution, Trimbak is surrounded by lush green hills and is known for its scenic beauty peculiarly during the monsoon season. The ride from Mumbai to Trimbakeshwarby car takes around three to four hours. Visitors and devotees alike prefer for hire cab services, from Mumbai. This enables them to visit the nearby tourist spots as well. Moreover, car rentals and taxi cabs also ensure a safe, convenient and economical journey.

Places to Visit:

Panchavati, derived from the combination of two words ‘panch’ meaning five and ‘vata’ meaning banyan tree, is closely linked to Hindu mythology. It is very famous as Rama, Sita and Lakshamana are believed to have spent some time of their exile here. Another major tourist attraction near Trimbak is the Neel Parbat. Located on the eastern side of Brahmagiri, it boasts of gurgling springs lush green expanses, and a tranquil atmosphere. It also makes for a perfect spot for trekking and nature walks.

Shri Nilambika/Dattatreya/Matamba Temple is on top of the Neel Mountain. The ancient temple of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev is also situated right behind the Dattatrey temple. Annapurna ashram, Renuka Devi and the Khandoba temple lie at the feet of the mountain.

Other places of interest that people must visit during their trip to Trimbakeshwar from Mumbai by car include Ram Krishna Tirtha, Kadeshwar Temple, and Gorakhnath Gufa. Hiring a car for this trip is an economical and convenient option. Trimbak also homes numerous muths and ashrams devoted to Ashtanga Yoga, the Hindu art of living.

Trimbak is also home to numerous muths and ashrams devoted to Ashtanga Yoga, the Hindu art of living.

Things To Do:

Devotees should perform the famous Narayan Nagbali puja which is performed singularly at Trimbakeshwar. This puja is performed on special dates and ensues for three days.

The birthplace of Lord Hanuman, Anjaneri mountain is just seven kilometers from Trimbakeshwar, and is a must visit.

Considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place, devotees should take a dip in the Kushavart Trith Kusavarta kund.

Savor the local Maharashtrian affair, at any of the numerous restaurants thronging the roadside.