Brahmagiri Hill and Gangadwar
Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
Brahmagiri is the hill rising behind Trimbakeshwar and the traditional source of the Godavari. A flight of about 750 steps leads to Gangadwar, roughly halfway up, and the climb to the summit takes longer.
What to see and do
- Climb to Gangadwar, where the Godavari is said to appear again
- See the Gorakhnath cave a little further, and other caves linked to Sage Gautama and the Nath saint Gorakhnath
- At the summit, visit the small shrine of the river goddess and enjoy the wide views
Good to know
- The climb is steep, so go early, carry water and wear good shoes; allow 1 to 3 hours depending on how far you go
- Stay off the slopes in heavy rain and mist
- The hill is very busy on Shravan Mondays
Spiritual significance
The hill is linked to Sage Gautama and to the Nath saint Gorakhnath, who is said to have meditated in a cave here.
Why it matters
- The Godavari, sometimes called the Ganga of the South, is believed to rise as a small spring near the top, flow briefly, go underground and appear again at Gangadwar
- A place of quiet and penance for saints, which is why its caves are revered
- The hill overlooks Trimbakeshwar, so the temple, the tank and the source can be seen as one sacred landscape