Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, in the small town of Trimbak about 28 km from Nashik, at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills. The temple is built of black stone, and its lingam is unusual: three small lingams in a hollow, standing for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of the Jyotirlinga
- Perform abhishek, or ancestral rites such as Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti and Pitru Tarpan, through local priests
- See Kushavarta Kund, the sacred tank close to the temple
- Climb Brahmagiri to see the source of the Godavari
Good to know
- General darshan is free, and a paid VIP pass can shorten queues on busy days; Mondays and the month of Shravan are the busiest
- Phones, cameras, belts and leather items are reported to be barred inside, so leave them in your vehicle or hotel
- Dress rules for the inner sanctum can vary, so ask the temple staff or your guide
- Allow half a day, and longer on festival days
Spiritual significance
Trimbakeshwar is also where the Godavari is said to begin its journey. Sage Gautama's penance pleased Shiva, who agreed to release the Ganga as the Godavari.
Why it matters
- Its three-faced lingam is seen as a symbol of the Trimurti, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva together
- The temple as it stands today was built in the 18th century under Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb)
- Rites for ancestors and for relief from dosha are performed here, and families travel here for them
- Trimbak is one of the sites of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela; the Trimbak bathing day announced for 2027 is 12 September (confirm closer to your travel)