shaiva · Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

त्र्यम्बकेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग

Presiding deity: Lord Shiva as Trimbakeshwar — unique three-faced linga (Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra) atop the Brahmagiri hill source of the Godavari river

Established: Ancient; current Nagara-style temple rebuilt by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb) in 1755 CE on the earlier shrine site

Darshan timings

05:30–21:00 IST; Triambak Abhishekam slots 06:00–07:00 and 14:00–14:30

Average wait

2–4 hours general; 8–10 hours on Shravan Mondays and Sinhasta Kumbh years

Best season

October–February; monsoon (July-Sep) for full Godavari source darshan

Daily visitors

15,000–25,000 (peak: 200,000+ on Shravan Mondays + 1.5 million on Sinhasta Kumbh peak snan days)

Significance

10th of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The only Jyotirlinga with three faces (Trimukha) representing the Trimurti — Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. The Godavari (Dakshin Ganga) originates from the Brahmagiri parvat directly above. Site of Narayan Nagbali — the most authoritative Pitra dosha and Kalsarpa dosha remedial puja in India. Sinhasta Kumbh Mela held here once every 12 years.

Legend

Sage Gautama, falsely accused of cow-slaughter by jealous co-rishis, performed severe penance to bring Ganga to wash his sin. Pleased Shiva manifested as the linga, and Ganga descended as the Godavari from Brahmagiri. The three-faced form arose because the linga is being continuously eroded by abhishekam — by the next yuga only the base will remain, fulfilling the prophecy. Adi Shankaracharya consecrated the present shrine arrangement.

How to reach

Trimbak town, 28 km west of Nashik, Maharashtra. Direct bus and shared taxis from Nashik CBS every 15 minutes.

Nearest airport: Nashik (ISK) — 50 km; Mumbai (BOM) — 175 km

Nearest railway: Nashik Road (NK) — 35 km

Where to stay

MTDC Trimbak resort, Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust guesthouses (online booking), Hotel Krishna Trimbak, multiple dharmashalas around the temple square

Primary pujas performed here

Triambak Abhishek
Narayan Nagbali (3-day Pitra dosha remedy)
Kalsarpa Shanti
Mahamrityunjaya Japa
Rudrabhishek
Tripindi Shraddha

What to offer: Bilva leaves, Ganga jal (preferably from local Kushavarta kund), white flowers, milk for abhishekam, naivedya of pedha

Dress code

Traditional only — men dhoti or kurta-pyjama, bare-chest mandatory inside garbha-griha; women saree or salwar with dupatta covering head

Photo policy

Banned inside garbha-griha and entire mandapa; permitted in outer prakara and Kushavarta

Modern access

Maharashtra govt and Trust manage 50,000+ daily visitors via online slot booking. Sinhasta Kumbh 2027 (next) expected to draw 30 million+ over 13 months. Narayan Nagbali brings 200+ families daily for the 3-day ritual — single largest Pitra dosha remedial center in India. Brahmagiri trek route restored 2023 for source-darshan pilgrims.

✓ Online booking available✓ VIP darshan available

Nearby tirthas

Brahmagiri Parvat (Godavari source, 2 km trek)
Kushavarta Kund
Anjaneri (Hanuman birthplace, 7 km)
Saptashringi Devi (60 km)
Shirdi Sai Baba (90 km)
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga (190 km)