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Maharashtra Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is an ancient temple of the Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at the source of the longest river of India, the Godavari River. The river originates in the Bramhagiri mountains and ends in the sea at Rajahmundry in South India. The mouth of the river, called Kushavarta, is considered a sacred bathing place. Folklore, mythology, and religion abound with stories of Trimbakeshwar.
History
The Jyotirlinga
Trimbakeshwar is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Jyotirlinga is a pillar of light with the head of Lord Shiva emerging from it. This Linga appeared in 64 places altogether of which 12 are considered sacred. At Trimbakeshwar, this Linga has three heads – Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh – which is a unique feature of this Linga.
Origin of the Godavari River
The Godavari River is said to be an avatar of the Holy Ganga River. Hindu mythology has it that the river Ganges descended to the earth pursuant to the efforts of Gautama Rishi, who was performing penance in the Bramhagiri mountains to rid himself of a sin he had accidentally committed.
The temple at Trimbakeshwar was constructed under the order of Nana Saheb Peshwa and the village of Trimbakeshwar developed following the construction of the temple.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest International airport is the Chattrapati Shivaji International airport at Mumbai. Mumbai is at a distance of 119 kilometers from Trimbakeshwar, approximately an 8 hour drive on the expressway.
Domestic Airports closest to Trimbakeshwar are
Gandhinagar Airport, Nashik 31 km
Diu Airport 94 km
Lohegaon Airport, Pune 156 km
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Nashik at 28 kilometres. Nashik is well connected all major cities in India.
By Road
Trimbakeshwar is well connected by state transport. Busses, taxis, and car rentals are available from Nashik and Mumbai.
Important Shrines
The shrines in and around Trimbakeshwar are:
- Panchavati
- Pandav Leni Caves
- Ganga Ghat
- Tapovan
- Sita Gufaa
- Jain Mandir
- Ramkund
- Kalaram Temple
- Muktidham Temple complex in Nashik with residential accomodation
- Someshwar Temple a temple of Lord Shiva and Hanuman
- Sundarnarayan Temple
Significance Of The Temple
Trimbakeshwar is said to be one of the four places where the elixir of life fell when the Gods and Demons were warring over the pitcher. The Kumbh Mela is held here every 4 years and rishis, sages, saints and devotees from all over India flock here during the time to take a dip in the holy Ganges. There is a crown in the Trimbakeshwar temple which is said to be from the time of the Pandavas. The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated here with great gusto and aplomb. Hindus from all over India and particularly Maharashtra come to Trimbakeshwar to perform the Shraddha Ceremony or the last rites of the dear departed.
Weather And Time To Visit
Trimbakeshwar has extreme weather conditions. The monsoon sees medium rainfall. The ideal time to visit the temple is between October and March.
Accomodation
There are a number of hotels and ashrams in the city of Trimbakeshwar to suit all budgets. One can also stop over at Nashik and take a day trip to the temple. At Nashik also one can find accommodation to suit all budgets.
Tips For Devotees
The Trimbakeshwar temple is at a distance of 18 miles from Nashik. It is open from 5.30 AM to 9.00 PM. Connectivity by road is good so you can set up base in Nashik and take in a day trip to Trimbakeshwar. If possible arrive before sunset, and take an after dinner walk around the temple. Participate in the puja ceremony early in the morning and then shop around for trinkets etc. You can stay overnight at one of the many ashrams in the city and experience the simple life of majority Indians.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
Many rites and rituals are performed by Hindus at the temple of Trimbakeshwar. Each ritual has its own history and significance. A pilgrim visiting the temple will perform one or more of the rituals depending on his need and situation in life. Some of the rituals are:
- Narayan Naga Bali – To rid oneself of the Pitru Dosh or sins of ancestors and the sin of killing a snake.
- Maha Mityunjaya Jap / Anushthan – To gain victory over death – performed for those ailing or on death bed.
- Rudrabhishek – Appeasing the Lord Trimbak with hymns, chants, panchamrit, and other offerings.
- Tripindi Shradha – A Pooja performed to cam extreme emotions believed to be a result of the sins of ancestors.
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