Trimbakeshwar Temple

Lord Trimbakeshwar (Shiva)

Trimbak, Nashik district, Maharashtra

Folktale & Sacred Story

According to the Shiva Purana tradition tied to this site, Sage Gautama once lived and performed penance here during a severe drought, and by Lord Varuna's grace was able to sustain fellow sages with grain. Provoked, Indra sent heavy rains, and in the resulting confusion a cow dear to Parvati, grazing on Gautama's land, was accidentally killed by the sage. To atone for this sin, Gautama performed intense penance to Shiva atop Brahmagiri hill, and Shiva, pleased, released the Ganga from his matted locks to flow through the region and wash away the sin -- this stream is identified in local tradition as the source of the Godavari River. It is at this same spot that Shiva is believed to have manifested as the three-faced Jyotirlinga.

Most Revered Practice

Trimbakeshwar is the specific pilgrimage site for the Narayan Nagbali and Kalasarpa Dosha Nivaran rituals, elaborate multi-day poojas performed here to address ancestral debts, snake-related doshas, and related life obstacles. The temple's jeweled crown bearing the gold mask of the Trideva is ceremonially displayed to the public every Monday from about 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

Prasadam & Offerings

The temple trust distributes laddu as prasad after aarti; the exact current prasad item can change with temple schemes, so confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

Trimbakeshwar is the only one of the twelve Jyotirlingas whose lingam has three faces in a single form, representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva together. The entire temple is carved from black stone, was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Peshwa after the earlier structure was destroyed by Aurangzeb, and stands at the foothills of Brahmagiri, the hill from which the Godavari river is traditionally said to originate.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Pilgrims come specifically for the rare three-faced Jyotirlinga and to perform the Kalasarpa Dosha and Narayan Nagbali rituals believed to be uniquely efficacious here.

History & Legend

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, near the source of the sacred Godavari river; the current black-stone structure was rebuilt by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the 18th century.

Divine Significance

Uniquely, its lingam features three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; it is also a major center for Narayan Nagbali and Kaal Sarp rituals.

Darshan Timings

The temple is generally open from around 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with arrival before 7:00 AM recommended to avoid the heaviest crowds (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Nashik or Mumbai/Pune. Nearest railway station: Nashik Road (~40 km), then road to Trimbak.

Where To Stay

Guesthouses in Trimbak town and a wider range of hotels in Nashik city.

Local Food Nearby

Trimbak town has simple vegetarian eateries near the temple serving Maharashtrian thalis, misal, and poha; a wider range of dining is available 28-30 km away in Nashik city.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (19.9322, 73.5308)