About Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located in the town of Trimbak about 28 km from Nashik in Maharashtra. It sits at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, where the sacred Godavari river begins. What makes this Jyotirlinga unique is that the linga has three small faces, representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, set in a hollow in the floor of the sanctum. The temple is also widely known for special rituals such as Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti and Tripindi Shraddha.
Legend says the sage Gautama lived on Brahmagiri and, through his penance, brought the Ganga down to earth here as the Godavari, also called the Gautami Ganga. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva agreed to reside here as Trimbakeshwar, the three-eyed Lord. Trimbak is also one of the venues of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held every twelve years with Nashik. The present temple was built in the 18th century by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao, also known as Nanasaheb.
The temple is built of black basalt stone and is admired for its fine carvings and tall shikhara. A large courtyard surrounds it, and a Nandi shrine faces the sanctum. The linga's jewelled crown, said to date from the Pandava era, is displayed on certain days. Nearby is the sacred Kushavarta Kund, a bathing tank linked to the Godavari.
Trimbakeshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Times may vary on festivals and Mondays; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Puja and Abhishek | Early morning (approx.) |
| Afternoon Puja | Around midday (approx.) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Trimbakeshwar Temple
By air
Nashik (Ozar) Airport is about 50 km away; Mumbai Airport is about 180 km away.
By train
Nashik Road Railway Station is about 40 km away.
By road
Regular buses and shared taxis run from Nashik's Central Bus Stand to Trimbak, about 28 km.
Festivals at Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Tripurari PurnimaOct/Nov
- Simhastha Kumbh MelaEvery 12 years (next due 2027)
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended; specific attire may be required for rituals performed with priests.
- Entry
- General darshan is free; paid quick darshan is available. Temple notices state that entry is for Hindus.
- Arrive early, as queues can be long, especially on Mondays and weekends.
- If you plan a ritual such as Kalsarpa Shanti, arrange it in advance with registered local priests.
- Take a dip or sprinkle water at Kushavarta Kund before darshan, as is the tradition.
- Climbing Brahmagiri hill takes a few hours; start early and carry water.
Places to visit near Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Kushavarta KundSacred bathing tank linked to the Godavari, a short walk away
- Brahmagiri HillHill where the Godavari originates, trek starts in Trimbak
- AnjaneriHill believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, about 8 km away
- Panchavati, NashikRamayana sites and Godavari ghats, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Trimbakeshwar temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Timings may vary on festival days.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik?
About 28 km, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road.
Why is Trimbakeshwar famous for Kalsarpa puja?
Trimbakeshwar is traditionally regarded as one of the most important places for Kalsarpa Shanti, Narayan Nagbali and related rituals, performed by local priests.
What is special about the Trimbakeshwar linga?
The linga has three small faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, set in a hollow in the sanctum floor.
What is the aarti time at Trimbakeshwar Temple?
Morning Puja and Abhishek: Early morning (approx.); Afternoon Puja: Around midday (approx.); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Trimbakeshwar Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended; specific attire may be required for rituals performed with priests.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
