Varanasi

Trimbakeshwar is a renowned holy place in Maharashtra. Situated at the foothills of Brahmagiri in a small town called Trimbak in Nasik, it is the origin of the Godavari River. It is most famous for the Trimbakeshwar temple. Monsoon is the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar

The Trimbakeshwar temple is an ancient Hindu temple believed to be over 500 years old. The present structure is the result of it being reconstructed in the 18th century. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas. What is unique to this temple is that the linga here has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The temple has a hollow which consists of three lingas representing each god. It is called the Tryambaka. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the entire temple is made of black stone. The temple is enclosed in a spacious compound which is surrounded by an enormous wall. There is a big statue of a bull on the pathway that leads to the temple. Just at the entrance of the temple one can see a marble idol of the Nandi, lord Shivas vehicle. The temple has a square sanctum sanctorum which houses the tryambaka. This linga is placed in a depression on the floor of the sanctum and water constantly oozes out of the lingam. The Shiva lingam is generally adorned with a silver mask. The sanctum is crowned with a beautiful tower which effuses grace and elegance. The tower is adorned with a giant amalaka and a golden kalasha. The mandap, which is in front of the Garba Griha (the innermost shrine within the sanctum where the idol resides), is enclosed with doors on all four sides. Three of the doors are covered with porches and the openings of the porches are embellished with arches and carvings.

The entire structure displays exotic scroll work, designs, sculptures of gods and various other important figures, humans and animals.

The Nasik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela which is held once in every 12 years when Jupiter moves into the house of Leo is considered to be one of the most sacred festivals in the Hindu community. There are a lot of festivities that are planned around this time and thousand of devotees world over visit Nasik during this time.

Several other religious festivals take place in Trimbakeshwar. In fact it is famous for various religious rituals like Narayan-Nagbali , Kalsarpa Shanti etc.

Godavari day is celebrated for the first 12 days after full moon in the month of February. Mahashivratri is also celebrated with great vigor and grandeur in Trimbakeshwar.