Trimbakeshwar (Trimbak) – Overview
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located near Nashik. It is the main town and administrative headquarters of Trimbakeshwar Taluka. The Sangam (Kumbh) Mela – “Sangam Sth Kumbh Mela” is held here. Under the leadership of three Akharas (religious orders), the half Kumbh Mela is organized in Nashik every twelve years. Shaiva Akharas also gather at Trimbakeshwar. Among Vaishnavas, the Digambar Ani, Nirvani Ani, and Nirmohi Ani Akharas are considered supreme.
Trimbakeshwar is also famous for the Samadhi Temple of Nivruttinath Maharaj. The origin of the Godavari River is also located here.
Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple (History)
In the 10th century, Shilahara king Jhanj built a total of twelve Shiva temples at the origin points of twelve rivers between Godavari and Bhima. One of these temples is Trimbakeshwar.
The twelve temples are:
- Trimbakeshwar – at the origin of the Godavari River
- Shiva Temple at Tringalwadi – near the origin of the Vaki River
- Temple at Tarhele – near the origin of the Dharana River
- Temple at Belgaon – near the origin of the Bam River
- Temple at Taked – near the origin of the Kadva River
- Amruteshwar at Ratanwadi – near the origin of the Pravara River
- Harishchandreshwar – at the origin of the Mula River
- Nageshwar at Khire – near Pushpavati
- Kukdeshwar at Kukdi – near the origin of Kukdi River
- Brahmanath at Parunde – near the origin of Meena River
- Siddheshwar at Vachpe – at the origin of Ghoda River
- Bhavargiri – near the Bhima River
All these temples are known for their sculptural beauty and exquisite carvings, including the Trimbakeshwar Temple.
Temple Reconstruction and Heritage Status
During 1755–1786, Nana Saheb Peshwa rebuilt the Trimbakeshwar Temple in the Nagar architectural style.
The Government of India declared this temple as a National Protected Monument on 30 April 1941. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.
The temple is surrounded by stone walls and has five golden kalashas (spires) and a flag made of panchdhatu (five metals). The kalash and flag were donated by Annasahib Vinchurkar. The Kushavart Tirtha near the temple was renovated by the Parnerkar family, who were the Holkar’s Padhnis.
Pilgrimage & Devotional Significance
Trimbakeshwar is situated in the scenic area of Brahmagiri hills, making it a major pilgrimage site with devotees visiting throughout the year. The crowd increases significantly during Shravan month. On Shravan Mondays, lakhs of devotees visit Trimbakeshwar. The first three Mondays of Shravan are especially crowded.
The temple has a main gate on the east side and a small gate on the south side. The main road of the village is connected to the east gate.
Devotees come from all over India to take a holy bath at Kushavart Tirtha. Brahmagiri is considered the second-highest place in Maharashtra. The Nivruttinath Yatra is also conducted here.
The village has many ancient temples with beautiful carvings. The village offers good accommodation facilities and has frequent bus services from Nashik.
Geography & Economy
This region receives heavy rainfall. The main crops grown here are rice and ragi (nachni). Trimbakeshwar is also a market center for tribal communities, and many tribal organizations work here for tribal rights. The lands given to monasteries are often cultivated by tribal people.
Brahmagiri – Brahmagiri Parikrama (Circuit)
Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where devotees worship Lord Shiva, take a holy bath at Kushavart, and perform unique rituals. Some devotees also climb Brahmagiri hill to view Lord Shiva’s Jata (matted hair) and return.
Brahmagiri hill holds mythological, historical, and geographical importance. The trek includes the Brahmagiri Jodkilla (Fort) and the Metghar Fort along the way.
Brahmagiri Details
Behind the Trimbakeshwar Temple, a long mountain range is visible—this is Brahmagiri. The right part of this range appears slightly separated by a natural ridge. This is the Brahmagiri Jodkilla (Fort).
After visiting the temple and Kushavart, one can start the Brahmagiri path, which is a well-built stone stairway. In 1908, two philanthropists built these steps at a cost of ₹40,000. The path is well maintained even today.
Ancient carved stone steps lead to the entrance of Brahmagiri. On the hilltop, ruins of a fortified structure are visible, believed to be the residence of Moropant Pingale. Nearby, there is a small water tank. Further ahead is Darukothar.
Devotees also visit the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have sat and the Ganga originated. The marks of Shiva’s Jata and head are still visible on the rock.
A path then leads to Durgh Bhandar Fort, which is often not visited by pilgrims. The path is steep but reachable. The fort appears separated from the main Brahmagiri by a natural ridge. Steps carved in the rock lead to the fort. The fort provides panoramic views of the entire Brahmagiri.
From the fort’s top, one can see the entire Brahmagiri range. The route includes the Hatti Darwaja (Elephant Gate) and a watchtower called Vinay Buruj (information not fully confirmed).
After descending, one reaches the Metghar Fort ruins. The Brahmagiri has five peaks, also called Panchlingi, named: Sadyajata, Vamdev, Aghor, Ishan, and Tatpurush.
Crossing the Hatti Darwaja, the route descends through a gorge and finally returns to Trimbakeshwar, completing the Brahmagiri Parikrama.
