Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple Trimbak
About Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Trimbakeshwar tehsil in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik and 40 km from Nashik road. It is dedicated to the god Shiv and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where the Hindu genealogy registers at Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra are kept
In the village, Trimbak Trimbakeshwar temple is a famous pilgrim place. Trimbakeshwar is also the origin of river Godavari. Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 jyotirlingas (and the eighth one in the series) of Lord Shiva and this one is considered to be the main jyotirlinga. Monday is a scared day here and Shivratri the holy day of Shiva Puja in a year is celebrated here. The Goddess in this temple is called Trimbakeshwari. This temple was constructed by Raju Balaji Baji Rao who ruled Maharashtra. Later, so many Maratha kings contributed in several ways to improve the temple. Very nearer to the temple, Papaharini Theertam is located. People take bath here before visiting the temple which is considered as a holy bath. This place is formed by river Godavari after falling from Brahmagiri.
According to another story, it is believed that Lord Brahma lied to Lord Shiva that he had found the end of an endless pillar of fire originating from Lord Shiva. Therefore, Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma that he will not be worshipped anymore. This infuriated Lord Brahma and he also cursed Lord Shiva. After this, Lord Shiva went under the ground and therefore, his Linga at Trimbakeshwar is below the ground level. The temple has been constructed by Maratha ruler, Nana Saheb Peshwa in the 18th century.
Trimbakeshwar Temple has been built by Peshwa Nana Saheb in the 18th century. It stands within a spacious courtyard and is constructed with a black stone in the Nagara style. The temple has a high Shikhara which is internally a square. This Shikhara has a giant amalaka, which is a lotus-shaped disk made up of stone. On the top of Amalaki is the golden kalasha. Inside the temple, one can see a garbhagriha, which is the innermost part of any temple where the Lord resides. In front of this garbhagriha is a mandap or a hall which is opened from three sides for devotees to enter. Various designs of flowers, images of gods, humans, and animals have been carved on the arches and pillars. Altogether, the architecture of the temple is quite simple with not very intricate and immaculate carvings.
The Linga present inside the temple is called asTrimbaka because Lord Shiva has three eyes. The three thumb-sized Lingas present in the sanctum represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. However, the main Lingam is present in a depression on the floor of the sanctum. Generally, the lingams are covered with a silver mask but, on festivals, a golden crown can be seen on the lingas. Also, a mirror is placed at a considerable height in the sanctum so that the devotees can see the Lord from a distance.
By Air: The nearest airport is located in Mumbai (200 Km) from regular taxi services ply to Trimbakeshwar.
By Train: Just 28 Km away is Nashik Railway station that connects the holy city from rest of the country through major cities and town.
By Road: Bus service from Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune etc are available, else travelers are free to opt to hire car or taxi according to their preference.
Gangadwar or Gangadwaram where the river flows beneath the twigs of trees in a narrow place. Nearer to palapa Haarini Theertham,
Mahadeva and Ganga Matha temples are located. On the way to Brahmagiri,
Vithal Mandir and Ganga Dwar can be seen.
Caves of 108 Shiva Lingas is a must see place where Maharshi Gowthama worshipped Lord Shiva.
Kushavartham is the origin of river Godavari, Parashuram temple and Ambika alayam are some more places which can be visited
Some of the holiest and exciting festivals held in Trimbakeshwar Temple are-
The Kumbh Mela- It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Held once in every 12 years, millions of pilgrims gather to take a dip in the Godavari. It was last held in the year 2015.
Mahashivaratri- Held in February or March, this is considered as the auspicious day on which Lord Shiva got married to Parvati. Devotees keep fast and sing bhajans throughout the day.
Tripuri Purnima- This festival takes place in the month of Karthik which is November or December. It is celebrated because Lord Shiva destroyed three demon cities which are known as Tripura.
Rath Poornima- Held in January-February, in the festival, the Panchamukhi Idol of Lord Trimbakeshwar is placed in a rath and then is taken around the town.
Kaal Sarp Pooja- This pooja is performed for those people who face difficulties in life due to certain positions of planets between Rahu and Ketu. Some of the types of Kaal Surps are- Ananta Kaalsarpa, Kulik Kaalsarpa, Shankhapaal Kaalsarpa, Vasuki Kaalsarpa, Maha Padma Kaalsarpa and the Takshak Kaalsarpa Yog. Milk, ghee, honey, sugar and other such items are offered to the Lord. Naag or Cobra is worshipped by the devotees. If you want to perform this pooja, you have to book pandits in advance. The fee starts from INR 2000 per person.
Narayan Nagbali Pooja- This pooja is performed to remove Pitru-Dosh, ancestral curses on the family. It is also done to seek the forgiveness of Naag or Cobra. Trimbakeshwar Temple is famous for this pooja.
Tripindi Shradha Pooja- The purpose of this pooja is to calm down the souls of the deceased. For removing gauhatya dosha and hurdles in childbirth, bad luck, this pooja is effective.
The Mahamrityunjaya Pooja- It is done for a long and healthy life and to get rid of prolonged sickness. It is performed between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
The Rudrabhishek- This Abhishek is performed with Panchamrit- Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar. Several Mantras and Shlokas are also recited. It is also performed between 7:00 to 9:00.
The Laghu Rudrabhishek- This Abhishek is done to resolve health and wealth problems. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.
The Maha Rudrabhishek- In this pooja, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda are performed in the temple.