About our pilgrimage to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Live Darshan of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and temple precincts – A VIDEO:

It is always in our thoughts to visit the many Hindu sacred places spread all over our country, but it is possible to visit just one or two in a year, and there are countless left. When an opportunity arises for a pilgrimage to a holy place we choose one from several options available, based on time available for the trip, weather, convenience of travel and so on. Looking at the final choice and outcome of a pilgrimage, I think God plays a role in our decision, guides us, blesses us, takes us around safely and brings us back happily to our house.  This time it was to Trimbakeshwar, to the ‘Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple’, and the origin of the sacred Godavari river, for two days, 3rd to 4th June 2022 and then to Nashik which has strong links to Ramayana, for the next two days.

The ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, 30 km from Nashik City in Maharashtra State. The temple is of Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most important and auspicious places of worship and pilgrimage. The Jyotirlinga shrines are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light, after a row with Lord Brahma. The Linga at Trimbakeshwar is different from other Shiva Lingas. Here it is in the form of three Swayambhu Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They do not rise above the ground but lie in a lower-level aperture as you can see in the attached pictures and the video. The Lingas are covered by a jewelled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Tridev. The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavas and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday and on special occasions.

The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao after it was destroyed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothills of the mountain called Brahmagiri. Three sources of the Godavari originate from the Brahmagiri Mountain. The Godavari River also merges into the ‘Kushavarta Tirtha/Kund’– a large sacred pond, close to the main temple. Bathing in this pond or sprinkling the water on oneself is believed to bless one with Moksha. You can also see photographs and a video of this Tirtha here.

Pilgrimage to Trimbakeshwar is very famous for obtaining divine grace and peace and for many religious rituals to overcome hurdles and for ceremonies to the departed. Details of special worship and the performing of these rituals by the Brahmins of the temple can be found and also reserved at the following temple website:

https://www.trimbakeshwar.org/