Have you ever wanted to visit a place that is both beautiful and important to many people? The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple in Maharashtra is one such place.
It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism. In this article, we will learn about the temple’s location, history, and why it is so special.
Aarti and Visiting Timings
Aarti Timing:
The Aarti at Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is held twice daily:
- Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
Visiting Timings:
The temple is open daily for visitors from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. It is best to arrive early in the morning or in the late evening to avoid crowds, especially during peak festival times.
Where is Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple?
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located in a small town called Trimbak, which is 30 kilometres from one of the big cities in Maharashtra, Nashik.
This temple is located at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills, which belong to the most famous mountain range in India- the Western Ghats. The hills are important because here lies the origin of the Godavari River, one of the most sacred rivers in India.
This spot is very peaceful around the temple. The fresh air and the green hills make it a perfect spot for the soul to unwind and enjoy nature at its best.
Many of the visitors visit the place not just for prayer, but also for the site’s peaceful surroundings and a much-needed break in their busy schedules.
The Story Behind Trimbakeshwar
The sage lived long ago in the Brahmagiri Hills with his wife, Ahalya. It was said that there was terrific drought in the area: no rains were falling for a long time, and people were having a very tough time. So, Sage Gautama prayed for rain to the gods, and the gods answered his prayers.
But other sages in the locality became jealous of Gautama’s prowess and fooled him. In the process, he inadvertently slaughtered a cow, which was considered to be a great sin in Hinduism.
Guilty as he was, Sage Gautama prayed to Lord Shiva and he appeared and upon blessing him granted him the holy Godavari River within those hills where he could wash away his sins.
This is why it was constructed in that location and why the Godavari River is so pure. Now many people believe it can purify them from their sins just by bathing. What makes Trimbakeshwar Temple so special?
What Makes Trimbakeshwar Temple Special?
The Shiva Temple at Trimbakeshwar is part of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. A Jyotirlinga is something special; it is the only temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped in linga, stone form.
What’s specific at Trimbakeshwar Shiva Linga is that there are three little lingas inside, representing Shiva, Brahma-the creator, and Vishnu-the protector. This is unique since most Jyotirlingas represent Shiva only.
Besides that, it is very famous for its beautiful architecture. It was built by a ruler of the Maratha in 18th century, named Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, and had also been called Nanasaheb Peshwa.
The structure is done with black stone and has various carvings of gods and goddesses. Its tall tower, known as shikhara, is pointing towards the sky to show the contact between earth and the heavens.
Religious Importance of Trimbakeshwar
It is not only a religious duty for the Hindus but also a means to seek peace and acquire blessing from Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, hence it is a major temple in Hinduism.
Some people believe that visiting each of the 12 Jyotirlingas will be able to provide them with moksha – escaping the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Kumbh Mela is the largest celebration within Trimbakeshwar and is considered a huge religious festival that occurs every 12 years. Milions of people come to Trimbakeshwar and Nashik during the Kumbh Mela and take a sacred bath in Godavari River.
They believe bathing in the river at the time of Kumbh Mela will wash away their sins and bring them closer to salvation.
Sacred Godavari River
The Godavari River is considered the second-longest river in India and further plays a crucial role in Hinduism. The river originates from the Brahmagiri Hills near the Trimbakeshwar Temple and winds its way through several states before finally hitting Bay of Bengal. Any tourist who visits the temple prefers washing in the river, believing that its waters would purify their soul.
The banks of Godavari are sacred for Hindus as they provide a chance to the devotees to visit and pay special rituals to the ghosts of their ancestors.
Shradh and Pind Daan are two more such occasions where peace is sought in the souls of the ancestors. Rituals performed there using holy waters from Godavari hold even more importance for the followers performing them.
Festivals and Rituals of Trimbakeshwar Temple
One such temple is Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, which is always bustling with festivals and special ceremonies. Among these, the most important festival is Maha Shivaratri, the worship day of the Lord Shiva. It is characterized by fasting, singing songs, and offering flowers and milk to Shiva Linga. Thousands of people visit the temple on this day to pray and be a part of the celebration.
In the Hindu calendar, Shravan Maas is also said to be a propitious day for worshipping Lord Shiva. Followers pilgrimage to the temple for special prayers and gifts to lord within the month.
Some other specific rituals are held inside the temple premises which must involve the following: removal of bad luck or family curses in a person’s life, i.e., Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja and Narayan Nagbali Puja. The rituals apparently shower peace, happiness, and prosperity in people’s lives.
How to Reach Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
By Road:
Trimbakeshwar is about 30 kilometers from Nashik, and you can reach it by car, taxi, or bus. Nashik is well connected to nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune, and you can find several state transport and private buses to Trimbak. Driving is also an option, as the road from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar is scenic and easy to navigate.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Nashik Road Railway Station, around 36 kilometers from Trimbakeshwar. Once at Nashik station, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, around 200 kilometers away. From Mumbai, you can either take a direct bus, rent a taxi, or catch a train to Nashik.
How to Book Aarti at Trimbakeshwar Temple
To book an Aarti at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, you can visit the temple’s official website, where they offer options for online booking of various pujas, including Aarti. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season and festivals.
Official Website for Bookings: Trimbakeshwar Temple Official Website
Conclusion
This is the place where history and spirituality merge perfectly with natural beauty as the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple seems to fulfill all your boxes. It may be a prayer visit or just coming here to learn about the legends of Lord Shiva or an admittance to the serene tranquility of Brahmagiri Hills, Trimbakeshwar has something in store for one and all. This sacred temple reminds one of the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and continues to inspire millions of people every year.
So the next time you visit Maharashtra, do not forget to see Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple and experience its power and beauty!