Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga — Complete Darshan & Stay Guide 2026
One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located at the source of the Godavari River in the Brahmagiri hills of Nashik. Plan your darshan, pooja bookings, and temple stay with this complete guide.
About Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, situated about 28 km west of Nashik in Maharashtra, is one of the most revered of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple stands at the foothills of Brahmagiri, the mountain from which the sacred Godavari River begins its 1,465 km journey to the Bay of Bengal.
The name "Trimbakeshwar" means "the three-eyed Lord" — a reference to Lord Shiva's third eye of wisdom. The Jyotirlinga here is unique: it is said to change its form three times a day, representing Brahma (morning), Vishnu (noon), and Shiva (evening).
The temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the 18th century in the Hemadpanti style, with intricate stone carvings. It houses not only the main Shiva Jyotirlinga but also temples of Ganesh, Kedareshwar, and Amriteshwar — forming a complete pilgrimage circuit within the complex.
Quick Facts
| Deity | Lord Shiva (as Trimbakeshwar) |
| Location | Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra |
| Coordinates | 19.94°N, 73.53°E |
| Darshan Timings | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Best Time | October – March |
| Major Festivals | Mahashivratri, Sawan Mondays |
| Managed By | Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan |
Darshan Timings
The temple operates year-round with the following schedule. Special extended timings apply during Mahashivratri, Shravan, and Kartik Purnima.
Morning
5:30 AM
Temple opens. Kakad Aarti at 4:30 AM.
Afternoon
12:00 PM
Madhyan Aarti. Temple open throughout.
Evening
7:30 PM
Sayam Aarti. Temple closes at 9:00 PM.
Why Trimbakeshwar is Sacred
Trimbakeshwar holds unique significance among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Here are the features that make it one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage destinations.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Trimbakeshwar is one of the most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The self-manifested lingam is believed to change its face three times a day — morning (Lord Surya), noon (Lord Vishnu), and evening (Lord Shiva).
Origin of the Godavari
Trimbakeshwar is where the Godavari — India's second-longest river — begins its 1,465-km journey to the Bay of Bengal. The Triveni Sangam here is formed by three water sources: Kushavarta Kund, Gangadwar spring, and Ganga Ganga spring.
Brahmagiri Trek
The 1,300-metre Brahmagiri hill is one of Maharashtra's most rewarding treks. A 4-km walk from the temple leads through dense forest to the source of the Godavari. The view from the summit encompasses the entire Nashik valley.
Narayan Nagbali Pooja
Trimbakeshwar is one of the very few places in India where the 3-day Narayan Nagbali pooja is performed. It is believed to dissolve ancestral debts and pitru dosha. The pooja requires advance booking with a registered purohit.
Rudra Homa & Maha Mrityunjaya
Rudra Homa and Maha Mrityunjaya Japa are performed daily in the temple mandap. Devotees from across India come for these rituals, especially during Shravan, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Purnima.
Ganesh, Kedareshwar & Amriteshwar
The Trimbakeshwar complex houses three other important temples: Ganesh (Kedargad), Kedareshwar, and Amriteshwar. The path connecting them is part of the traditional circumambulation route around the Jyotirlinga.
Poojas & Rituals at Trimbakeshwar
Rudra Homa
Fire ritual invoking Lord Shiva in the temple mandap. Popular on Mondays, Pradosha days, and Mahashivratri. Takes about 45–60 minutes.
Maha Mrityunjaya Japa
108 repetitions of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra performed by priests. Sought for health, longevity, and spiritual protection. Requires advance booking.
Narayan Nagbali
A 3-day ritual performed to dissolve pitru dosha (ancestral debt). Trimbakeshwar is one of the few temples in India offering this pooja. Requires advance booking with a registered purohit.
Kushavarta Pooja
Holy bath and pooja at Kushavarta Kund, the sacred source tank of the Godavari River. Pilgrims offer sesame seeds, flowers, and ghee lamps after the ceremonial dip.
Laghu Rudra
11 repetitions of the Rudra mantra, a shorter version of Rudra Homa. Performed daily for family welfare and the removal of obstacles.
Mahaprasad & Anna Daan
Free prasad is distributed to all devotees. The Sansthan runs anna daan (free food) seva for pilgrims throughout the year.
How to Reach Trimbakeshwar
| From | Distance | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 170 km | 4–5 hours by car | via NH 848 through Kasara and Igatpuri ghats |
| Nashik | 28 km | 45 minutes by car | via Nashik–Trimbak Road; MSRTC buses every 15 min |
| Pune | 240 km | 5–6 hours by car | via Mumbai–Nashik Expressway then NH 848 |
| Aurangabad | 180 km | 4 hours by car | via Shirdi and Sinnar to Nashik, then to Trimbakeshwar |
| Nashik Road Station | 45 km | 1 hour by taxi/bus | Nearest railway station; shared taxis available 24 hours |
Best Time to Visit
Winter (October – March)
Cool and dry, ideal for Brahmagiri trek and temple visits. 10°C to 28°C.
Monsoon (July – September)
Lush green hills. River Godavari flows strong. Trek to Brahmagiri challenging but scenic.
Summer (April – June)
Hot (30°C to 40°C). Early morning darshan recommended. Evening aarti more comfortable.
Trimbakeshwar Bhakta Niwas — Room Rates
All room rates at Trimbakeshwar Bhakta Niwas include accommodation, three meals per day, hot water and taxes. No hidden charges.
| Room Type | Capacity | AC | Suggested Donation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Bed AC | 4 persons | Yes | ₹2,550 |
| 4 Bed Non-AC | 4 persons | No | ₹2,250 |
| 3 Bed AC | 3 persons | Yes | ₹2,050 |
| 3 Bed Non-AC | 3 persons | No | ₹1,750 |
| 2 Bed AC | 2 persons | Yes | ₹1,650 |
| 2 Bed Non-AC | 2 persons | No | ₹1,250 |
| Deluxe Suite | 4 persons | Yes | ₹3,150 |
| Luxury Suite | 4 persons | Yes | ₹4,150 |
| Family Room | 6 persons | Yes | ₹3,850 |
All prices include: Room accommodation + All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) + Applicable taxes + Hot water facilities. No hidden charges. Final price is exactly as shown.. Check-in: 24 Hours | Check-out: 24 Hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Trimbakeshwar darshan timings? +
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Kakad Aarti starts at 4:30 AM, Madhyan Aarti at 12:00 PM, and Sayam Sandhya Aarti at 7:30 PM. Mahashivratri and Sawan Mondays see extended hours with special schedules.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik? +
Trimbakeshwar is approximately 28 km from Nashik city via the Nashik–Trimbak Road (NH 848), a 45-minute drive. MSRTC buses and shared taxis run frequently from Nashik CBS to Trimbakeshwar.
What is Brahmagiri and how do I trek it? +
Brahmagiri is the 1,300-metre sacred hill at Trimbakeshwar that marks the origin of the Godavari River. A 4-km, approximately 2-hour trek with steps on steeper sections leads from the temple to the Triveni Sangam source. Start early morning to avoid heat. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
Can I do Narayan Nagbali pooja at Trimbakeshwar? +
Yes. Trimbakeshwar is one of the few places in India where the Narayan Nagbali pooja is performed. The 3-day ritual requires advance booking through the temple office or a registered purohit. It is believed to remove ancestral curses (pitru dosha).
How to reach Trimbakeshwar from Mumbai? +
Mumbai to Trimbakeshwar is about 170 km via NH 848, taking 4–5 hours by car. Trains go to Nashik Road station, then a 1-hour taxi or MSRTC bus to Trimbakeshwar. Overnight buses from Mumbai to Nashik are also available.
What are the room rates at Trimbakeshwar Bhakta Niwas? +
Suggested donations range from ₹1,250 to ₹4,150 per night. This includes accommodation, three meals, hot water and taxes. All rooms are family-only with a 24-hour check-in window.
What is Kushavarta Kund and its significance? +
Kushavarta Kund is a sacred tank at Trimbakeshwar considered the source of the Godavari. It is where Sage Gautama performed his tapas, and where pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the main temple. The water from the kund is believed to cleanse sins.
When is the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar? +
The best time to visit is October to March, with cool, pleasant weather. Avoid peak monsoon (July–August) if you plan to trek Brahmagiri. Mahashivratri (February/March) and Shravan Mondays are the most auspicious — and busiest — times to visit.
Plan your Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga visit
Book Bhakta Niwas accommodation near the Trimbakeshwar temple. All meals and hot water included.