Trimbakeshwar (Marathi: त्र्यंबकेश्वर Tryambakeśvar) is a town in the Nashik district of North Maharashtra, India. It is located near the origin of the Godavari River and is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it a highly revered pilgrimage destination. Devotees from all over the country visit this ancient temple to seek blessings.

The best time of the year to visit Trimbakeshwar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The summer months from April to June are warm, followed by the monsoon season. Pilgrim inflow peaks during the holy month of Savan (July-August) and around major Hindu festivals.

Some of the most important festivals celebrated in Trimbakeshwar are Mahashivratri, Kumbh Mela (held once every 12 years). During these times, thousands of devotees visit Trimbakeshwar to perform rituals and seek spiritual merit.

Map of Trimbakeshwar

Trimbakeshwar is a small temple town, and most of the important places are located within walking distance of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, which is the heart of the town. Local auto-rickshaws and shared taxis are available for slightly farther spots like Brahmagiri Hill and Kushavarta Kund, but exploring on foot is the best way to soak in the spiritual vibe of the town.

Travel agents in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar also organize guided temple tours and treks to nearby places.

The main attractions of Trimbakeshwar are centred around the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and several nearby holy spots associated with the origin of the Godavari River.

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple

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Located in the center of the town, this ancient 19.93224173.530691 Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a unique Jyotirlinga, which has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is built in classic Hemadpanthi style and opens early in the morning around 5:30AM, staying open till around 9PM. Entry is free, but there may be queues, especially during Mondays and festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan. Phones and cameras are allowed inside the temple but are prohibited inside the sanctum.

There are plenty of small shops around the temple that sell religious items such as rudraksha malas, brass idols of Lord Shiva, lingams, framed pictures of deities, puja materials, and holy ash (vibhuti). Books related to Hindu philosophy and the Trimbakeshwar temple are also available. Prices are usually negotiable, especially for souvenirs and decorative items.

Trimbakeshwar has a range of simple, mostly vegetarian eateries serving Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and South Indian cuisine.

Many pilgrims prefer thali meals (a platter with rice, dal, chapati, vegetables, and pickle) available at local restaurants and dhabas. Fresh fruits like guavas and pomegranates are also sold by street vendors.

For quick bites, street food stalls near the temple serve local snacks like:

• Roasted corn (bhutta)
• Kanda bhajiya (onion fritters)
• Vada pav
• Misal pav

During festivals and auspicious days, free community meals (annadan) are sometimes served in temple premises.

Cold drinks and bottled water are widely available in shops around the temple. Fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, and buttermilk are also popular among visitors.

As Trimbakeshwar is a holy town, alcohol is strictly prohibited.

There are several accommodation options in Trimbakeshwar, ranging from basic lodges to comfortable hotels. During peak festival seasons like Mahashivratri and Shravan, prior booking is recommended. Many devotees also stay at dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses) run by trusts.

Some notable places to stay include:

• MTDC Holiday Resort, a government-run guest house with clean, affordable rooms.
• Sanskruti Resort, located amidst greenery, about 3 km from the temple.
• Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Bhakta Niwas, a pilgrim lodging with budget rooms.
• Hotel Krushna Inn, a mid-range hotel offering both AC and non-AC rooms, 5 minutes from the temple.
• Anand Heritage, a simple hotel with decent facilities near the main temple.

Trimbakeshwar is generally a peaceful pilgrimage town with a strong spiritual atmosphere. Violent crime is rare. However, visitors should remain cautious, especially during crowded festivals and Shravan Mondays, when the town sees heavy footfall.

• Pickpockets sometimes operate in crowded areas near the temple and during queues for darshan, especially targeting handbags and wallets. Stay alert, travel in groups, and avoid carrying too much cash or valuables.
• Touts and self-proclaimed guides may approach visitors offering help with darshan or poojas. Politely decline if you do not wish to avail their services. Some may lead you to specific shops expecting you to make purchases at inflated prices.
• During monsoon or treks to Brahmagiri Hill, the paths may become slippery. Wear appropriate footwear.
• Those sensitive to dust or pollen may carry a face mask.
• Bottled water is recommended for drinking as tap water may not be filtered properly.

• Police: 100
• Local help: You can approach temple security or the MTDC tourist office in case of emergencies.
• Mobile networks like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone have good coverage in Trimbakeshwar

• Nashik (30 km): A historic city famous for temples like the Kalaram Temple, Saptashrungi, and the Sula Vineyards.
• Shirdi (115 km): A major pilgrimage town known for Sai Baba's samadhi temple. Taxi from Trimbakeshwar to Shirdi costs around ₹1500–1800; shared cabs may cost ₹150–200.
• Shani Shingnapur (130 km): Famous for its Shani Bhagavan temple and houses without doors. Taxi fare is around ₹2000; shared vans charge about ₹150–200 per person.