Theological significance

To relieve the region from famine and purify Sage Gautama from sin, Lord Shiva released the river Ganga here as Godavari (Gautami Ganga). Uniquely, the Jyotirlinga features a hollow depression housing three small natural Lingams representing the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.

The sanctum

An architectural masterpiece constructed of black basalt stone by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. The subterranean garbha griha contains a cavity holding the three-faceted Trimurti Lingam adorned with a golden jewel-studded crown during special pujas.

A pilgrimage is fulfilled not only by reaching the shrine, but by arriving inwardly— with gratitude, patience, and a quiet mind.

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Deity & sacred presence

Primary deity Trimbakeshwar (Three-Faced Lord)

Associated presence: Maa Godavari / Gayatri

Sacred element: Trimurti / Jal Tattwa (Cosmic Creation, Preservation, Dissolution & Ancestral Karma)

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Spiritual practice & sadhana

Mantra

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Ma'amritat

108 recitations of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra using a Rudraksha Mala

Auspicious time: Brahma Muhurta or Monday Afternoon Crown Aarti

Meditation focus

Rest awareness gently at this center while chanting.

Maha Mrityunjaya Trimurti Dhyan

Sit quietly along the Kushavarta Kund stone steps.
Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, feeling its vibrations radiating through your spinal column.
Visualize the three cosmic energies of creation, preservation, and transformation balancing your life.

Devotional activities

Kushavarta Kund Holy Bath

Taking a sacred purification bath in the stone tank where River Godavari emerges.

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Pilgrimage logistics

Best months to visit

OctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch

By air

Nashik Airport (ISK) (~50 km) or Mumbai Airport (~170 km)

By train

Nashik Road Railway Station (NK) (~38 km)

By road

Connected via state highways with frequent MSRTC buses operating from Nashik city

Entry & protocol

Queue: 2 to 4 hours on regular days; up to 8 hours during Mondays and Shivratri
Special passes: Priority queue passes available at official temple trust counters
Dress & rules: Strict traditional dress code: Men performing special puja must wear a clean silk/cotton Dhoti.

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On the map

Trimbak / Nashik · Brahmagiri Mountain Foothills (Godavari River Origin)

View all 12 Jyotirlingas on the map

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Connected sacred circuit

Nearby shrines that deepen and complete this pilgrimage.

Brahmagiri Hill Trimbak, Maharashtra

Sacred mountain origin point of River Godavari.

Saptashrungi Devi Temple Vani, Maharashtra

Associated Shaktipeeth located nearby in Nashik district.

Continue the yatra

May every step carry blessing. Visit the next shrine, or return to the map.