We can always make a heritage travel along with our religious travel. That means many religious places are also historic or archaeological sites. One such place is the ancient Trimbakeshwar in Nashik.
A walk around Trimbakeshwar temple is enough to feel good as the huge temple complex, intricate carvings and the design of the temple takes you back in time.
Let us enter this holy abode of Shiva and get amazed by its beauty!
Beginning from Nashik
It is around 30km from the city of Nashik to Trimbakeshwar. The roads are in good condition and it takes around half an hour to 45 minutes to reach Trimbakeshwar from Nashik when there is no traffic.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Directions On the Way
The name boards are put at some levels which lead you to Trimbakeshwar temple.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Rocky Landscapes
Rocky landscapes will give you company all the way from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
On Arrival
You'll see another board before entering the road towards the Trimbakeshwar temple. You can also see the Brahmagiri hill ranges in the backdrop.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Entering the Temple Road
You have to pay entry fee just before entering this road towards the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Temple Road With Shops
This the main road which takes you to the temple. Number of shops are situated in the lane of Trimbakeshwar Temple.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Locker Shops
People are not allowed to take their mobile phones, cameras or any gadgets inside the temple. There are several shops where you can keep your gadgets. However, it is advisable to keep your phones inside your vehicles.
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Facade of Trimbakeshwar Temple
The ancient entrance of the temple will allure you with an old world charm.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
The Temple Chariot
The temple chariot is parked right next to this entrance.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Flower Vendors
Like any temple premises there are several flower vendors around Trimbakeshwar Mandir.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
The Ancient Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is one of the popular Shiva temples in India. Now tourists are not allowed to take phone or cameras inside the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Niraj Suryawanshi
The Three Facets
The main deity Lord Shiva is in the form of Linga. The deity here is said to represent all the three prime Hindu gods: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara (Shiva).
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Swayambu Linga (Self-Manifested)
The main Shiva Linga is below the ground level. Devotees have to look at the mirror just above the deity to get the full view of Linga in the inner sanctum of Trimbakeshwar temple.
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The Large Temple Complex
Walk around and explore the Trimbakeshwar temple complex. The splendid views of Brahmagiri Hills and the fresh breeze that surrounds the temple will be a rejuvenating experience.
Photo Courtesy: Damitr
Brahmagiri Hills
Trimbakeshwar is located in the foot hills of Brahmagiri Hills. One can see the lofty hills from the temple. In monsoon, the hills look plush green and attractive.
Photo Courtesy: Girishkap
The Origin of Godavari
Brahmagiri Hills is the origin of Godavari River. Godavari is the second longest river in India after the Ganga river. Tourists have to climb around 700 hundred steps up the Brahmagiri hills to reach the Godavari birth place.
Photo Courtesy: Sagarbadoge
Kushavarta
There is a sacred pond just near to Trimbakeshwar Temple. It is known as Kushavarta and many devotees take bath in this pond. It is from this pond that river Godavari starts her journey towards other parts of India.
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The Intricate Sculptures
Trimbakeshwar Temple is built from the black stone. Several artistic carvings are made in and around the temple. Even to this day, the carvings are preserved in a good state.
Photo Courtesy: Damitr
Nandi Temple
Nandi has to be there where ever Shiva is there. Here also tourists will see Nandi idol and move inside towards the main shrine. When it is crowded, people have to stand in queue to enter the temple. There are around 6 or 7 queue lines to enter the premises.
Photo Courtesy: Niraj Suryawanshi
A View of Shikara
The Shikhara of the temple has a Kalash on top. The tower is visible from a distance.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Outside Trimbakeshwar Temple
It is a bustling atmosphere outside the temple. You'll find many vendors who pester you to buy leaves from them and feed it to the cows which are walking around. Cows are believed to sacred for Hindus and it is a blessing to feed the cows according Hindus ideologies.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Shops Outside the Temple
There are a number shops outside the temple. You'll come across toy shops, flower shops, mobile locker shops, sweet shops (Prasadam), etc.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Damaru
Damaru is mainly associated with Shiva. It is a double sided drum which is the favourite instrument of Lord Shiva. You'll find toy Damarus in the shops near the temple.
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Shivaji Statue
Chatrapati Shivaji is the most popular personality in Maharashtra. There is a beautiful statue of Shivaji located near to the temple.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak
Brahmagiri Hills in Summer
In summer, Brahmagiri Hills look brown and dry. This a view of the hills surrounding the temple in the hot months.
Photo Courtesy: Akshatha Vinayak