Trimbakeshwar is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra.  This temple is situated near the Brahmagiri mountain, at the source of the Godavari River. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Trimbak, believed to embody the combined essence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). This pilgrimage site is highly renowned for special rituals such as Kalasarpa Dosha Shanti (removal of the ill effects of the Kalasarpa planetary alignment), Pitru Dosha Nivaran (removal of ancestral curses), Mahamrityunjaya Mantra chanting, and Rudrabhishekam (a ritualistic bathing of the Shiva lingam).

The Trimbakeshwar pilgrimage site is specifically mentioned in the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Linga Purana. It is not only a Jyotirlinga site but is also considered the sacred land for ascetic practices, sacrifices, ancestral rites, Shraddha ceremonies, and remedies for planetary afflictions.

The Brahmagiri mountain is referred to as a "land of penance" in the Puranas, where great sages and ascetics have performed rigorous penance, sacrifices, and Vedic studies since Vedic times. The Puranas mention that this region has been extremely sacred since the Treta and Dwapara Yugas, and that worship of Lord Shiva performed here is said to yield quick results.

📖 Mythological Story from Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana

According to the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, Sage Gautama and his wife Ahilya performed rigorous penance on Brahmagiri mountain. Their ashram never experienced famine, even when the surrounding areas were suffering. This aroused jealousy among some other sages, who conspired to falsely accuse Sage Gautama of cow slaughter.

As penance, Sage Gautama performed intense penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and released the Godavari River from his matted locks onto the earth. At that very moment, Lord Shiva himself manifested here in the form of a Jyotirlinga, which later came to be known as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.

Verse from Shiva Purana:

“Gautamasya tapobalāt

Śivaḥ prasannatāmagāt |

Jaṭājūṭāt samutpannā

Godāvarī mahā nadī ||”

Meaning: Pleased by the power of Sage Gautama's penance, Lord Shiva created the great Godavari River from his matted locks. 🔱 The profound secret of the name "Trimbak"

According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva is called Trimbak here because:

He is the one with three eyes.

He is the presiding deity of the three powers: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

He is the ruler of the three worlds (Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, and Svarloka).

The Jyotirlinga located here is considered unique because it embodies a three-faced form, which distinguishes it from all other Jyotirlingas.

🌊 The mythological and spiritual significance of the Godavari River

The Godavari is called the "Ganges of the South" in the Puranas. The Padma Purana describes it as:

“Gangaya Dakshine Bhage

Godavari Mahamune.”

Meaning: In the southern direction, Godavari is the very form of the Ganges.

For this reason, bathing, performing Tarpana, Shraddha, and Pindadana at Trimbakeshwar brings quick peace to the ancestors and merit to the devotee.

🔯 Mythological beliefs related to Kundali Dosha removal

According to the scriptures, Naga Dosha, Pitru Dosha, and Graha Dosha are associated with a person's past lives and ancestral debts.

The Shiva Purana mentions:

“Naganam Prakopo Yatra

Tatra Shambhu Smaranam Shubham.”

Meaning: Where there is Naga Dosha, remembering Shiva and performing rituals in a Shiva Kshetra (holy place of Shiva) yields quick results.

For this reason, Trimbakeshwar is considered the supreme center for:

Kalsarpa Dosha Shanti Puja

Narayan Nagbali Puja

Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja, Tripindi Shraddha Puja

Rudrabhishek and Mahamrityunjaya Jap

Navagraha Shanti Puja

Shraddha, Tarpana, and Pindadana

🛕 Historical Temple Structure

The present Trimbakeshwar temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century during the Peshwa period.

Built of black stone, this temple is an excellent example of the ancient Nagara style. Its craftsmanship, Vedic symbols, and architecture continue to make the temple a vibrant spiritual center today. 🪔 Scriptural Puja Procedure (Brief)

Sankalpa and Achamana (Ritual purification)

Ganesha Puja

Vedic rituals according to the specific affliction

Havan and Purnahuti (Fire ritual and final offering)

Shiva Abhishekam and Blessings

🌸 How Pujariji.com Upholds This Tradition

Pujariji.com brings the thousands of years old tradition of Trimbakeshwar to devotees with modern convenience—

Scripturally certified and experienced priests

Pure Vedic procedures and authentic materials

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