 |
| Trimbakeshwar ShivaTemple.Timbak, MH templeknowledge.com |
Location and Significance: Trimbakeshwar, also known as Tryambakeshwar, is a revered ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as a pillar of light. This temple is located in the picturesque town of Trimbak in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, about 28 km from Nashik city and 185 km from Mumbai.
 |
| Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Timbak, MH holidify.com |
Historical Background: The current temple structure was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb). Within its premises is the sacred pond, Kusavarta, which is considered the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India.
 |
| Timbak, Nashik District weather-forecast.com |
Religious Importance:Among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is a sacred one No matter how many Jyotirlinga shrines devotees visit, it is considered essential for Hindus to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and the massive Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The latter is historically connected to the Ramayana, as it links to the natural bridge, Rama's Bridge, to Sri Lanka.
Unique Features: At Trimbakeshwar, the presiding deity has three faces, symbolizing the Hindu Trinity: Lord Brahma (the creator), Lord Vishnu (the protector), and Lord Rudra (the destroyer). The latter is known for his grace and his role in destroying arrogance and selfishness, as well as protecting people from demons and maintaining the balance between creation and destruction.
The Linga here is adorned with a jeweled crown over the gold mask of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). It is said that the jeweled crown, made of diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones, has been present since the time of the Pandavas and is displayed every Monday evening from 4 to 5 pm.
Architectural Significance: The entire temple, constructed from black stone (likely volcanic basaltic rock), features captivating architecture and sculpture. It is situated at the foothills of the Brahmagiri mountain, from which the Godavari River originates.
Legend and Mythology: According to legend, once Brahma requested Lord Trivikram to bring the river Ganges, held by Lord Shiva, to the earth to alleviate a long-standing drought. Sage Gautama’s ashram at Trimbakeshwar received rain through the grace of rain god Varuna, allowing him to feed many holy men. Indra, the king of the gods, became jealous of Gautama's increasing merit and urged Varuna to end the famine, but Gautama continued to gain merit by feeding the sages. An incident involving a cow, which turned out to be Parvati's friend Jaya in disguise, led to Gautama being advised to pray to Lord Shiva for the release of the Ganges. Through intense penance, Gautama succeeded, and the Ganges flowed, washing away his sin of indirectly causing the cow's death. This sacred water body came to be known as Kushavarta, the origin of the Godavari River.
Rituals and Pujas: Various rituals are performed at Trimbakeshwar, including the Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, and Tripindi Vidhi. The Narayan Nagbali puja, in particular, is conducted over three days to alleviate illnesses, financial difficulties, and the effects of Naga Dosha (killing a cobra). Childless couples also come here seeking fertility.
Trimbakeshwar Town: Trimbakeshwar is surrounded by serene, lush green landscapes and hosts a significant Vedic Center/Gurukula that teaches the Shastras. Numerous ashrams and mutts are located here. The Anjaneri mountain, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, is just 7 km away. The town offers spiritual solace for those seeking a break from materialistic life.
The Nassak Diamond: The temple once housed the world-famous Nassak Diamond, also known as the Eye of the Idol, a 43.38-carat stone found in the Amaragiri mine in Andhra Pradesh. The diamond adorned the idol of Shiva from around 1500 until it was looted by the British during the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818). Today, the diamond is owned by an American family.
 |
| Nassak diamond.looted from Trimbakeshwar temple.jewellermagazine.com |
Nearby Attractions: Notable nearby attractions include Gangadwar, Mahadeva and Ganga Matha temples, caves of 108 Shiva Lingas where Maharshi Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva, and Kushavarta, the believed origin of the Godavari River.
Ref:
https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/12/trimbakeshwar-jyotirlinga-temple-nassik.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimbakeshwar_Shiva_Temple
.jpg)
.jpg)
