Quick answer: Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is at Trimbak, about 28 to 30 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, at the foot of Brahmagiri where the Godavari rises. The temple is open roughly 5:30 am to 9 pm. General darshan is free; a Rs 200 donation darshan pass is booked on the Devasthan Trust website. In 2027 Trimbak co-hosts the Simhastha Kumbh, so book early.
Updated for the 2027 yatra season (facts checked October 2026)
Trimbakeshwar is unlike any other Jyotirlinga. Instead of a single raised linga, the sanctum holds a small hollow with three thumb-sized lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The temple is also the main centre in India for Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi and Kaal Sarp rituals, and the Kushavarta kund nearby is honoured as the source of the Godavari. This guide covers timings, the official donation darshan pass, dress for rituals, how to reach, and what the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh means for your yatra.
What is the story of Trimbakeshwar?
According to the Puranas, the sage Gautama lived on Brahmagiri with his wife Ahalya. Jealous sages caused a cow to die in his field, and Gautama, accused of cow-slaughter, did tapasya to Bhagwan Shiva to bring the Ganga down to purify the land. Shiva released her here, and the river that flowed from Brahmagiri became the Godavari, also called Gautami after the sage. At Gautama’s request Shiva stayed as Trimbakeshwar, “the three-eyed Lord”. This is why the stotram says “Tryambakam Gautami-tate”, on the bank of the Gautami.
The present black-stone temple was built in the 18th century under Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb Peshwa). The lingas are usually covered with a silver mask, and on certain days a jewelled crown (mukut) said to date from the Pandava era is shown to devotees.
Trimbakeshwar darshan timings
| Item | Approximate time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temple open | About 5:30 am to 9:00 pm | Some sources say 5 am; varies on festivals |
| Morning puja and abhishek | Early morning | Booked rituals by authorised priests |
| Donation darshan pass window | 6:00 am to 8:00 pm slots | Last entry about 9 pm, per the trust’s booking page |
| Mukut darshan | Usually around 4:30 to 5 pm on Mondays | Crown shown; a palkhi goes to Kushavarta in Shravan |
| Evening aarti | Evening, before closing | Check locally |
The sanctum is small, so most devotees see the lingas from a few metres away. The temple has occasionally closed at short notice during heavy-rain warnings in the monsoon.
How to book the Trimbakeshwar donation darshan pass
- Go to the official Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust website, trimbakeshwartrust.com, and sign in.
- Open the online VIP / donation darshan form and choose your date and time window (6 am to 8 pm).
- Enter the main devotee’s details and ID number; up to four more people can be added to one pass.
- Pay Rs 200 per person. Children under 10 and divyangjan (with UDID or a valid certificate) are exempt.
- Download the QR pass from Transaction History. Show it with your ID at the gate.
Passes are valid only for the chosen date and are non-transferable. The trust allows cancellation only within 30 minutes of booking. Some guides report a higher fee on Shravan Mondays and big festivals, so check the site for those dates. Free general darshan remains open to all.
Dress code for darshan and rituals
- General darshan: modest clothing; avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and short dresses.
- Rituals (Rudrabhishek, Kaal Sarp, Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi): men are expected to wear a plain white dhoti with an upper cloth (uparna), which can be hired near the temple. Women usually wear a saree or salwar suit covering shoulders and legs.
- Rules on entry close to the sanctum are set by the trust and have changed over the years; follow the instructions at the gate.
- Leather belts and bags are left outside; phones are not allowed inside, and lockers are available.
Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi and Kaal Sarp puja at Trimbak
Many families come to Trimbakeshwar specifically for these rituals. Narayan Nagbali is performed for ancestors who died untimely deaths and for certain doshas, Tripindi Shraddha for unsatisfied ancestors across three generations, and Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran for the astrological yoga of that name. Each is performed by authorised local purohits, often over one to three days, and needs advance booking and a fixed muhurat. Do not plan them on the same morning as a timed darshan pass. Book through the trust or a priest you trust, and agree the dakshina and inclusions in writing.
Trimbakeshwar and the Simhastha Kumbh 2027
Nashik and Trimbakeshwar host the Simhastha Kumbh once in twelve years, when Jupiter is in Leo. As announced by the Maharashtra government:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund | 31 October 2026 |
| Nagar pradakshina, Nashik | 29 July 2027 |
| First Amrit Snan | 2 August 2027 |
| Second Amrit Snan | 31 August 2027 |
| Third Amrit Snan | 11 September 2027 (Nashik), 12 September 2027 (Trimbakeshwar) |
| Flag lowered, Kumbh period ends | 24 July 2028 |
At Trimbak the main bathing is at the Kushavarta kund. Expect very heavy crowds, traffic diversions and full hotels in July to September 2027. If your sankalp is darshan rather than the snan, choose a month outside the peak bathing period. Our Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha 2027 guide has more detail.
How to reach Trimbakeshwar
| From | Distance | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashik city | About 28 to 30 km | 45 minutes | Taxis and frequent state buses |
| Nashik Road station | About 38 km | 1 hour | Main railhead; trains from Mumbai, Delhi and Bhopal |
| Nashik (Ozar) airport | About 50 km | 1.25 hours | Limited flights |
| Mumbai | About 165 to 180 km | 4.5 to 5 hours | Via Kasara ghat and Igatpuri |
| Shirdi | About 115 to 120 km | 2.5 to 3 hours | Often combined |
Best time to visit
October to February is ideal. The monsoon makes Brahmagiri green and full of waterfalls, but heavy rain can close paths and occasionally the temple. Shravan Mondays, Mahashivratri (6 March 2027 by the panchang) and the 2027 Kumbh bathing days are the most crowded. Weekends draw large numbers from Mumbai and Pune.
Nearby tirthas
- Kushavarta kund: about 400 metres from the temple, where the Godavari is believed to emerge; the Kumbh bathing place.
- Brahmagiri and Gangadwar: steps lead up the hill to the Godavari’s source shrine; a demanding climb for the fit.
- Anjaneri: about 7 km, honoured as Hanuman’s birthplace.
- Nashik Panchavati: Ramkund, Kalaram temple, Sita Gufa and Tapovan, linked with Shri Ram’s exile.
- Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur: a day’s drive east.
Combining Trimbakeshwar with other Jyotirlingas
Trimbakeshwar is the natural start of a Maharashtra Jyotirlinga circuit. Grishneshwar near Ellora is about 190 to 200 km east (via Shirdi), and Bhimashankar about 200 km south. Coming from Madhya Pradesh, you can begin with Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar. See the 12 Jyotirlinga list.
How we can help
Our Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi and Aurangabad yatra (5 nights, 6 days from Nashik, from ₹32,000 per person) covers Trimbakeshwar, Panchavati, Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur and Grishneshwar with Ellora. The Panch Jyotirlinga Yatra (11 days, from ₹60,000 per person) adds the Malwa pair and Bhimashankar. For those who cannot travel, a Kaal Sarp Dosh puja in your name can be arranged at Trimbakeshwar (price on request). More on our Jyotirlinga yatra page. Use the enquiry form on this page or call/WhatsApp us (numbers on our Contact page).
Frequently asked questions
What are the Trimbakeshwar temple timings?
The temple is generally open from about 5:30 am to 9 pm, with some sources giving 5 am. The trust’s donation darshan pass covers slots from 6 am to 8 pm, with last entry around 9 pm. Timings change on Shravan Mondays, Mahashivratri and Kumbh days, and the temple has closed briefly during heavy-rain warnings.
How do I book VIP darshan at Trimbakeshwar?
Book the donation darshan pass on the official Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust website, trimbakeshwartrust.com. In 2026 it cost Rs 200 per person, children under 10 and divyangjan are exempt, and up to five people can be on one QR pass. Download the pass, carry the ID entered, and show both at the gate. General darshan is free.
Why does Trimbakeshwar have three lingas?
The sanctum holds a small hollow with three thumb-sized lingas, believed to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh together. This makes Trimbakeshwar unique among the twelve. The lingas are usually covered by a silver mask, and water from the Godavari’s source is believed to keep the hollow moist.
What is the dress code for puja at Trimbakeshwar?
For rituals such as Rudrabhishek, Kaal Sarp puja and Narayan Nagbali, men are expected to wear a plain white dhoti with an upper cloth, available on hire near the temple. Women usually wear a saree or salwar suit. For general darshan, modest clothes are enough. Leather items are left outside.
When is the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh in 2027?
The Simhastha begins with flag hoisting on 31 October 2026. The Amrit Snan dates announced by the Maharashtra government are 2 August and 31 August 2027, with the third snan on 11 September 2027 at Nashik and 12 September 2027 at Trimbakeshwar. The Kumbh period is reported to end on 24 July 2028; confirm nearer the time.
How long does Narayan Nagbali take at Trimbakeshwar?
Narayan Nagbali is usually performed over three days, while Tripindi and Kaal Sarp puja generally take a few hours to a day. All need a fixed muhurat and advance booking with authorised local priests. Plan at least one extra night at Trimbak, and keep darshan for a different morning.
How far is Trimbakeshwar from Nashik and Mumbai?
About 28 to 30 km from Nashik city (45 minutes) and about 38 km from Nashik Road railway station. From Mumbai it is about 165 to 180 km, roughly 4.5 to 5 hours via the Kasara ghat. Shirdi is about 115 to 120 km away, which makes the two easy to combine.
Can we visit Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi in one yatra?
Yes, it is one of the most popular pairings. Shirdi is 2.5 to 3 hours from Trimbak. A typical plan is Nashik and Trimbakeshwar on the first day, Shirdi in the evening for the aarti, and Shani Shingnapur the next day, continuing to Grishneshwar and Ellora for the second Jyotirlinga.