The 10th Jyotirling, Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeshwar or Trambakeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Naasik District of Mahaaraashtra, India, 30 km from the city of Naasik - near the mountain named Brahmgiri from which the river Godaavaree flows. Tryambakeshwar Temple is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirling shrines of Shiv and as the source of the river Godaavaree. Just as Gangaa is known as Bhaageerathee and is one of the most important river in North India, in the same way, Godaavaree is also known as Gautamee Gangaa and is the most sacred river in South India. According to Shiv Puraan, it is because of the earnest request of Godaavare, Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiv agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Tryambakeshwar. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Gangaa and not as Godaavaree. All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Naasik, once in twelve years, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo. On this day a grand fair is organized at this place. Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautamee Gangaa and then seek the blessings of Tryambakeshwar.

Out of the thousands of Shiv temples these 12 Jyotirling or Self effulgent (lit from within) Ling occupy a class of their own as the greatest, most celebrated and most powerful centers of Shiv's energy in the world. The Ling (Moorti or idols) in these temples are all Swaayambhoo or self created - not man made. Some hold Trayambakeshwar to be the first Jyotirling. It is one of the 5 Amrit Sthaan or most sacred places in India; Kumbh Melaa is held here. It is also mentioned in the Vaidik literature. Yagya and Poojaa have been performed here for thousands of years. More important, the experience of Lord Shiv's presence or Darshan in these temples is unparalleled. For this reason millions of devotees come from far and wide each year to bathe in that experience of wholeness and peace which surpasses the understanding. And as a result of the profound presence of Lord Shiv at these Jyotir Ling, Yagya performed here deliver maximum benefits.

Remedy of Pitri Dosh
See also    Yagya-Special

Trayambakeshwar Jyotirling in Naasik is widely regarded as one of the 3 best places in India to perform remedies for Pitri Dosh, Kala Sarpa yoga, Naaraayan Bali and Naag Bali. So effective are these remedies or Santhi's performed at Trayamabakeshwar that they only need to be done once in the life time. Repeats are not necessary. Trayambakeshwar is also one of the best temples to perform Yagya for Saturn, Raahu and Moon, and Mahaa Mrityunjaya Yagya. The chief Pandit who organize and perform our Yagya are 3 brothers: Purushottam, Girish and Lalit Lohagoankar. Their family has lived at Trayambakeshwar for more than 300 years. They are highly respected members of the local community. Their Yagya consistently deliver excellent results.

Legends Behind Tryambakeshwar Temple

(1) Legend goes that the sage Gautam Muni resided on the Brahmgiri hill with his wife Ahalyaa. By virtue of his devotion, the sage received from Varun, a bottomless pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of grains and food. The other Rishi, jealous of his fortune, arranged for a cow to enter his granary and caused it to die as Gautam Rishi attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Darbhaa grass. Gautam Rishi, therefore, worshipped Lord Shiv to bring the Gangaa down to his hermitage to purify the premises. Pleased with his devotion, Shiv requested Gangaa to flow down there and make Sage Gautam pure. After that Gangaa flowed down, Lord Shiv told Gangaa to stay there eternally for the good of everyone. All the Gods started singing the praises of Gautam Rishi, Ganga and Lord Shiv. On the request of all the Gods, Lord Shiv resided by the river Gautamee (Godaavaree) by the name Tryambakeshwar (one of the 12 Jyotirling). Hindu believe that Tryambak Jyotirling is one, which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.

(2) In parallel to this, another legend related to the formation of a Jyotirling at Brahmgiri is the interface of Lords Brahmaa and Vishnu vis-a-vis an appearance of a Fire Column whose height and depth could not be ascertained by both of them; Brahma’s cover-up story was that he found out the height of the Column and cited a Ketakee flower as a witness. Lord Shiv cursed Brahmaa that "since you have lied, nobody would worship you". At this Brahma also cursed Shiv that he would be pushed underground. Hence the manifestation of Tryambakeshwar is under the Brahmgiri. The Jyotirling is of a small size in a depression on the floor with water oozing out constantly from the top. The force of waves of the River appears to be as per the intensity of the prayers of Sage Gautam according to the conviction of devotees in the Temple. Tryambakeshwar Temple is the only place where Shiv Ling is not outside but inside.

Some scholars say that Paarvatee also came down along with Shiv and Gangaa. The place is therefore called Tryambakeshwar (three lords). Others believe that the place is so called because of the presence of three Ling of Brahmaa, Vishnu and Mahesh. The Shiv Ling of Mahesh has always flowing water around among the three Shiv Ling.

(3) Another Story associated with Tryambakeshwar - At the time of the marriage of Shiv to Paarvatee, all the Devarshi gathered together. Brahmaa, the creator of the Universe, seeing the beauty of Paarvatee, had a discharge of semen. Shiv observing this, offered him water of Gangaa, the purest water and said, - “You will wipe off your sin by this water”. Brahmaa kept the holy water in his Kamandal (a particular container made out of dried fruit carried by Saadhu) and was purified by its bath.

At the entrance to the Tryambakeshwar Temple, there is this Ganesh figure on which you will see people sticking coins. It is believed that if your coin sticks, your wish will be granted.

Kushaavart - This is the place from where river Godaavaree takes its course. A dip in this sacred river wipes off all the sins, is the belief of people. The sage Gautam committed a sin of murdering a cow and by taking bath in this river, wiped off his sin.

How Godaavaree River Descended

Brahmaa Jee worshipped God Trivikram when His foot reached Satya Lok with the same holy water of the Gangaa which he got from Shiv. To get the river Gangaa held up by Shankar on his head, to flow. River Gangaa in the form of a woman was enjoying with Lord Shiv, which was noticed by Lord Shiv's wife Paarvatee. She planned to drive Gangaa away from her husband. Paarvatee and her son Ganesh came to live in Gautam's Aashram with Paarvatee's friend Jayaa with a plan. There was a famine of 24 years and people were affected by the pangs of hunger. However, Varun - the God of Rains, pleased with Sage Gautam arranged rains every day in Gautam's Ashram (dwelling place) which was in Tryambakeshwar. Gautam used to sow rice in the surrounding fields of his Aashram in the morning, reap the crop in the afternoon and with it fed a large group of Rishi, who took shelter in his Aashram on account of the famine. The blessings of the group of Rishi increased the merit (Punya) of Gautam.

Lord Indra's position became shaky because of Gautam's increased merit. So Indra ordered clouds to rain all over Tryambakeshwar, so that the famine be over and Rishi can go back and the increasing merits of Gautam will be weakened. Although the famine was over, Gautam urged the Rishi to stay back and kept on feeding them and gaining merit. Once he saw a cow grazing in the paddy field and he drove her away by throwing Darbhaa (sharp pointed grass). The slender cow died by this. It was Jayaa - Paarvatee's friend, who had taken the form of a cow. This news upset the Rishi and they refused to eat at his Aashram. Gautam requested Rishi to show a way out of this sin. He was advised to approach Shiv and request him to release Gangaa, that a bath in the Ganges would set him free of his sins.

Gautam then practiced penance by going to the peak of Brahmgiri. Shankar was pleased by his worship and gave him the Gangaa. However, Gangaa was not prepared to part with Shiv, which irritated Shiv Jee. He danced his Taandav Nritya (dance) on the peak of Brahmgiri and dashed his Jataa there. Frightened by this action, Gangaa appeared on Brahmgiri. Later on Gangaa appeared in the Tryambak Teerth. Gautam praised her but she appeared off and on on the mountain at various places and disappeared in anger. Gautam could not bathe in her waters. Ganges then appeared in Gangaadwaar, Varaah Teerth, Raam-Lakshman Teerth, Gangaa Saagar Teerth. Still Gautam could not bathe in her waters. Then Gautam surrounded the river with enchanted grass and put a vow to her. The flow stopped there and the Teerth thus came to be called Kushavart. It is from this Kushavart that the river Godaavaree flows up to the sea. Gautam wiped off his sin of killing a cow by taking bath here.

The Holy Trishool (Symbol Of Shakti) Inside the Holy Shrine

The temple premises is called Brahmgiri, one of the most sacred place of river Godaavaree (Brahm Sthal). The Shiv Ling is seen in a depression on the floor of the sanctum. Water constantly oozes out from the top of the Shiv Lingam. Usually, the Shiv Ling is covered with a silver mask but on festive occasions a golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown covers it.

The Sun, Moon and Agni form the three eyes located at different direction on this Jyotirling. Inside the main Ling, there are three more Ling visible, of the size of the thumb and they are called as Brahmaa, Vishnu and Maheshwar - the Creator, the Organizer and the Destroyer. These Ling are natural (emerged naturally). Water of Gangaa flows over the Ling of Shiv. The deity is worshipped here thrice a day and an additional worship with flowers at Pradosh time. There is a belief that, anybody who performs Poojaa for this Jyotirling, is considered as actually worshipping all these three Gods.

This place is famous for lots of religious rituals (Vidhi). Naaraayan-Naagbali, Kaalsarp Shaanti, Tripindee Vidhi are done here. Naaraayan-Naagbali Poojaa is performed at Tryambakeshwar only. This Poojaa is performed in three days. This Poojaa is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this Poojaa. This Poojaa is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Naag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious Poojaa to have everything.

Those individuals who are interested in getting the Poojaa to be done should get the time booked at least 5 days in advance and you can contact them by phone or email - To know more about this go to http://www.trambakeshwar.com/index.htm

The Lord Shiv at Tryambakeshwar is worshipped by recitations of Rudra, Rudri, Laghu Rudra, Mahaa Rudra or Ati Rudra Poojaa. Actually Rudraaksh is a religious fruit which is said to be found in Shiv's neck in the form of Rudra garland. Some of the trees of Rudraaksh are also found in Tryambakeshwar. It is a belief that anybody who visits Tryambakeshwar attains salvation. There is no sacred place like Tryambakeshwar, no river like Godaavaree, no mountain like Brahmgiri etc. The reasons for its being so sacred are - Godaavaree river originates in this place, its a place of Tri-Sandhyaa Gaayatree, the birth place of Ganesh, a place of the first Naath of Naath Sampradaaya consisting of Gorakhnaath and others, a place where Nivrittinaath was made to imbibe the holy knowledge by his Guru Gahininath, a place where Nivrittinath made his brothers and sister attain the self by his preaching. This is the holiest place to perform Shraddhaa ceremony.

The Goddess in this temple is called Tryambakeshwaree. Tryambakeshwar Temple is the only place where Shiv Ling is not out but it’s inside the floor. Hindu believe that Tryambak Jyotirling is one, which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries. According to Shiv Puraan, any one who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirling shall beget all material happiness and divine status in the end.

Shree Neelaambikaa / Dattaatreya Temple
This temple is on the top of the Neel mountain. All goddesses (Matamba, Renukaa, Manamba) came here to see Parashuram when he was performing penance (Tapas). After his penance he requested all goddesses to stay there and the temple was formed for these goddesses. There's a myth that God Dattaatreya too was born here.

Brahmgiri Mountain
is adjacent to Tryambakeshwar temple and is known for its scenic beauty in rainy / monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneree mountain, the birth place of Hanumaan is 7-8 Km. from Tryaambakeshwar towards Naasik. Original Gangaa and Tryambak Teerth are on Brahmgiri mountain. Brahmgiri is another manifestation of Shiv, and is considered as a huge form of Shiv and hence the mountain climbing was considered as a sin. As Shiv adorns Gangaa river up on his head, there is stream of Gangaa on the top of this mountain. Moon is also seen on the top of this mountain .There are lots of auspicious Teerth (lakes) on this mountain.

Gangaa and Godaavaree's source is on Brahmgiri. River Godaavaree flows in three different directions from the mountain. Eastern stream is called Godaavaree, Southern stream is known as Vaitarnaa and one flowing towards West (Western stream) is Gangaa. These streams meets (Godaavaree and Gangaa) at Chakra Teerth.

Ling inside the Holy shrine at the top of the Brahmgiri Hill
This temple is the best for Kaalsarp Shaanti and Naaraayan Naagbali Poojaa. The first peak of Sahyaadri is called Brahmaadri. The story associated with this is that Shankar was pleased with Brahmaa Jee and said “I shall be known by your name”. Hence it is called as Brahmgiri. The mountain is 1800 feet high. Its height from sea level is 4248 feet. Five peaks of this mountain are called Sadyo-Jaat, Vaamdev, Aghor, Eeshaan and Tat-Purushaand are considered as five mouths of Shiv and they are worshipped. There are two doors to go on the top of the mountain one is at South and other is at North. This mountain is surrounded by 10 mile radius at bottom level and 4 mile at peak level.

Gangaadwaar
Gangaadwaar is half way to Brahmgiri mountain. There is a temple of Gangaa, now known as Godaavaree River. Gangaa appears first time here, after it vanished from Brahmgiri Mountain. Godaavaree comes to Gangaadwaar from Brahmaadri. There are 750 steps to Gangadwaar. Gangaadwaar is one of the five Teerth. There is an idol of Gangaa and near her feet is a stone of the shape of cow's head through which Gangaa water is flowing drop by drop.

Gorakhnaath Gufaa
Gorakhnaath Gufaa is a famous cave located at the halfway ascent in Brahmgiri hills. It is located few steps down to Gangaadwaar. The cave is intriguing with many attractive carvings. The Gufaa is on the premises of the Shrine dedicated to Goddess Gangaa in The Brahmgiri hills. Guru Gahininaath preached Nivrtinaath about the sacred spiritual knowledge at this place.
PS: Photography is not allowed in Gorakh Gumph