If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I recently travelled to three jyotirlingas, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar and Trimbakeshwar. I have already posted guides on Omkareshwar and Ujjain Mahakaleshwar. And here’s the Trimbakeshwar travel guide.

The Trimbakeshwar travel guide offers information about the temple, darshan-related info, how to get there, places and things to do, where to stay and travel tips.

When I visited Omkareshwar and Mahakal temples, it was confusing and overwhelming. I didn’t know where the entry gate was, and Pujaris kept approaching for VIP darshan and services. I was misguided for a time or two. However, I was glad Trimbakeshwar temple wasn’t so confusing. Despite all the chaos and confusion, I enjoyed visiting these beautiful and peaceful temples. Therefore, I wrote the Trimbakeshwar travel guide to make your visit hassle-free.

Let’s begin the Trimbakeshwar travel guide with a brief history lesson.

LEGEND OF TRIMBAKESHWAR

The Trimbakeshwar temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. According to legend, Lord Shiva resides here as a Shiva linga. Hence the name, Trimbakeshwar.

The temple’s beauty is praised and noted in many scriptures and Puranas. Also, the temple is associated with Sage Dhyaneshwara, Gorakshanath and Gautama.

The third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao built the current Trimbakeshwar temple on the original shrine. Later, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar renovated the temple in 1789.

The other jyotirlingas have a single deity, Lord Shiva. But the Trimbakeshwar temple has three gods, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. However, the linga is eroding, which symbolises humanity’s declining nature. Every Monday, from 4-5 pm, the jewelled crown is put on the linga. It dates back to the Pandavas.

DARSHAN-RELATED INFO

As usual, there is a free darshan and a VIP darshan. Depending on the time and day, you can often for free darshan. Early morning or late evening during weekdays is the best time. There are fewer people in the free darshan queue. Also, you will be in and out within less than an hour. However, if you visit on the weekend or during a festival, prepare to wait for 2-3 hours. The free darshan line is long.

For the free darshan, you have to enter through the main entrance. There are two or three halls with benches for devotees to rest. Join the queue. After passing all the halls, you enter the temple complex. Climb up a few steps to enter the Nandi mandap. A white marble Nandi sits on a raised platform. Then walk across a bridge connecting the Nandi mandap and the main temple. From here, you can see the Shiva linga. Devotees aren’t allowed inside the gabharagriha (inner sanctum). You can make offerings and pray from outside. You can also perform a puja in the mandap.

DARSHAN TIMINGS:- The temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and reopens from 1:30 pm to 9 pm.

DARSHAN PARKING

If you are short of time or are visiting during a busy weekend, opt for the VIP darshan. There is a fee for VIP darshan. Near the temple, you have to pay an entry fee.

The regular parking charges are Rs.50, and the VIP is Rs. 200 per vehicle. Both the parks are a short walk from the temple. So, the parking doesn’t matter. The only difference is, in free darshan, you enter through the main entrance, and VIPs take the exit. You have to pay a fee. Then walk inside the temple through a small side door. And cut into the free darshan queue. Hopefully, the devotees won’t cause too much commotion. The VIP fee doesn’t include puja. So, negotiate the prices with the local pujari before accepting the offer.

If you haven’t hired a pujari to perform a puja, don’t worry. There are others inside the temple. Any one of them would gladly help you out for a fee.

HOW TO GET THERE?

I’m from Pune, so all the info is related to travelling from Pune to Trimbakeshwar.

Trimbakeshwar is 30 km from Nashik, a well-established city. Nashik is well-connected to other Indian cities by road, train, flight and bus. So, you can easily travel to Trimbakeshwar via Nashik.

PUNE – TRIMBAKESHWAR BY ROAD

Pune is 242 km from Trimbakeshwar and takes 5-6 hours. It is a national highway, and the roads are in good condition.

Pune – Chakan – Rajgurunagar – Manchar – Narayangaon – Alephata – Sangamner – Sinnar – Nashik – Trimbakeshwar.

Nashik is well-connected to other Indian cities by road. You can reach Trimbakeshwar via Nashik.

PUNE – TRIMBAKESHWAR BY FLIGHT

The Ojhar Nashik airport is 54.2 km from Trimbakeshwar temple. You can take a flight to Nashik from Pune and other Indian cities. From the airport, hire a taxi to Trimbakeshwar.

PUNE – TRIMBAKESHWAR BY TRAIN

The Nashik Road train station is closest to Trimbakeshwar temple. It is 39.3 km and takes one hour. From the train station, you can hire a taxi to Trimbakeshwar.

Daily, a train runs between Pune and Nashik. The journey takes 6 hours.

Nashik is well-connected by rail to other Indian cities. You can arrive at Nashik Road train station and take a taxi to Trimbakeshwar temple.

PUNE – TRIMBAKESHWAR BY BUS

Daily three MSRTC non-AC buses run from Pune to Trimbakeshwar. The journey takes 6½ hours. Or you can take the bus to Nashik. From there, hire a taxi or board another bus to Trimbakeshwar.

You can travel to Nashik by bus from other Indian cities.

WHERE TO STAY?

Trimbak is a small village. You can find humble accommodation here. But don’t expect anything fancy. If you want better options, Nashik is only 30 km away.

Nashik is a well-established city and has several options. Here you can find anything from budget-friendly to boutique hotels to luxury accommodations.

I stayed at Hotel Citadel in Nashik. It is a good place for families. The rooms are moderate-sized, and the bathrooms are compact and clean. They have an in-house restaurant. I didn’t eat here, so I can’t say much. You can find veg and non-veg restaurants within walking distance. Also, they have ample parking space.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Visit the temple early morning or late evening during the week. There are fewer people then, and the free darshan line is shorter and quick moving.
• VIP darshan is the best option if you want to avoid long queues. You can pay for the VIP darshan at the temple. No need for pre-booking online. However, during Mahashivratri or other festivals, pre-book VIP darshan.
• Avoid visiting the temple at 12:15-12:30 pm. The temple closes for an hour at 12:30 pm. So, people keep pushing each other to glimpse the Shiva linga before closing. 
• Devotees aren’t allowed inside the gabhargriha. So, all pujas take place in the mandap. So don’t let Pujaris fool you.
• Every Monday, from 4 pm to 5 pm, the jewelled crown, dating back to the Pandavas, is placed on the linga.