Tryambakeśvar

The three-eyed Lord · Trimbak, Nashik district, Maharashtra

Tryambakeśvar lies at the foot of the Brahmagiri hill, near the source of the Godāvarī. Inside the sanctum is a small hollow with three tiny liṅgas, traditionally understood as Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva, usually covered by a crown or mask.

The town is known for rites for ancestors and for remedies such as Nārāyaṇa Nāgabali and Kālasarpa śānti, which many families perform here on the advice of their priest or astrologer. Pilgrims also climb Brahmagiri to the Godāvarī’s source. Nāsik–Tryambakeśvar is one of the four Kumbh Melā sites. Monsoon and winter are both popular seasons.

Tradition says the sage Gautama lived here with his wife Ahalyā. Jealous sages caused a cow to die in his field so he would be blamed. To purify the place, Gautama worshipped Śiva, who brought the Gaṅgā down here as the Godāvarī, also called Gautamī. At the sages’ request Śiva remained here as Tryambaka.

Maharashtra · Godāvarī source · Kumbh Melā site · Mahāśivarātri

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