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• First Shahi Snan
  

Shake 1937 Miti Shravana Shudha Pornima, Saturday, 29/08/2015.

• Second Shahi Snan

Shake 1937 Miti Shravan Krishna Amavasya, Sunday, 13/09/2015.

• Third Shahi Snan

Rushi Panchami Fri.18/09/2015 at Nashik. Bhadrapad Dwadashi Fri.25/09/2015 at Trimbakeshwar

Kumbhamela Shahi Route

Nashik Helpline Number

Fire - 101

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Police Control Room(city)-253-2305233                                           

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Railway Police-9637042943

Ambulance - 108

Nashik Civil Hospital - 0253 - 2572038/2576106

Do’s

• Contact police officials about genuineness of any rumor.
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The Sinhastha Kumbhamela 2015  Nashik

By far the most spectacular of all the events, the Kumbh Mela is a religious festival that occurs once every 12 years, and is celebrated in four major pilgrim centres around the country. In Maharastra, the festival is held in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. The Nashik Kumbh Mela is generally acknowledged to be the most sacred of all the festivals. 

" सिंह राशि गते सूर्ये सिंह राशौ बृहस्पतौ । 
गोदावर्या भवेत कुम्भों जायते खलु मुक्‍तिदः ।। "


When the Jupiter enters in Leo or Simha (zodiac sign) and the Sun and Moon in Cancer, the Kumbha is held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.

Why every 12 years? 

'Amrut' had to be saved from Danavas. So Gods had to hide it at different places - Swargalok, Mrutyulok and Patallok. Gods were on Mrutyulok (earth) for twelve days. Gods twelve days are equal to 12 years for Mrutyulok . Thus Gods were on earth for 12 years with Amrut. Hence every 12 years Kumbha Mela is celebrated at the four places, where a few drops of Amrut had fallen.


Nashik -Trimbakeshwar host one of the largest religious gathering in the world known as Sinhastha Kumbh Mela commonly called as Nashik Kumbh Mela. Kumbh mela (festival) is celebrated once in twelve years. The Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, the Purna  Kumbh takes place every twelve years at four places in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Previous kumbh mela in Nashik was in year 2003. Next kumbh mela in Nashik will be held from August 15 to September 13 in 2015.

Why visit Kumbh Mela in Nashik? 

The Nashik Kumbh Mela is scheduled between July 14-Sep 25, 2015, with the Shahi Snaan on August 29, Sep 13 and Sep 25 (Shahi Snaan are the most important dates where every hindu religion follower, sadhus wants to take the holy dip at Ganges) All foregin guest and travelers are advised to reserve the camps and tours focusing around Shahi Snaan during Nashik Kumbh Mela 2015. 
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar is among the four places in India - along with Ujjain, Allahabad and Haridwar - where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. During the last Kumbh Mela in Nashik-Trimbakeshwar in 2003, around six million people from all over the world took part.

A Historical Perspective

Nashik has a personality of its own, due to its mythological, historical, social and cultural importance. The city is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world. Nashik has a rich historical past, as the mythology has it that Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya, made Nashik his adobe during his 14 years in exile. At the same place Lord Laxman, by the wish of Lord Rama, cut the nose of "Shurpnakha" and thus this city was named as "Nasik".

In Kritayuga, Nashik was 'Trikantak', 'Janasthana' in Dwaparyuga and later in Kuliyuga it became 'Navashikh' or 'Nashik'. Renowed poets like Valmiki, Kalidas and Bhavabhooti have paid rich tributes here. Nashik in 150 BC.was beleived to be the country's largets market-place. From 1487 A.D, this province came under the rule of Mughals and was known as 'Gulchanabad'. It was also home of emperor Akbar and he has written at lenght about Nashik in 'Ein-e-Akbari'. It was also known as the 'Land of the brave' during the regime of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Ramayana Period 

No one knows when the city of Nashik came into existence. It is stated to have been present even in the stone age. Lord Ramchandra along with wife Sita and brother Laxman settled down in Nashik for the major time of their "Vanwasa". According to the mythology, Laxman cut the nose ("Nasika" in Sanskrita) of "Shurpanakha" and hence the city got the name 'Nashik'. Long ago, Brahmadeva had meditated in "Padmasana" here, so the city was also called "Padma-Aasana" for some time. It is also believed that, Lord Vishnu had defeated the three demons and thus city also had the name "Tri-Kantak" (Tri = Three). 

During Peshwa's period 

In the recent past, the Moguls were fascinated by the beauty of the city and renamed it as "Gulshanabad" meaning the city of gardens. Beautiful fresh flowers were sent to Aurangazeb from Gulshanabad i.e. Nashik. But it was during the rule of the Peshwas, when the place was finally renamed as Nashik. During the Peshwas period, Raghobadada and his wife Anandibai settled down at 'Anandwalli' in Nashik. There re some remains of Anandibai's fort. There is also a temple called 'Navasha Ganapati' built by Anandibai. It was during the British rule in April 1818, when Nashik once again regained its importance. The British fell in love with the beauty of the city and developed it in various fields. The Golf course, developed by the British, was one of the largest in Asia. Nashik is surrounded by nine hills, namely: Durga, Ganesh, Chitraghanta, Pandav, DingerAli, Mhasarul, Jogwada, Pathanpura and Konkani. This beautiful city with hills surrounding it has lakes, adding to its beauty. 

Where and when?


Kumbha Mela is a mammoth fair where saints and devotees gather. Kumbha Mela is celebrated at the aforesaid four places depending on the positions of planets and stars.
When Jupiter (Guru) and Sun are in zodiac signLeo(Simha Rashi) it is celebrated in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik. 
When Sun is in zodiac sign Aries (Mesha Rashi) it is celebrated at Haradwar 
When Jupiter is in zodiac sign Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi ) and Sun is in zodiac sign Capricorn (Makar Rashi) Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag 
When Guru and Sun are in zodiac sign scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) the Mela is celebrated at Ujjain. 
Recognizing the importance of the Sinhastha Kumbha Mela Shri Shankaracharya appealed the disciples of his Vaidik Dharma to assemble at the time of Sinhastha Kumbha Mela. Following his appeal, till now devotees, pilgrims, and people of various sects and religions gather together for Kumbha Mela.
In Kruta Yuga, Durwas Rishi saw Indra - the King of Gods - sitting on elephant Airawat. Durwas was pleased to see Indra and presented him a chain. However Indra did not accept the present . It fell down and was trodden by elephant Airawat. Durwas Rishi got upset due to this and cursed Indra. As an effect of the curse, all Gods lost their powers and had to often lose a battle against Danavas (Demons). So all Gods including Brahmadeva surrendered themselves to God Vishnu to get back their power. Vishnu suggested them to approach Danavas and persuade them to perform Samudra Manthana (churning of the sea). He said Samudra Manthana will bring out Amruta , which will bring back your power and you will not be efeated by Danavas. So Samudra Manthana was carried out.

One of the many precious things that arose from the depths of the troubled waters was a pot of nectar (Amrit Kumbh). Lord Vishnu, disguising himself as an enchantress ( Mohini), seized the nectar from the demons. While fleeing from the evil ones, Lord Vishnu passed the nectar on to his winged mount, Garuda. The demons finally caught up with Garuda and in the ensuing struggle, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on Allahabad, Nashik, Hardwar and Ujjain. Since then, the Kumbh Mela has been held in all these places, every 12 years.
Another story is that once all the Teerthas went to Adinath Bhagwan Shankara . Following Bhagwan Shankara’s order they had been to Mrutyuloka (earth) to save sinners on earth. Teerthas absolved the sinners on the earth, but were themselves saturated with others’ sins . They requested Bhagwan Shankara to free themselves from sins. Shankara asked them to go and live in solitude for one year at the bank of river Godavari. Shankara promised the Teerthas that he himself, with all other Gods will also stay with them . After taking bath in the sacred water of Godavari, they will be free from the sins.
Hence during the Kumbha Mela a dip in Godavari river has attained a great importance.
In Shiva Purana there is a story explaining the importance of Sinhastha Kumbha Mela. Gautama Rishi got salvation of his cow-killing sin from Lord Shankara after a long penance. Then the river Ganges descended down on the earth. After some time she wanted to go back to her home place. However the Rishis and Gods gathered there and requested her to stay back on the earth for the prosperity of the earth. She agreed to stay back only after taking a promise from Lord Shankara that all the Rishis present there and all Gods will stay with her. Then only she will stay back. Gods and Rishis promised her that during the period, when Jupiter and Sun will be in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi), they will all stay on the earth.
In later years , it is said , acknowledging importance of Kumbha Mela Lord Rama with his Guru Kashyap stayed and lived for one year in Trimbakeshwar. During this period he performed all the religious rites like yatra, shraddha etc near Kushavarta .

Kumbhamela Meaning 

Kumbh is a Sanskrit word for pitcher, also referred to as the Kalasha. Kumbh is also a zodiac sign in Indian Astrology for Aquarius. Mela means a gathering or meet or simply a fair.
The literal meaning of Kumbh /Ghata is a pitcher, but its elemental meaning is something else. Even as a symbol of pitcher, Kumbh is synonymous with holy activities as in daily life a pitcher (or kalash) is an integral part of all sacred activities in Hindu culture, and this pitcher is a symbol of Kumbh.

कलशस्य मुखेविष्णु कण्ठे रुद्र समाश्रित: ।
मुलेत्वस्य ‍स्थितो ब्रम्हा मध्ये मातृगणा: स्मृता:
कुक्षौ तु सागरा: सर्वे सप्त ‍ दीपा वसुंधरा
ऋग्वेदो यजुर्वेदो सामवेदोह्‍र्वण: ।।
अंगैच्श्र ‍ सरिता: सर्वे कलशं तु ‍ समाश्रिता: ।


It is believed and mentioned in Holy Scriptures that mouth (opening) of pitcher symbolizes the presence of Vishnu, its neck that of Rudra, the base of Brahama, all goddesses in the centre and the entire oceans in the interior, thus encompassing all the four Vedas..

The Sanskrit word for Kumbh also means human body . It refers to a womb, bounty,earth, plentitude. It is a receptacle that holds life, spirits, water , Amrita,the elixir. The pitcher ,sea,river, ponds and the well are symbols of Kumbh as the water from these places is covered from all sides. The sky has the cover of the wind, the sun covers the entire universe with its light, and the human body is covered with cells and tissues. The five tatvas / elements – water, earth,fire,sky and wind symbolize the human body. Millions of devotees participate in bathing festival of Kumbh in search of eternal truth which is hidden inside the pitcher. They are bathing to discover one’s own true self, to have a glimpse of knowledge and spirituality which is symbolised by the Kumbh or pitcher.

Akhadas

There are different dwelling places for different sects. They are called “Akhada”. The names of these Akhadas are - Shree Niranjani , Shree Junadatta (Bhairav),Shree Mahanirvani, Shree Atal, Shree Avahana, Shree Anand, Shree Pancha Agni, Shree Nathpanthi Gorakhnath, Shree Vaishnav Bairagi, Shree Udasini Panchayati Bada, Shree Udasini Naya, Shree Nirmal Panchayati etc. They have been established at different times and worship their own deity.
Leaders of the different sects have arrived at a consensus to follow a specific sequence for taking bath. E.g. In Haridwar Mela, Niranjani Gosawi will take bath first and then Nirwani Gosawi will bathe. In Trimbakeshwar, first Niranjani Gosawi will take bath and after they leave Kushawarta Teertha, Nirvani Gosawi will take bath . After them the old Udasee sadhu followed by new Udasee Sadhus will take bath.
The Nashik Kumbh Mela is a mammoth affair with over three and a half million people attending it. Thousands of Sadhus and holy men and millions of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs. The peak festival days are August 14 and 25 and September 8 and 20. During the Kumbha Mela, Nashik City and Trimbakeshwar are in a fantastic festive mood. The festive and religious mood makes people get away from their daily chores and experience the spiritual ecstacy .

Reasons To Visit Nashik

• Nashik is a major Industrial hub and pilgrim destination
  

• Nashik is home to many Vineyards and Wine making units
• Nasik, situated on the Godavari River, is one of the most sacred places of the Hindus. This ancient There are a number of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. Nasik, referred to as Rambhumi, is associated with a number of stories from the epic Ramayana.
• Nashik is where famous and historic Kumbh Mela, held once in every 12 years, is celebrated there.
• Trimbakeshwar (One of 12 Jyotilinga Temples of Lord Shiva) is located 40 km from Nashik
• Nashik is also a base and access point to visit Shirdi Saibaba temple at Shirdi, Shani Shinganapur temple and Saptashrungi Temple near Vani

• Map For Nashik :-   Map of Nashik

Panchavati Temples in Nashik

River Godavari flows through Nashik and its Northern part is called as Panchavati. It is said that lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus Panchavati has gained holy importance.  There are five Banyan (Vad) trees and hence the area is called Panchavati.Nearby is Sita Gumpha (cave) where Sita is said to have stayed for some time.

Tapovanram

Tapovan literally means precincts reserved for meditation and penance. There is such a precinct for penance ahead of Panchavati and hence was named Tapovan. The sages used to meditate in close proximity with the lush green nature. Laxmana - brother of Rama - used to stay here and had cut nose of Shurpanakha - sister of Ravana. This place has temples of Laxmana and Hanuman. Even today, this locale captivates mind because of Godavari’s silently gurgling stream, long stretch of green woods and closeness to jungle’s flora and fauna.

A cavernous fissure on boulders along the riverbed is called Brahma Yoni. Very close by, is the Kapil Tirth. On the right bank of Godavari, there are eleven rocky cavernous spaces where rishi-munis must have been retreating for sacraments. There are temples of Gopalkrishna and Lakshmi-Narayan and the famous Goshala (cow-shed) was built here in 1904. In ancient time, this land was made sacred by the touch of Lord Rama’s feet.

Sita Gumpha

The Gumpha (i.e. Cave) is near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, one can enter into the cave having the Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place.

Ramkund/Gandhi Memorial
panchvati-ramkund

The most important place in Panchavati is Ramkund. It is so called because Lord Rama is believed to have taken bath there. Mortal remains (Asthi) immersed in this kunda, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this sacred kunda is considered very pious. Situated nearby is Gandhi Lake (Talav) having a memorable monument made out of white marble, in memory of the Father of the Nation. The ashes were dropped in Ramkund after Gandhiji passed away on 30th January 1948. Mr. Nehru was also present on this occasion.

Kalaram Mandir

Another important temple is that of Kala Ram. This temple was built by Peshwas. There are great processions and utsav on Ramnavami, Dasara and Chaitra Padwa (Hindu new year day). The specialty of the temple is that it was built with black stones.The stones were brought from Ramshej 200 years ago. It took 23 lakhs of rupees and 2000 workers to build the temple in 12 years. The apex of the temple is made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple.

Naroshankar Temple

Situated in Panchavati area, on the bank of river Godavari - fondly called as anga by Nasikites - isNaroshankar Temple of  Rameshwar built by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur in 1747. The architectural style of the temple is called "Maya" style. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of temple architecture of the 18th century. The main temple is on a platform. Rather than  inside of the temple, sculpture on the outer part is stunning. It has rows of striking designs. One layer is of decorative lacework. The next one is that of peacocks holding bead garlends. In four directions are statues of the saints in Padmasana - one holding rosary, the other one a holy book - they are all scholars. Some of the statues are deformed - their hands are broken.  There is also an assembly of animals - tigers, monkeys,elephants etc. This depicts that Hindu culture is not limited only to human beings but also has relation with  birds, animals, trees, and nature in general.

The temple is surrounded by 11 feet fortification. In its four corners are umbrellas - called "Meghadambari" or "Barasati". One of them was washed away by Godavari floods and only three are existing presently.  The fortification also centres a "Bell house" in the front part. The famous bell , called  "Naroshankar Bell" is fixed there. The bell is a victory memorial over Portuguese. The Maratha Ruler  Bajirao Peshwa’s younger brother Chimaji Appa won the fort of Vasai  against Portuguese. The famous  knight of Peshwas - Mr Naroshankar Rajebahaddur played a critical role in this war. After winning the  fort, Vasai Portuguese Church bell was removed, marched on elephant till Nashik with great celebration and offered to Naroshankar as a medal  - an award for  his bravery.  It is made of bronze, with six feet diameter. The year engraved on it is 1921. The bell jingle can be heard up to 5 miles, it is said. This bell  and its ringing is so famous that a phrase is coined after it in Marathi. If  a woman is talking in a very high pitch, she is called "Naroshankarachi ghanta".

Recently renovation of the bell is undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Nashik.

Kapaleshwar Temple

It is one of the oldest temples in Nashik. There is no icon of Nandi (bull) in this temple which is uncommon thing about Lord Shiva's temples.Old Mahadev Temple Built in 1763.

Nandi is Guru of Mahadev at this place that cause Nandi icon not ahead of temple Kapaleshwar is among the very oldest temple one in Town. The Temple is renovated by "Peshwe". The story behind it is that lord shiv by mistakenly killed a cow ("GOHATYA"), to clean his sin the Nandi told him to go to NASHIK and take a bath in Ramkund. As per Nandi's instruction Lord Shiva came at NASHIK and cleaned his sin by taking a bath in RAMKUND. And after that he done some JAP, the place where now the Temple is located. 

You can also observe that this perticular Shiva temple don't have any NANDI because NANDI suggested to Lord Shiva about the taking bath in RAMKUND for cleaning his sin, and because of this Lord shiva adopted NANDI as his GURU.

Sundarnarayan Temple

sundarnarayan-templeSundarnarayan temple is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge. The story goes like this : Vrinda Devi was a very pious and faithful wife of  Jalandar - a wicked demon. Jalandar, a mighty crook, was the devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his prayers and impressed by Jalandar's wife's chastity, Lord Shiva gave him a boon that made him immortal. With this boon, Jalandar became vicious and started creating havoc on earth. He not only troubled human beings, but also disturbed the Gods. He even ventured to pick up a quarrel with Lord Shiva himself. It became necessary to eliminate him which was contrary to the boon given by Lord Shiva. The only way out was to suspect  Vrinda Devi's chastity. For this task Lord Vishnu duplicated himself to look like Jalandar and lived with Vrinda Devi. Thus her chastity was suspected and the boon given to Jalandar was withdrawn and he was destroyed. When Vrinda Devi came to know of the trick played by Lord Vishnu, she got furious and cursed Lord Vishnu. His attractive body turned black due to the curse. Lord Vishnu took a holy bath in the river Godavari and regained his complexion. Since he became beautiful again, - the Lord is named as Sundarnarayana. Sundar in Marathi means beautiful.

The Sundarnarayan temple is built by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud in 1756. The entrance of the temple is to the East. The two Mandaps may be small but their architecture is attractive and the round dome is made by little ornamental cordons. The arched recesses are impressions by Mughal style because during the Mughal Regime many temples were demolished by Muslims and graveyards were built in their place. The main deity is of Lord Vishnu - alias Narayana . To his left and right are Laxmi and Saraswati respectively. Fine design is carved on the stones of the temple. On the road leading towards Godavari River there is pond named Badarika Sangam Pond. It is said that the king of Devgiri bathed and performed rites in this pond. We also find a mention of this pond in the holy book Dnyaneshwari. One remarkable thing about this temple is that it is built at such an angle that on 21st March, rays of the rising Sun first fall exactly upon the idols.

Someshwar Temple 

Someshwar is a beautiful nature spot, situated on the Gangapur Road on the way to Gangapur dam, about 7 kms away from Nasik city. The place derived its name from the Someshwar temple located on the banks of the river Godavari. Someshwar and its surroundings is the favourite place of movie makers as it is surrounded by greenery all over with a pleasant climate. Other attraction of this place is the 10 meter long Dudhsagar waterfalls. 

On the way to Someshwar, there is a village named Anandwalli. It is said that Peshwas - Anandibai and  Raghobadada, lived there for some time and hence the place is called so. The Navasha Ganpati temple located at Anandwalli is believed to be built by them. 

Balaji Temple 

How to reach Someshwar/Balaji Temple ....

It is the Balaji temple which is a replica of the one in Tirupati. Lakshadeep Utsav is celebrated at the temple every year on the day of Kojagiri Pournima, Tripuri Pournima and Lakhsmi Pujan when over one lakh lamps are lit in the temple premises.

Pandavleni Caves 

Pandavleni Caves are a cluster of twenty four Buddhist caves, date back to 3rd century BC and 2nd AD. The complex rock-cut Pandavleni caves representing the Hinayana Buddhist and are located at a distance of 8 km from Nashik, Maharashtra state, India. The caves were predominantly used as Buddhist Vihara i.e. a place used as permanent residence, study room and Buddhist monastery. The larger caves known as Chaitya are the places where congregational worships and meditation took place. The caves’ astounding artifacts, mind boggling structural design and marvelous Buddha’s sculptures inside the Vihara making the location one of the decorated tourist spots in the heart of Maharashtra.
Various inscriptions suggested that the caves are almost 2000 years old date back to 3rd century BC and during that period Nashik was ruled by three kings namely the Kshatrapas, the Satavahanas and the Abhirs. It is believed by many art historians that there was always a conflict among them however all the three kings were fully supported Buddhism and its ideologies. The inscriptions found on cave no.10 unveiled the fact that during 105-106 BC, Ksatrapas defeated the Satavahanas and denoted 3000 gold coins for the construction of these caves. Inscriptions are also suggesting that not only these three kings but also various local landlords, merchants had contributed huge sums for the development of the caves. The caves were also used to be known as Pundru which means ‘yellow ochre color’ in pali language. Amongst all twenty-four caves, cave no.3 and 10 are major in attraction. The main cave or cave no.3 is known as Chaitya (a congregational prayer hall) and decorated with massive stone pillars or stupas and stone plinth. Cave no.10 is also a Vihara and is complete in all structural as well as inscriptions. Both caves were adorned with exquisite images of Buddha, sculptures, artifacts and cave paintings.

Apart from the main caves (cave no .3 and 10), other caves lodge idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The caves are located high in the mountains of Trirashmi. Some caves are intricately connected by stone-cut stepladder and steps lead to the caves from the bottom of the hill reflecting the testimony of well-organized establishment of Buddhist monk during the third century in India. Some of the caves are large in size and contain numerous chambers including Viharas, Chaityas and Buddhist monasteries. The viharas were well connected with many major trade centers and has an excellent ancient water management system accompanied by massive water tanks. Tanks are skillfully chiseled out of huge solid rock. Canals and cisterns were also available to drain out excessive rainwater.

Igatpuri Dhamma Giri :Meditation Center

  How to reach :

Dhamma Giri, meaing 'Hill of Dhamma' is one of the world's largest Vipassana meditation centres. It is co-located with the Vipassana Research Institute at Igatpuri in Maharastra, approximately three hours drive from Mumbai. The center offered its first course in 1976.  Today tens of thousands of students study here every year.  The centre's pagoda has over 400 cells for individual meditation.It is dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught by  S.N. Goenka  in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.

Brahmagiri 

' Brahmagiri ', is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.It is situated in Nashik District in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located near this place. The origin of the sacred Godavari river is near Trimbak. The Godavari originates 80 kilometres (50 mi) from the Arabian Sea in the Western Ghats of central India near Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra. It flows for 1,465 kilometres (910 mi), first eastwards across the Deccan Plateau then turns southeast, entering the West Godavari district and East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, until it splits into two watercourses that widen into a large river delta and flow into the Bay of Bengal.

      Original Ganges and Trimbak Tirtha are on Brahmagiri mountain adjacent to Trimbakeshwar temple.  Brahmagiri is considered as a huge form of Lord Shiva and hence the mountain climbing was considered as a sin.  Godavari is flowing in three directions on the mountain. The one flowing towards east is called Godavari, one flowing towards the south is called Vaitarna and the one flowing towards the west is called the west-flowing Ganga and meets Godavari near Chakra Tirth. River Ahilya meets Godavari in front of the Trimbakeshwar temple. Childless families worship at the Ahilya sangam and it is believed that they do get a child.

The first peak of Sahyadri is called Brahmadri. The story associated with this is that Shankar was pleased with Brahmadev and said "I shall be known by your name". Hence it is called as Brahmagiri.  The mountain is 1800 feet high . Its height from sea level is 4248 feet.  Five peaks of this mountain are called Sadyo-Jata, Vamdev, Aghora, Ishana and Tat-Purusha and are considered as five mouths of the Lord Shiva and they are worshipped.

Triyambakeshwar (Trimbakeshwar)

Triyambakeshwar(Trimbakeshwar)(त्र्यंबकेश्वर) is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingaas. It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountain and meets the sea near Rajahmudry.( Temple Timing 5.30 Am - 9.00 PM )

Triyambakeshwar is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra(Shiva). All other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothills of a mountain called Brahmagiri. This place is famous for lots of religious rituals(vidhis). Narayan-Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi are done here. Narayan-Nagbalipuja is performed at Triyambakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Nag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious puja to have everything. Triambakeshwar town has a large number of Brahmin households and is also a centre for Vedic Gurukuls (kind of boarding school). It also has Ashrams & Muths devoted to Ashtanga Yoga - the Hindu art of Living. The place is known for its scenic beauty in rainy/ monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birth place of Lord Hanuman is 7 Km. from Triambakeshwar.

Narayan Nagbali consists of two different rituals. Narayan bali is done to get rid of ancestral curse (Pitru Shaap) while Nag bali is done to get rid of sin performed by killing snake , specially Cobra which is worshipped in India.

Kalasarpa pooja happens when there are all planets coming between Rahu and Ketu. This results in failure and dejection. because all the karyas don't happen accordingly to the efforts put in. often leading to negativity, and inferiority complex.