Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar is a pious temple-town located on the banks of the River Godavari, near Nasik, Maharashtra. It is among the four Hindu cities where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. The legend of Trimbakeshwar states the entire pantheon of three crore Hindu deities including Shiva appeared to see the great penance of Gautam Rishi and his wife Ahilya. Shiva not only granted a jyotirling but also released a stream of Ganges from his hairlocks, now known as Godavari or Ganga of the South. In addition to this, saint Nivruttinath took samadhi here. Guru Gorakhnath of the Nath Sect also meditated in a cave near the hills of Trimbakeshwar. A temple has also been constructed at the place where Rama is said to have performed the shraddh ceremony of his ancestors. In addition to the temple, one can visit Kushavarta, a big water tank located in the center of the town and an important landmark. Genuine Rudraksha is sold here as there are many trees in this vicinity. Buses are the best form of transport. They ply from the Nasik CBS bus stand every half an hour.