Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
త్రయంబకేశ్వర్
Lord Shiva as Trimbakeshwar (three-eyed lord) · Trimbak, Nashik district, Maharashtra
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Trimbak, Nashik district, Maharashtra. Source of the Godavari river. The Linga has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Major center for performing Narayan Nagbali rituals (for ancestor afflictions).
Significance
Source of the Godavari river. The Linga has three faces representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Major center for performing Narayan Nagbali rituals (for ancestor afflictions).
Mythological Origin
Sage Gautama performed tapasya here. To grant water to all sages and creatures, Shiva manifested at Trimbak and released Ganga as the Godavari from his matted hair.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.