Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort, Trimbakeshwar: A Historic and Spiritual Destination for Trekkers and Pilgrims

Overview of Anjaneri Fort

Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort is a hill fort and a pilgrimage site located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is situated near the town of Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. It is one of the forts in the mountain range of Nasik-Trimbakeshwa. It has an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level and offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.

Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama in Hinduism. It is named after Lord Hanuman’s mother, Anjani, who performed penance here to obtain an illustrious son. The hill fort has a temple dedicated to Anjani Mata and a statue of Lord Hanuman. It also has several caves, water tanks, and other structures that date back to the medieval period.

Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort attracts thousands of trekkers and pilgrims every year, who come here to worship Lord Hanuman, enjoy the scenic beauty, and explore the historical and cultural heritage of the place. The hill fort is also a popular destination for adventure lovers, who can enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, rappelling, etc.

Location of Anjaneri Teerth

Anjaneri Teerth is located about 28 km from Nashik city and 178 km from Mumbai. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Nashik Road, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad. The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport, which has flights to domestic and international destinations. From Nashik Road or Mumbai Airport, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Trimbakeshwar.

Timing of Anjaneri Teerth

Anjaneri Teerth is open for visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing and trekking. The hill fort is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every day. However, during festivals and special occasions like Kumbh Mela, Shivaratri, Shravan Maas, etc., the timings may vary and the place may get crowded.

Things to Do Anjaneri Fort

There are many things to do at Anjaneri Fort that can make your visit memorable and enriching. Some of them are:

• Worship Lord Hanuman at the Anjani Mata temple, which is located at the base of Anjaneri Hill. The temple has a statue of Lord Hanuman and a small shrine dedicated to his mother Anjani. It is said that Lord Hanuman was born here when Anjani was blessed by Lord Shiva after performing penance for 7000 years.
• Trek up to Anjaneri Hill and enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings. You can either take a ropeway or climb up the steps to reach the top of the hill. There are several temples and shrines on the way that you can visit.
• Visit the caves, water tanks, and other structures that are located on Anjaneri Hill. These are believed to be built by the Yadava dynasty in the 13th century. You can also see some inscriptions and carvings that depict the history and culture of the place.
• Explore the natural beauty and scenic views of Anjaneri Hill. You can admire the lush greenery, the flowing water, the colorful flowers, and the birds that visit the hill. You can also visit some of the waterfalls and streams on the hill that are worth seeing.

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  Participate in the rituals and ceremonies that take place at Anjaneri Hill on auspicious days. For example, during Kumbh Mela, millions of devotees gather here to take part in the Shahi Snan (royal bath), which is considered to be very sacred and meritorious.
• Enjoy the adventure activities that are offered at Anjaneri Hill. You can indulge in activities such as trekking, camping, rappelling, etc. that can challenge your skills and thrill your senses. You can also join some of the groups or clubs that organize these activities regularly.

Must See Anjaneri Fort

Apart from Anjaneri Fort itself, there are some other attractions that you must see when you visit Trimbakeshwar. Some of them are:

• Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple: This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which are self-manifested lingams that represent his supreme power and presence. The temple is located near Anjaneri Hill and has a unique lingam with three faces representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
• Bramhagiri Hill: This is another hill that lies near Trimbakeshwar and is famous for being the abode of Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. It is also the source of the Godavari river, which is one of the seven sacred rivers in Hinduism.
• Neel Parbat: This is a mountain that lies opposite to Bramhagiri Hill and is known for its blue color. It is also associated with Lord Shiva as it is said that he performed the Tandava (cosmic dance) here.
• Goutam Ghat: This is a ghat (steps leading to water) that lies on the banks of the Godavari river near Anjaneri Hill. It is named after the sage Gautama who performed penance here. It is a popular spot for performing rituals and offering prayers to the river.
• Panchavati: This is a place that lies about 30 km from Trimbakeshwar and is famous for its connection to the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent some time here during their exile. You can visit the places where they lived, such as Sita Gufa (cave), Ramkund (pond), Lakshman Rekha (line), etc.

How to Reach Anjaneri Fort

There are different ways to reach Anjaneri Fort depending on your location and preference. Some of them are:

• By Road: You can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw from Nashik Road railway station or Mumbai Airport to reach Trimbakeshwar. The journey takes about an hour from Nashik Road and about four hours from Mumbai Airport. You can also drive your own vehicle or rent a car to reach Trimbakeshwar. The roads are well-maintained and scenic.
• By Rail: You can take a train from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, or any other major city to Nashik Road railway station. The station is well-connected to other parts of the country by regular trains. From Nashik Road, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Trimbakeshwar.
• By Air: You can take a flight from any domestic or international destination to Mumbai International Airport. The airport has flights from various airlines and countries. From Mumbai Airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Trimbakeshwar.

Significance of Anjaneri Teerth

Anjaneri Teerth is a place of great significance for Hindus as it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. Some of the reasons why it is important are:

• It is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama in Hinduism. It is said that Lord Hanuman was born here when Anjani was blessed by Lord Shiva after performing penance for 7000 years.
• It is named after Lord Hanuman’s mother, Anjani, who performed penance here to obtain an illustrious son. The hill fort has a temple dedicated to Anjani Mata and a statue of Lord Hanuman.
• It has several caves, water tanks, and other structures that date back to the medieval period and depict the history and culture of the place.

• It offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, with lush greenery, waterfalls, caves, and temples. It also has a rich biodiversity and is home to various birds and animals.
• It is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure lovers, who can enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, rappelling, etc. that can challenge their skills and thrill their senses.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort is a place that offers a unique blend of history, culture, spirituality, and nature. It is a place that can inspire you, enlighten you, and rejuvenate you. Whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, you will find something that appeals to you at Anjaneri Teerth/Anjaneri Fort. So, if you are planning to visit Trimbakeshwar, do not miss this historic and spiritual destination.🙏