Overview of Kushavart Teerth
Kushavart Teerth is a holy pond located in the town of Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, India. It is believed to be the source of the Godavari river, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism. According to legend, Lord Shiva created the river by piercing a cow’s horn with his trident at this spot. The pond is also associated with the sage Gautama, who performed penance here to wash away his sins of killing a cow. Visit Kushavart Teerth during Trimbakeshwar Tour package.
Kushavart Teerth is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists who visit Trimbakeshwar to worship Lord Shiva and witness the famous Kumbh Mela, a religious festival that occurs once every 12 years. The pond is surrounded by temples, ghats, and ashrams that offer a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can take a dip in the pond, perform rituals, meditate, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
Location of Kushavart Teerth
Kushavart Teerth is situated in the heart of Trimbakeshwar town, 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 Kushavart Teerth
Kushavart 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. The pond is open from 5:30 am to 9:00 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 Kushavart Teerth
There are many things to do at Kushavart Teerth that can make your visit memorable and enriching. Some of them are:
- Take a holy bath in the pond and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is said that bathing in Kushavart Teerth can cleanse one’s sins and grant salvation.
- Perform puja (worship) at the various temples and shrines around the pond. The most prominent one is the Trimbakeshwar Temple, which houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (self-manifested lingams) of Lord Shiva. Other temples include Gangadwar Temple, Varaha Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, etc.
- Participate in the rituals and ceremonies that take place at Kushavart Teerth 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.
- Meditate and relax at the peaceful and serene surroundings of Kushavart Teerth. You can also join the yoga and meditation classes that are conducted by some of the ashrams near the pond.
- Enjoy the natural beauty and scenic views of Kushavart Teerth. You can admire the lush greenery, the flowing water, the colorful flowers, and the birds that visit the pond. You can also take a boat ride or a walk around the pond to explore its different aspects.
Must See in Kushavart Teerth
Apart from Kushavart Teerth itself, there are some other attractions that you must see when you visit Trimbakeshwar. Some of them are:
- Brahmagiri Hill: This is a hill that rises above Trimbakeshwar town and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. It is also considered to be sacred as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. You can trek up to the hill or take a ropeway to reach its summit.
- Anjaneri Hill: This is another hill that lies near Trimbakeshwar and is famous for being the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama. You can hike up to the hill or take a bus or taxi to reach its base. There are several temples and caves on the hill that are worth visiting.
- Neel Parbat: This is a mountain that lies opposite to Brahmagiri 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. You can trek up to the mountain or take a bus or taxi to reach its base. There are some temples and waterfalls on the mountain that are worth seeing.
- Goutam Ghat: This is a ghat (steps leading to water) that lies on the banks of the Godavari river near Kushavart Teerth. 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. You can also enjoy the view of the river and the mountains from here.
- 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 Kushavart Teerth
There are different ways to reach Kushavart Teerth 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 Kushavart Teerth
Kushavart 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 source of the Godavari river, which is one of the seven sacred rivers in Hinduism. The river is also known as Gautami Ganga as it was created by the sage Gautama. The river flows through several states and merges with the Bay of Bengal.
- It is the site of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which are self-manifested lingams that represent his supreme power and presence. The Jyotirlinga at Trimbakeshwar is unique as it has three faces representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
- It is the venue of the Kumbh Mela, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The Kumbh Mela occurs once every 12 years at four places in India: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Trimbakeshwar. Millions of devotees come here to take a dip in Kushavart Teerth and attain salvation.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the timings of Kushavart Teerth?
A: Kushavart Teerth is open from 5:30 am to 9:00 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.
Q: What are the charges for visiting Kushavart Teerth?
A: There are no charges for visiting Kushavart Teerth. However, you may have to pay for parking, entry fees for some temples, boat rides, etc.
Q: What are the facilities available at Kushavart Teerth?
A: There are many facilities available at Kushavart Teerth such as changing rooms, lockers, toilets, drinking water, food stalls, shops, etc. You can also find accommodation options such as hotels, guest houses, ashrams, etc. near the pond.
Q: What are the things to keep in mind while visiting Kushavart Teerth?
A: Some of the things to keep in mind while visiting Kushavart Teerth are:
Respect the religious and cultural sentiments of the place and the people.
Dress modestly and avoid wearing leather or animal products.
Do not litter or pollute the pond or the river.
Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food near the pond or the temple.
Follow the rules and regulations of the authorities and the temple management.
Be careful of your belongings and beware of touts and fraudsters.
Conclusion
Kushavart Teerth is a place that offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, culture, 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 Kushavart Teerth. So, if you are planning to visit Trimbakeshwar, do not miss this sacred and beautiful destination.🙏
