The legend and significance of Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar, the Shaiva akharas' Amrit Snan on 12 September 2027, the Monday palkhi and tips for pilgrims.
In the middle of Trimbak town lies Kushavarta, a stone tank surrounded by colonnaded verandahs. During the Simhastha it becomes the stage for the Shaiva akharas' Amrit Snan, including the dramatic processions of the Naga sadhus.
Legend and significance
- The Godavari rises on Brahmagiri above the town. Tradition says it disappeared into the hill and was brought back here by the sage Gautama, who encircled it with kusha grass, hence the name Kusha-avarta.
- It is therefore regarded as the source tank of the Godavari, and bathing here is considered especially purifying.
- The present tank dates from the 18th century.
Kushavarta during the Simhastha 2027
| Date | Event at Trimbakeshwar |
|---|---|
| 31 Oct 2026 | Flag hoisting (Dhwajarohan) |
| 2 Aug 2027 | First Amrit Snan |
| 31 Aug 2027 | Second Amrit Snan |
| 12 Sep 2027 | Third Amrit Snan (Nashik's is on 11 September) |
On Amrit Snan days the Shaiva akharas, including the Juna and Niranjani, process to Kushavarta in a fixed order and bathe first. Public bathing follows after the akharas' slots, and access is tightly controlled.
The Monday palkhi
Every Monday, a palkhi procession carries the deity's silver mask from the Trimbakeshwar temple to Kushavarta for ritual bathing, and back. During Shravan this draws huge crowds.
Tips for pilgrims
- On regular days: bathe or sprinkle Kushavarta water before Trimbakeshwar darshan.
- On Amrit Snan days: stay in Trimbak the night before, arrive before dawn, follow police routes, and expect to wait.
- Dress: modest clothing you can bathe in, and a change of clothes.
- Respect: don't photograph people bathing, and ask before photographing sadhus.
- Children and seniors: avoid the Amrit Snan days at Kushavarta. The space is small and crowds are dense.
Plan your Trimbak snan
Read Staying in Trimbakeshwar and Vaishnav and Shaiva akharas at Nashik, or see the Kushavarta attraction page.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 27 Sep 2026
