ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Kushavarta Kund, Trimbakeshwar: The Godavari's Sacred Kund and the Kumbh Snan Tirth
Kushavarta Kund is the sacred bathing tank in Trimbakeshwar town, linked to the Godavari river. It is where the Shaiva akhadas take the Amrit Snan during the Simhastha Kumbh, on 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027. It is about 1.5 km, a 10–15 minute walk, from our Bhakta Niwas.
Update, 18 October 2026: The district administration has closed Kushavarta Kund to pilgrims from 1 to 31 October 2026 for repair and cleaning work ahead of the Kumbh. A holy dip is not possible until then. The Monday palkhi still comes to the kund with special permission, and the Trimbakeshwar temple is open for darshan.
Devotees take a holy dip here, or do achaman by sipping a little of the water, often before going for darshan, and rituals such as Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi begin with a bath at the kund. This guide explains why the kund matters, what happens here during the Kumbh and through the year, and how to plan your visit.
Why Kushavarta matters
Trimbakeshwar sits at the foot of Brahmagiri hill, where the Godavari river begins. The Incredible India website describes Kushavarta as the place where the Godavari reappears after vanishing at the Brahmagiri hills.
The story of the Godavari here is linked to Sage Gautama and his wife Ahalya. During a long drought, Gautama did penance on Brahmagiri, and Lord Shiva sent the Ganga down to the region. The stream that came through the Trimbak hills became the Godavari. Gautama is said to have bathed in it to be free of the sin of unintentionally killing a cow.
A bath at Kushavarta is believed to wash away sins, and the temple is only about 400 m away, a 5-minute walk, for darshan after your dip. Read more about the temple in our Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple guide.
Who built the kund
The kund was built by Shrimant Sardar Raosaheb Parnerkar, who was the Fadnavis of Indore State, according to Wikipedia. A bust of him and his wife stands at the edge of the kund. Look for it when you walk around.
Kushavarta during the Simhastha Kumbh 2027
During the Kumbh, Kushavarta is the bathing place of the Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik instead. Our guide on why the Kumbh has two snan sites explains how this came about.
The Amrit Snan dates at Kushavarta are:
- 2 August 2027: First Amrit Snan, on Ashadh Somvati Amavasya.
- 31 August 2027: Second Amrit Snan, on Shravan Amavasya, considered the most important.
- 12 September 2027: Third and last Amrit Snan, for the Shaiva akhadas of Trimbakeshwar.
The Kumbh begins here with the flag hoisting on 31 October 2026. A 31-foot flagstaff has been put up at Kushavarta Tirtha, and its puja and unveiling took place on 15 October 2026. The flag will be hoisted at 12:02 pm, at the same time as at Ramkund in Nashik. Read our guide to the 31 October flag hoisting, the full Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule, and how the processions work in akhadas and the Amrit Snan.
On Amrit Snan days, the kund is reserved for the akhadas, who come in procession in an order set by the administration. Pilgrims are allowed into the kund only after all the akhadas have bathed, but they can bathe at the same time at the other ghats the administration sets up. Expect very large crowds and long walks, and follow the police and volunteers. As currently planned, private vehicles will not be allowed into town on the main snan days.
Kushavarta through the year
The kund is busy on many days, not only at the Kumbh.
- Every Monday: A palkhi procession of Lord Trimbakeshwar leaves the temple at around 3:30 PM and reaches Kushavarta Tirth at around 4:00 PM, where the Goda snan, panchamrit puja and aarti are performed. It is back at the temple by about 6:00 PM, and in Shravan it starts about an hour earlier.
- Shravan: The Brahmagiri pradakshina, a walk of about 40 km done barefoot, starts from Kushavarta on the night before a Shravan Monday, as described on the Incredible India website.
- Kartik Purnima: Large crowds gather at the temple and at Kushavarta.
- Pujas: Narayan Nagbali begins with a purification bath at Kushavarta, and its main rites are held at the Ahilya-Godavari Sangam. The local Purohit Sangh says rituals such as Kaal Sarp Shanti and Tripindi are performed at Kushavarta Tirtha and at the purohits' homes. See our puja guide and our guide to Narayan Nagbali puja.
For festival dates and the least crowded days, read our guide to the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar.
How to visit Kushavarta
Kushavarta is inside the town, about 400 m from the temple, so you can reach it on foot. From our Bhakta Niwas on Jawahar Road it is about 1.5 km, a 10–15 minute walk. The temple is about 900 m from the Bhakta Niwas, so you can do both in one morning.
- Check that the kund is open. Until 31 October 2026, it is closed for repair and cleaning work.
- Go early in the morning, when it is calmer.
- Keep a change of clothes and a small towel if you plan to bathe.
- Keep your phone and valuables with a family member who stays out of the water.
- On Mondays, festival days and snan days, expect crowds and plan extra time.
Kushavarta is one of several sacred places close to the temple. Our guide to places to visit near Trimbakeshwar covers the others, and the nearby places section on our home page lists distances from the Bhakta Niwas.
Staying near Kushavarta
If you are coming for a Kumbh snan or a puja at Kushavarta, it helps to stay within walking distance. Our Bhakta Niwas is about 1.5 km away, has free parking inside the campus and opens check-in 24 hours a day. All 3 satvik meals are included.
Read where to stay during the Kumbh and where to stay for a puja. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. For the whole Kumbh picture, see our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar?
Kushavarta Kund is the sacred bathing tank in Trimbakeshwar town, linked to the Godavari river. It is described as the place where the Godavari reappears after vanishing at Brahmagiri. Devotees take a holy dip here, and it is the Amrit Snan site of the Shaiva akhadas during the Kumbh.
How far is Kushavarta from Trimbakeshwar temple?
Kushavarta is about 400 m from the Trimbakeshwar temple, about a 5-minute walk. From our Bhakta Niwas on Jawahar Road, Kushavarta is about 1.5 km away and the temple about 900 m. Each is a 10–15 minute walk.
Which akhadas bathe at Kushavarta during the Kumbh?
The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, take the Amrit Snan at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik. The Amrit Snan dates at Kushavarta are 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027.
Who built Kushavarta Kund?
According to Wikipedia, Kushavarta Kund was built by Shrimant Sardar Raosaheb Parnerkar, who was the Fadnavis of Indore State. A bust of him and his wife stands at the edge of the kund.
What happens at Kushavarta on Mondays?
Every Monday, a palkhi procession of Lord Trimbakeshwar reaches Kushavarta Tirth at around 4:00 PM, where puja and aarti are performed. Mondays are also the busiest days at Trimbakeshwar. If you want a calmer visit, go early on a weekday from Tuesday to Thursday.
Planning a stay in Trimbakeshwar?
Book on WhatsApp or by phone at +91 90311 67563. Check-in is open 24 hours, and all 3 satvik meals are included.