ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Nashik and Trimbakeshwar Kumbh: Why the Kumbh Has Two Snan Sites
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh has two bathing sites because the akhadas bathe separately. The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar, and the Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik. This split goes back to an old dispute over who would bathe first, which the Peshwa settled by giving each group its own place.
The two sites are about 28–31 km apart. Below we explain how the split began, what it means for the 2027 dates, and how to plan if you want to see both.
The two sites at a glance
| Trimbakeshwar | Nashik | |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing place | Kushavarta Kund | Ramkund |
| Who bathes | Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus | Vaishnava akhadas |
| Flag hoisting | 31 October 2026, 12:02 pm, at Kushavarta Tirtha | 31 October 2026, 12:02 pm, at Ramkund |
| Amrit Snan dates | 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027 | 2 August, 31 August and 11 September 2027 |
| Other bathing days | 53 auspicious days | 44 auspicious days |
The dates are from the Maharashtra government's schedule, reported by PTI in June 2025. See every date in our Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule.
How the split began
According to Wikipedia, the Kumbh fair was held only at Trimbak until 1789. A clash broke out between Shaivite sanyasis and Vaishnavite bairagis over who had the right to bathe first. After it, the Peshwa moved the bathing of the Vaishnavites to Ramkund in Nashik.
Some sources give a different year for this dispute; a 2003 report in Hinduism Today, for example, dates it to 1838. What the sources agree on is the result: the Shaivas bathe at Trimbakeshwar and the Vaishnavas at Nashik. Wikipedia adds that the Shaivites still regard Trimbak as the proper site of the Kumbh.
Read more in our history of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh.
Kushavarta Kund, Trimbakeshwar
Kushavarta is the sacred kund in Trimbakeshwar town, linked to the Godavari river, which begins at Brahmagiri hill above the town. It is the Amrit Snan site of the Shaiva akhadas.
Read our Kushavarta Kund guide for its story and how to visit it, and our guide to the 31 October flag hoisting, which begins the Kumbh at both sites.
Ramkund, Nashik
Ramkund is on the Godavari in Nashik's Panchavati area. Nashik is linked to Lord Rama's years of exile, and Ramkund is the Amrit Snan site of the Vaishnava akhadas. The Nagar Pradakshina, the city procession, takes place in Nashik on 29 July 2027.
If you want to visit Nashik's temples on the same trip, our guide to places to visit near Trimbakeshwar includes Nashik.
What the split means for the 2027 dates
For the first two Amrit Snans, on 2 August and 31 August 2027, both sites bathe on the same day. The third Amrit Snan is held on two different days: 11 September at Nashik and 12 September at Trimbakeshwar.
The akhadas walk to the water in procession, and their sadhus bathe first. Read how this works in our guide to akhadas and the Amrit Snan. If you are new to the Kumbh, start with what Simhastha means and the four Kumbh cities.
Can you visit both sites?
Yes, but not easily on an Amrit Snan day. Both towns will be crowded, and as currently planned, private vehicles will not be allowed into Trimbakeshwar town on the main snan days. Choose one site for the snan day itself.
On other days, it is simple. MSRTC and city buses run between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar every 15–30 minutes, from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Read how to reach Trimbakeshwar for the bus stands and road routes.
- Bathe at Kushavarta and take darshan at Trimbakeshwar on one day.
- Go to Nashik for Ramkund and the Panchavati temples on another day.
- Keep the Amrit Snan days for one town only.
Staying in Trimbakeshwar for the Kumbh
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road in Trimbakeshwar, next to the New Bus Stand. It is about 1.5 km from Kushavarta and 900 m from the temple, and buses to Nashik leave from the stand at our gate. Check-in is open 24 hours, and all 3 satvik meals are included.
Read where to stay during the Kumbh, our first-time Kumbh guide and our latest Kumbh updates. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. For everything in one place, see our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Nashik Kumbh held at two places?
The akhadas bathe separately at the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh. After an old dispute over who would bathe first, the Peshwa gave the Vaishnava akhadas Ramkund in Nashik, while the Shaiva akhadas kept Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar. The two sites are about 28–31 km apart.
Which akhadas bathe at Trimbakeshwar?
The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, take the Amrit Snan at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. Their Amrit Snan dates in 2027 are 2 August, 31 August and 12 September. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik.
Why does the third Amrit Snan have two dates?
The first two Amrit Snans are held on the same day at both sites. The third is held on different days: 11 September 2027 at Ramkund in Nashik and 12 September 2027 at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar.
How far is Ramkund from Kushavarta?
Nashik and Trimbakeshwar are about 28 km apart by road, and the two bathing sites are about 28–31 km apart, about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes by road. Buses run between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar every 15–30 minutes on normal days.
Can I attend the Amrit Snan at both Nashik and Trimbakeshwar?
On the first two Amrit Snan days both sites bathe on the same day, so choose one. Roads will be crowded, and private vehicles are planned to be stopped outside Trimbakeshwar town on the main snan days. You can visit the other site on a non-snan day.
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.