ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Pujas at Trimbakeshwar: Kaal Sarp Shanti, Narayan Nagbali, Tripindi and More
Trimbakeshwar is known for rituals such as Kaal Sarp Shanti, Narayan Nagbali (a three-day ritual) and Tripindi Shraddha, along with Rudrabhishek at the temple. These rituals are performed by the local purohits of Trimbakeshwar. Plan to arrive a day early, avoid festival days, and stay close to Kushavarta and the temple.
We are Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Trimbakeshwar. Our Sansthan does not perform or arrange pujas; we run the Bhakta Niwas where many families stay when they come for a puja. This guide explains the main pujas in plain words and helps you plan your days here.
The main pujas at a glance
| Puja | What it is for | How long | Where it is done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaal Sarp Shanti | Calming the Kaal Sarp Dosh in a horoscope | Ask your purohit | Kushavarta Tirtha or the purohit's home |
| Narayan Nagbali | Peace for ancestors who died untimely, and removing the dosh of killing a snake | Three days | Ahilya-Godavari Sangam, after a bath at Kushavarta |
| Tripindi Shraddha | A shraddha ritual for ancestors | Ask your purohit | Kushavarta Tirtha or the purohit's home |
| Rudrabhishek and Laghurudra | Abhishek of Lord Shiva | Ask when booking | Trimbakeshwar temple |
The three-day length of Narayan Nagbali is noted by Wikipedia and by the local Purohit Sangh. For the other rituals, your purohit will tell you how much time to keep.
Who performs pujas at Trimbakeshwar
Rituals such as Narayan Nagbali, Kaal Sarp Shanti and Tripindi are done by Trimbakeshwar's own purohits, known as Tamrapatradhari purohits, who are organised as the Purohit Sangh. The Purohit Sangh says rituals such as Kaal Sarp Shanti and Tripindi are performed at Kushavarta Tirtha and at the purohits' homes.
Rudrabhishek and Laghurudra puja at the temple can be booked online on the temple trust's official website. Our temple timings guide lists the daily puja times at the temple.
Talk to the purohit directly about the ritual, the date, the time and what you need to bring. Our Sansthan only provides the stay and meals.
Kaal Sarp Shanti
Kaal Sarp Dosh is believed to form in a horoscope when all the planets fall between Rahu and Ketu. Families perform the Kaal Sarp Shanti to calm its effects, and Wikipedia lists it among the rituals performed at Trimbakeshwar.
Read our detailed guide to Kaal Sarp Dosh puja at Trimbakeshwar.
Narayan Nagbali
Narayan Nagbali is done over three days. The Purohit Sangh describes it as a ritual for the peace of ancestors who died in certain untimely ways, and Nagbali as removing the dosh caused by killing a snake. It begins with a purification bath at Kushavarta, its main rites are held at the Ahilya-Godavari Sangam, and the Purohit Sangh lists darshan of the Jyotirlinga among its steps.
Since it takes three days, you will need a place to stay for at least that long. Read our guide to Narayan Nagbali puja.
Tripindi Shraddha and rituals for ancestors
Tripindi Shraddha is a shraddha ritual for ancestors, performed by the local purohits at Kushavarta and at their homes. If you feel your family is facing problems linked to ancestors, often called pitra dosh, your purohit will advise whether Tripindi Shraddha or Narayan Nagbali is right for you.
How to plan your puja trip
- Fix the date with your purohit first. Then book your stay for those dates.
- Avoid festival days. On Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays and Kartik Purnima, the ghats and priests are busiest. Our guide to the best time to visit Trimbakeshwar has the 2026–27 dates.
- Avoid Kumbh snan days. During the Simhastha Kumbh, the Amrit Snans fall on 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027, and private vehicles are planned to be stopped outside town on those days. See our Kumbh 2027 guide.
- Arrive the evening before. This gives you time to meet your purohit and rest before the ritual.
- Keep time for darshan. Plan your darshan of the Jyotirlinga around the ritual. Read our Trimbakeshwar temple guide.
For trains, buses and road routes, see how to reach Trimbakeshwar. To understand the kund where many rituals begin, read our Kushavarta Kund guide.
Where to stay for a puja
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road, next to the New Bus Stand. Kushavarta Kund is about 1.5 km away and the temple about 900 m, each a 10–15 minute walk. Check-in is open 24 hours, so you can arrive late the evening before your puja.
- All 3 satvik vegetarian meals are included in the room rate.
- Free parking inside the campus, and a free temple shuttle for guests.
- Wheelchair access, ground-floor dining and volunteers to guide elderly devotees.
See our rooms and facilities, and read where to stay for Narayan Nagbali and Kaal Sarp puja and where to stay in Trimbakeshwar. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563; read how to book and how to recognise our official website and number.
Frequently asked questions
Which pujas are done at Trimbakeshwar?
Trimbakeshwar is known for Kaal Sarp Shanti, Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi Shraddha, performed by the local purohits. Rudrabhishek and Laghurudra puja at the temple can be booked online on the temple trust's official website.
Who performs Narayan Nagbali and Kaal Sarp puja at Trimbakeshwar?
These rituals are performed by Trimbakeshwar's own Tamrapatradhari purohits, organised as the Purohit Sangh. The Purohit Sangh says Kaal Sarp and Tripindi rituals are performed at Kushavarta Tirtha and at the purohits' homes. Fix the ritual, date and time directly with your purohit.
Does Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan arrange pujas?
No. Our Sansthan does not perform or arrange pujas. We run the Bhakta Niwas, where families who come for a puja can stay, with 24-hour check-in and 3 satvik meals included. Please fix your puja directly with a purohit.
How many days should I stay for a puja at Trimbakeshwar?
Narayan Nagbali takes three days, so plan for at least that long, plus the evening before. For Kaal Sarp Shanti and Tripindi Shraddha, ask your purohit how much time to keep. Add a day if you also want unhurried darshan.
When should I avoid booking a puja at Trimbakeshwar?
Avoid big festival days such as Mahashivratri, Shravan Mondays and Kartik Purnima, when the ghats and priests are busiest. During the 2027 Kumbh, also avoid the Amrit Snan days of 2 August, 31 August and 12 September 2027.
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.