ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
What Is Simhastha Kumbh Mela? Meaning, the 12-Year Cycle and the Godavari
Simhastha is the name of the Kumbh Mela held when Jupiter (Guru) is in Leo (Simha), which happens once every 12 years. At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, the Simhastha Kumbh is held on the Godavari river, which begins at Brahmagiri hill near Trimbakeshwar. The next Simhastha runs from 31 October 2026 to 24 July 2028, with the main baths in August and September 2027.
Many pilgrims hear the words Kumbh, Simhastha and Amrit Snan used together. This guide explains what Simhastha means, why it comes once in 12 years, and what makes the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh different.
What the word Simhastha means
Simhastha comes from two words. Simha is the zodiac sign Leo. Stha means "standing in" or "staying in". So Simhastha means the time when Jupiter is in Leo.
That is the time for the Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. The Kumbh at Ujjain, on the Shipra river, is also called Simhastha. To see how this fits with the other kinds of Kumbh, read our guide to the difference between Simhastha, Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Maha Kumbh.
Why it comes once in 12 years
Jupiter takes about 12 years to move through all twelve zodiac signs. So it returns to Leo roughly once in 12 years, and the Simhastha Kumbh comes back on the same cycle.
This is an old tradition. Wikipedia notes that a history written in 1695, the Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh, already describes gatherings at this place when Jupiter entered Leo.
The last Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar was in 2015. The next one begins with the flag hoisting on 31 October 2026. Read about the past in our history of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh.
Why the Godavari matters
Every Kumbh is held on a sacred river. At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, that river is the Godavari. It begins at Brahmagiri hill, right above Trimbakeshwar town.
The Godavari's story here is linked to Sage Gautama, who did penance on Brahmagiri during a drought. Lord Shiva sent the Ganga down to the region, and it flowed through the Trimbak hills as the Godavari. Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar is described as the place where the river reappears after vanishing at Brahmagiri.
That is why bathing in the Godavari at Trimbakeshwar is held so sacred during the Simhastha. Read more in our Kushavarta Kund guide, and about Brahmagiri in our guide to places to visit near Trimbakeshwar.
The amrit story behind every Kumbh
The word kumbh means a pot. The Kumbh Mela is linked to the story of the pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. According to the Puranic story, drops of amrit fell at four places while it was being carried in the pot.
Those four places host the Kumbh: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. Our guide to the four Kumbh cities explains each one. The 31-foot flagstaff of the 2027 Kumbh, put up at Kushavarta in October 2026, carries a depiction of the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean from which the amrit came.
Simhastha 2027 at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar
The Maharashtra government announced the schedule in June 2025, as reported by PTI. The main dates are:
- 31 October 2026: Flag hoisting at Trimbakeshwar and Nashik; the Kumbh period begins.
- 2 August 2027: First Amrit Snan.
- 31 August 2027: Second Amrit Snan, considered the most important.
- 11 and 12 September 2027: Third Amrit Snan, at Nashik on 11 September and at Trimbakeshwar on 12 September.
- 24 July 2028: Flag lowering; the Kumbh period ends.
See every date in our Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule and our guide to the 31 October flag hoisting.
What makes this Simhastha different
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh is held in two towns, about 28 km apart. The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik.
This is why the third Amrit Snan has two dates. Read why the Kumbh has two snan sites and our guide to akhadas and the Amrit Snan.
The Kumbh also brings pilgrims to the Jyotirlinga itself. Read our Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple guide before you go.
Planning your Simhastha visit
If you are coming for the Simhastha, stay within walking distance of Kushavarta and the temple. As currently planned, private vehicles will not be allowed into Trimbakeshwar town on the main Amrit Snan days.
Our Bhakta Niwas is about 1.5 km from Kushavarta and 900 m from the temple, with free parking and 24-hour check-in. Read where to stay during the Kumbh and our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. This information is also available in Hindi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Simhastha?
Simhastha means the time when Jupiter (Guru) is in Leo (Simha). Simha is the zodiac sign Leo, and stha means staying in. The Kumbh held at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar during this time is called the Simhastha Kumbh.
Why is the Simhastha Kumbh held every 12 years?
Jupiter takes about 12 years to pass through all twelve zodiac signs, so it returns to Leo roughly once in 12 years. The Simhastha Kumbh follows this cycle. The last one at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar was in 2015, and the next begins on 31 October 2026.
On which river is the Kumbh Mela 2027 held?
The 2027 Simhastha Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar is held on the Godavari river. The Godavari begins at Brahmagiri hill near Trimbakeshwar. The Shaiva akhadas bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar and the Vaishnava akhadas at Ramkund in Nashik.
Is Simhastha the same as Kumbh Mela?
Simhastha is a Kumbh Mela, named after the time when Jupiter is in Leo. The Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar and the Kumbh at Ujjain are both called Simhastha. The Kumbhs at Prayagraj and Haridwar follow other planetary positions and are not called Simhastha.
When is the next Simhastha Kumbh at Nashik?
The next Simhastha Kumbh at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar begins with the flag hoisting on 31 October 2026 and ends on 24 July 2028. The three Amrit Snans fall on 2 August, 31 August and 11 or 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.