108 Shivalinga Cave
The Hidden Cave of Lord Shiva
Abou the 108 Shivalinga Cave, Gangadwar
Located near the sacred Gangadwar region on Brahmagiri mountain, the 108 Shivalinga Cave is one of the hidden spiritual places of Trimbakeshwar. The cave is famous for containing 108 ancient hand-carved Shivalingas believed to have been worshipped by sages, Nath yogis, and Shiva devotees for centuries.
Surrounded by rocky mountain paths, caves, waterfalls, and dense natural scenery, the cave carries a peaceful and mysterious spiritual atmosphere. Many devotees believe the cave was once used by saints for meditation and Shiva sadhana in the sacred Brahmagiri hills connected with the origin of the Godavari River.
The cave is often visited along with Gangadwar, Kolambika Mata Mandir, and Brahmagiri trekking routes. During monsoon and winter season, the surrounding hills become lush green, creating a beautiful spiritual trekking experience for pilgrims and nature lovers.
How to Reach 108 Shivalinga Cave
For complete train, flight, and bus details, please visit our full Yatra Guide. In short:
Nashik Road Railway Station (NK)
Distance & Time: ~35 km (1 to 1.5 hours)
How to Reach & Important Alerts
:
Best Option (Bus | ₹45–₹60): Catch a direct MSRTC bus from the station or Thakkar Bazar (every 15–30 mins). It drops you Trimbak bus stop.
Shared Taxis (~₹100): Available outside, but avoid negotiating with private cab drivers at the main exit as they frequently overcharge, upsell, and argue.
Ola/Uber Issues: App cabs cannot pick you up inside the station. You can book them, but you must walk 5 to 7 minutes outside to the Ambedkar Statue (near the petrol pump) to actually get in your cab. Note: Do not rely completely on this, as local drivers often harass app drivers and force cancellations.
- From Nashik Road Station: Take a city bus or shared auto to New CBS (Thakkar Bazar).
- From CBS to Trimbakeshwar: Board a direct MSRTC bus. They run every 15-30 minutes and will drop you in Trimbakeshwar (about 30 km away)
108 Shivalinga is located near Gangadwar on Brahmagiri Mountain, you have two simple choices to reach it.
Option 1: The Walking Route (750 Steps)
- The Path: You can start walking right from the Trimbakeshwar town center. Near the Nivruttinath Temple, you will find a staircase going up the mountain.
- The Climb: You have to climb exactly 750 steep stone steps to reach the top.
Option 2: The Driving Route (The Easy Way)
If you do not want to climb 750 steps, you can take a vehicle to the back of the mountain.
- The Path: From the main Trimbakeshwar gate, turn right onto Jawhar Road. Drive for 4 km until the road splits into three. Take the first left (look for the Gangadwar board). After 1 km, take another left at the next big Gangadwar board.
- The Drive: This road goes very steeply uphill. If you are riding a bike, make sure it has good power.
- The Short Climb: This road drops you right at the base of the rock. From here, you only have to climb 50 to 100 simple steps!
- By Auto-Rickshaw: You can easily hire a rickshaw from Jawhar Road. They usually charge ₹500 for a one-way drop, or ₹800 for a return trip (which is a great deal if you share with friends).
Location: Brahmagiri Mountain, Trimbakeshwar
Must-Visit Nearby Places (Same Mountain Area):
Gangadwar: The exact origin point of the Godavari River.
Anupam Shila : Guru Gorakhnath’s Magic Rock.
Kolambika Mata Mandir: An ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess.
Gorakhnath Gufa: The holy cave where Guru Gorakhnath meditated.
- Parking: If you walk from the town, park your car in the main Trimbakeshwar parking lots. If you drive the back road to the mountain base, you will find free parking right at the bottom of the steps.
- Bags & Luggage: You can carry bags, and a backpack is highly recommended! You need a bag to hide your water bottles and snacks from the bold mountain monkeys.
- Photography: Allowed! It is a peaceful, natural place.
- Footwear: Please remove your shoes before stepping onto the holy rock area to show respect.
- Kumbh Mela Rules: During the huge Simhastha Kumbh Mela (5 days before and after the main bath), private cars and bikes are not allowed near the mountain. You will need to park outside the city and use government buses.
Frequently Asked Questions About 108 Shivalinga Cave
108 Shivalinga Cave is located near the Gangadwar and Brahmagiri trekking route in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik district.
The cave is famous for its 108 ancient hand-carved Shivalingas and its connection with meditation, Shiva worship, and Nath yogi traditions.
Visitors can reach the cave through the Brahmagiri and Gangadwar trekking route from Trimbakeshwar town.
Yes, visitors need to climb the Brahmagiri trekking route and stone steps to reach the cave area.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the open cave and trekking areas.