Kolambika Mata Mandir, Trimbak
real protector of the mountain
About the Kolambika Mata Mandir
Kolambika Mata Mandir is located on the sacred Brahmagiri mountain near Gangadwar in Trimbakeshwar. The temple is considered one of the hidden spiritual sites connected with the origin of the Godavari River and ancient Nath yogi traditions.
High up on the Brahmagiri mountain sits a small, very old, and powerful temple. This is the Kolambika Mata Mandir. Most tourists only visit the main Trimbakeshwar temple in the town. But locals and true pilgrims know that Kolambika Mata is the real protector of the mountain. They believe you cannot safely climb to Gangadwar or Brahmagiri without her permission
Spiritual Importance of Kolambika Mata
Kolambika Mata is worshipped as the guardian goddess of Brahmagiri mountain and the sacred protector of the Godavari River. Many devotees believe that visiting Gangadwar or Brahmagiri without taking blessings from Kolambika Devi leaves the pilgrimage spiritually incomplete. The temple remains a hidden yet powerful destination where mythology, nature, trekking, and devotion come together in one unforgettable spiritual journey.
The story of this temple is all about the birth of the holy Godavari River.
- Stopping the Demon: When the Godavari River first flowed down the mountain to earth, a demon named Varaha tried to block the water.
- The Mother’s Rescue: Sage Gautama prayed to the Divine Mother for help. She appeared as the fierce Kolambika Devi and destroyed the demon. Because she saved the river, her temple was built right here to guard the water forever.
- Protecting the Yogis: Right next to this temple are ancient meditation caves used by great holy men (Gorakhnath and Macchindranath). Locals say Kolambika Mata protected these yogis from all danger while they meditated.
This is a raw, powerful mountain temple that opens early at 7:00 AM. Here is exactly what you will find:
- The Sacred Water Source: The temple is right next to a cave-like water tank called Varahtirth. This is the exact spot where the Godavari River flows out of the mountain through a stone carved like a cow’s mouth.
- 108 Shivalingas: Right next to the temple is the open cave where Sage Gautama meditated. Inside, you can see 108 miniature Shivalingas made by nature.
There are many wild monkeys here, and they are very bold.
- Hide Your Food: They will snatch food right out of your hands.
- They Love “Fryums”: They are addicted to local fried snacks (fryums). If they see you holding them, they will attack your hands.
- Hide Your Water: They will also steal water bottles. Keep all food and drinks zipped tightly inside a backpack and keep a close eye on the monkeys at all times.
How to Reach Kolambika Mata Mandir
For complete train, flight, and bus details, please visit our full Yatra Guide. In short:
- Nashik to Trimbakeshwar: Approx. 30–35 km
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour
- Shared taxis, buses, and cabs are available to Trimbakeshwar.
- 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)
Anupan Shila 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.
108 Shivalinga Gufa: A sacred cave with 108 carved stone Shivalingas.
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. You can take lovely photos of the giant rock and the tree growing out of it.
- 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 Kolambika Mata Mandir
According to the Skanda Purana, when Sage Gautama brought the Godavari River down to earth, a demon named Varaha tried to block its flow. The Divine Mother manifested as the fierce Kolambika Devi to destroy the demon and protect the sacred water. Her temple was built at Gangadwar to guard the river forever.
To reach the Kolambika Mata Mandir and Gangadwar by foot, pilgrims must climb exactly 750 steep stone steps up the Brahmagiri mountain. These historical steps were financed and built by a Mumbai merchant named Seth Hansraj Karamsi between the years 1851 and 1862.
Yes, there is a secondary driving route. You can take Jawhar Road from the main Trimbakeshwar gate and follow the signs for Gangadwar. The road is steep, but it leads to a free parking area at the base of the temple, leaving you with a much shorter climb of only 50 to 100 steps.
You must be very careful. The area around Kolambika Mata Mandir is heavily populated by wild monkeys. They are known to aggressively snatch visible food, water bottles, and specifically local fried snacks (fryums) right out of visitors’ hands. Always keep your food and drinks hidden and securely zipped inside a backpack.
“Gangadwar” literally translates to the “Door of the Ganga.” It is the exact geographical spot on the Brahmagiri mountain where the Godavari River visibly flows out of the rock through a stone carved in the shape of a cow’s mouth (Gaumukh).