prayer and penance or tapasya to Shiva on Brahmagiri Hill which rises above
the present-day temple. Pleased with this devotion, Shiva is said to have
blessed him and brought down to earth from heaven the sacred rivers of
Ganga, Gautami and Godavari. At the Kushavarta Teerth, devotees usually
dip themselves into the waters and purify themselves of all sins before
entering the temple. To this day , Hindus offer shraad prayers (prayers for the
souls of the departed) here. It is also believed that bathing in the waters of the
Godavari will bring moksha or salvation. Monday s are considered particularly
holy and the priests carry the idol of Trimbakeshwar in a palanquin on their
shoulders around the temple. The annual festival of Shivratri is also
celebrated with great pomp and gaiety and attracts thousands of pilgrims
from all over. For overnight return to Nashik.
Day 5:
After breakfast, day free at leisure to perform holy activities
such as for Kumbh at Trimbakeshwar. Overnight at hotel in
Nashik
Day 6:
-
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Shirdi to visit Mahasamadhi
temple of Sri Sai Baba. Abode one of Maharashtra's most
revered saint -- Sai Baba of Shirdi. Popularly known as the
'Child of God', Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all
religions and the message of universal brotherhood. Every activity at Shirdi
revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees
start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the
blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special
pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue. Visit Dwarkamani Mosque where
the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a
corridor is the dhuni or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of
importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha
Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori. Overnight at hotel.
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