Trimbakeshwar temple may shut to devotees for two months ahead of Simhastha Kumbh works

Preparations have begun to keep the Shri Trimbakeshwar temple closed to devotees for some time, to speed up the development works under way in Trimbakeshwar town and the temple precinct ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Under the current plan, devotees may not be allowed into the temple for in-person darshan for about two months from October 15 or 6.

However, it has not yet been officially decided when the temple will close or for how long. A clear announcement will be made only after the Devasthan Trust decides. The date and period now being mentioned are only the current thinking, not a firm decision.

Large-scale infrastructure works are under way in Trimbakeshwar in connection with the Simhastha. These include a separate lane for darshan, concreting of internal roads, work on the ghats, replacement of flooring, development of the pilgrimage area and conservation of ancient temples. Works to smooth the flow of the Godavari river have also been proposed.

The temple precinct sees heavy crowds of devotees even while these works are on, which is making it difficult to manage traffic and construction. Closing the temple for darshan for some time has emerged as an option so that no accident or stampede-like situation occurs in the crowded area and the works are completed quickly.

Even if the temple stays closed to devotees, religious rituals will not be affected. The daily puja of Shri Trimbakeshwar, the Trikal puja and other traditional rituals will continue as usual. The temple's traditions will thus continue, and only in-person darshan by devotees will be temporarily restricted.

To complete the Kumbh Mela works on schedule, additional manpower and machinery are planned to be used during this period. The administration has also instructed the agencies concerned on keeping some works going day and night.

Meanwhile, crowds of devotees have swelled in Trimbakeshwar because of Pitru Paksha. Taking this into account, it has been decided to keep VIP darshan closed until October 12. Darshan on protocol letters from the Central or state government and from district collectors has been exempted from this decision.

The Devasthan Trust will take the final decision on closing the temple for two months, after which devotees will be officially informed. Devotees planning to travel to Trimbakeshwar for darshan are therefore expected to plan their journey only after checking the official announcement.