Trimbakeshwar Temple Bars Devotees for Two Days Ahead of Kumbh Mela 2027 Ceremony

The Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik district will remain closed to most devotees from October 30 to October 31 in view of the flag-hoisting ceremony for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, officials said on Thursday. The ceremony will be held on Saturday at Kushavarta Tirth in Trimbakeshwar in the presence of various dignitaries, they said.

According to officials, the temple will remain closed to devotees from 12 noon on October 30 until 6 pm on October 31 as part of security arrangements and measures to manage the expected crowds during the event. The restrictions have been imposed to ensure the safety of dignitaries attending the ceremony and facilitate effective crowd planning and control, an official said.

However, the closure will not apply to residents of Trimbakeshwar town and devotees who have been issued authorised darshan passes. Other devotees will not be permitted to enter the temple premises during the specified period, officials said.

The district administration has warned that anyone violating the orders will face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act, according to an official release.

The flag-hoisting ceremony marks an important preparatory event ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, which is expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims and visitors to the Nashik region.

The administration's decision to regulate access to the temple is aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the ceremony while maintaining public safety. Officials have urged devotees to take note of the temporary restrictions and plan their visits accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

Trimbakeshwar, one of Maharashtra's prominent pilgrimage centres, attracts devotees throughout the year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the twelve Jyotirlingas revered by Hindus.

The temporary closure is expected to affect regular worship and darshan arrangements during the two-day period, except for those covered by the specified exemptions.