| Tryambak-
eshvar the chief deity of the kshetra is brought here for bathing every Monday. A dip in
the tirth during the 'Simhastha’ period considered a great act of piety and is
supposed to bestow the greatest punya’ on the yatrika. Legends state that during this
period all the tirths of the Universe gather together in Kushavarta tirth, thus bestowing
great power on its waters. This Simhastha Parvani comes every twelve years. Guru enters
the Simha Rashi during this period. Around the place
are several tirths and kunds like the Bilva tirth, Indra-tirth. Vishvanath-tirth,
Mukund-tirth, Prayag-tirth and so on. Of all these, two are most notable for their size
and utility. First is the Gangasagar and other is the Gautamalaya. The Gangasagar is a
large pond some 400, by 300’ and is the main source of water supply to the town. The
reservoir was built in 1078 by one Rajebahadur. Gautamalaya is larger still. It is
situated to the south of the Tryambakeshvar shrine and measures 600’ by 400’.
Some pandit from Jhansi is said to have built it. The
people use its water for daily chores like washing and feeding cattle. To the cast of the
kshetra, at some distance is a small streamlet known as Ahalya. This is none else than the
Jatika who was transformed into a river by Gautama-the confluence of Ahalya and Godavari
is a highly sacred spot. The Purnas have classified the tirths at this place into two
categories. |
