| The Peshwas
themselves and their several followers were greatdevotees of this god. Letters and other
documents speak of various grants, donations and gifts to the temple. Though Tryamba-
keshvar is not famous as a deity of sakama-bhakti’, some people did utter certain
vows before the god and on fulfilment of their desires made various gifts to the deity.
Amongst many such items donated, the golden Kalash of the temple, the silver mask, the
bejewel led crown can be counted.The other aspect or part of the kshetra is the river
Godavari. As stated earlier it is from the Brahmagiri mountain that the river originates.
There are numerous kunds and tanks through which the river ultimately emerges. There is a very long story as to how Godavari originated. It not
only tells of how shecame here but also indicates several commonly held beliefs. It is
supposed, for example, to be part or amsha of Ganga, theheavenly river and even today the
local population of Nasik refer to the river as Ganga and not as Godavari. The story also
speaks of the great power the river has, it absolves all sin. Of course, the various
stories mentioned are as trustworthy as legends go, but certainly indicate the great
importance the river enjoys. Recent researches have shown that Godavari is one of the most
ancient water courses of the area.
Evidences of human habitation have been discovered from the
Godavari-Pravara basin dating back to thousands of years. There is little wonder
therefore, that such an important life-source should be defied and legends and myths woven
around it. The legend goes somewhat as follows. Brahmadeva once decided to perform a
sacrifice. It was naturally a gigantic affair; all the gods and goddesses, princes and
princesses of all the Lokas had gathered for the ceremony at Prayag. |
