Naimisaranya, also known as Nimsar, is a revered sacred forest associated with Lord Vishnu. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, deeply connected to numerous ancient events and divine legends. The term ‘Naimisaranya’ also connects to Visnu’s name, Animish, symbolizing the eternal and undistracted presence of Lord Vishnu.
The Origin and Sacred Importance of Naimisaranya
Naimisaranya holds great significance in Hinduism, as it is believed to have existed since the beginning of creation. During the Satya Yuga, it became the first pilgrimage site on Earth. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, it was at Naimisaranya that Suta Gosvami recited the Bhagavatam to a congregation of 88,000 sages, marking it as a center of spiritual knowledge and devotion.
The Story Behind the Creation of Naimisaranya
At the junction of the Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga, eighty thousand sages, led by Saunaka Rsi, sought to perform a grand sacrifice to counteract the impending challenges of the Kali Yuga. In response to their prayers, Lord Brahma sent a spinning disc (cakra) to guide them to the perfect spot for the sacrifice. The disc eventually struck the Earth at Cakra Tirtha in Naimisaranya.
The arrival of the powerful disc alarmed the sages, as they feared its impact would flood the Earth. To avert this disaster, the goddess Durga intervened and stopped the disc, preventing it from causing harm. This divine intervention is also why the lake at Cakra Tirtha is said to be bottomless.
The Bottomless Lake: A Testimony to Divine Intervention
In the 19th century, British authorities attempted to disprove the myth of the bottomless lake by sending a chain into its depths. However, after reaching one and a half miles, they abandoned the effort, unable to find the bottom. This event further cements the mystery surrounding Cakra Tirtha and its divine connection.
Naimisaranya in the Srimad Bhagavatam
In Canto 1, Chapter 1, Verse 4 of the Srimad Bhagavatam, it is mentioned:
“In a holy place in the forest of Naimisaranya, great sages, headed by the sage Saunaka, assembled to perform a thousand-year sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord and His devotees.”
This verse highlights the significance of Naimisaranya as a center for spiritual activities and sacrifices, drawing devout souls from all corners of the world.
Naimisaranya in Ancient Texts
The Vayaviya Tantra mentions that Lord Brahma conceptualized a great wheel that would encircle the universe, with its hub situated at Naimisaranya. The Varaha Purana also speaks of the forest’s importance, stating that sacrifices performed here diminish the strength of demonic forces, making it a preferred place for brahmanas and sages to conduct their rites.
Holy Landmarks in Naimisaranya
Chakra Tirtha: The Center of Naimisaranya
At the heart of Naimisaranya lies Chakra Tirtha, where the wheel sent by Brahma landed. Here, a large wheel encircles the bottomless lake, and devotees perform circumambulations (parikrama). Important temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Badrinath, and Lord Shiva are situated nearby, creating a spiritual ambiance that attracts numerous pilgrims, especially on festival days.
Suta Gadi Temple: The Spot of Srimad Bhagavatam Recitation
The Suta Gadi Temple is located on a small hillock near Chakra Tirtha. This is where Suta Gosvami recited the Srimad Bhagavatam to the assembled sages. The temple features deities of Radha Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Suta Gosvami, making it a spiritually charged place of worship.
Vyasa Gadi: The Sacred Spot of Vedic Teachings
Another prominent location is Vyasa Gadi, where Srila Vyasadeva divided the Vedas into six branches and eighteen Puranas. This sacred site also witnessed Vyasadeva lecturing the Bhagavatam to his son Sukadeva Goswami. The temple here houses the deities of Vyasadeva, Sukadeva, and Parasara Muni.
Manu-Satrupa Tapsthala: The Place of Rigorous Austerities
Directly opposite Vyasa Gadi is the Manu-Satrupa Tapsthala, where Svayambhuva Manu and his wife Satarupa performed intense spiritual practices. This site is an important reminder of the ancient practices of meditation and austerity, with deities of Sita Rama and Svayambhuva Manu placed in the temple.
Other Important Sites in Naimisaranya
Dadhici Kunda: The Spot of Sacrifice
Located 10 km from Naimisaranya, Dadhici Kunda is where the sage Dadhici sacrificed his bones to Indra to create a thunderbolt to defeat the demon Vrstrasura. A temple dedicated to Dadhici stands here, along with shrines for his parents and a rare Parijata tree.
Sita Kunda (Janaki Kunda): A Sacred Bathing Place
Close to Dadhici Kunda is Sita Kunda, where Sita Devi is said to have bathed. This sacred place adds to the richness of the spiritual landscape of Naimisaranya.
The Legend of Hanuman Garhi
Another important landmark is Hanuman Garhi, where a massive 18-foot self-manifested deity of Hanuman stands with Lord Rama on one shoulder and Lakshmana on the other. Devotees often offer laddus to Hanuman in this temple, which is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Naimisaranya.
Naimisaranya in the Ramayana and Mahabharata
The Pandavas visited Naimisaranya during their exile, and their residence is near the Hanuman Garhi temple. Here, devotees can offer prayers to Lord Krishna, Queen Kunti, and the five Pandavas.
Additionally, the Ramayana narrates that Lord Balarama visited Naimisaranya and liberated the demon Balvala. This event is documented in Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 79.
The Devotional Legacy of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement, also visited Naimisaranya and established a math (temple) there in 1925. This temple continues to serve as a center of spiritual learning and devotion, attracting devotees from across the world.
Naimisaranya: A Holy Destination for All
Spanning over 130 kilometers, Naimisaranya is not only a spiritual center but also a site that holds immense significance in the Divya Desam Ksetras. Devotees from various sects, including followers of Sripad Ramanujacarya, visit Naimisaranya to pay homage to the deities and partake in sacred rituals.
Visiting Naimisaranya: A Journey of Spiritual Fulfillment
Naimisaranya is located just a 70 km drive from hotels in Lucknow, making it an easy and accessible destination for pilgrims. Whether you are staying at hotels in Lucknow or nearby accommodations, you can enjoy a comfortable journey. Additionally, taxi services are available for a convenient ride to Naimisaranya, allowing you to experience its serene and spiritually enriching atmosphere. Nearby, the Sri Ayodhya Dhama also beckons pilgrims to continue their journey through ancient sacred sites.
ISKCON’s temple in Lucknow and other spiritual organizations maintain a beautiful atmosphere that enhances the pilgrimage experience, making Naimisaranya a must-visit for those seeking a deeper connection with their faith.