Naimisharanya

Naimisharanya is believed to have existed with the onset of the universe. The truth and significance of this sacred place was revealed to the saints and sages of that period and this divine knowledge percolated down through successive generations. It is believed that Naimisharanya was a place of pilgrimage in the satya yuga, and is the first ever pilgrimage site to be laid out on earth. It is said to be the eighth Aranya and also as Astama Vaikunta. 33 crore devathas, 3½ crore temples, and the 88,000 sages reside always here. Therefore, it is considered as a pious land where every deed performed receives fruitful results. This land has eternal meaning and its might is beyond the explanation in any possible words.

In the sacred and religious domain of Naimisharanya, there are several sites of historical importance that display the might of the Supreme Lord. Every place has some significance that teaches the human race some lessons to lead a good life with strong belief in God. The Bhagavata Purana says that there is no holy place on earth that compares to this place. There are several stories about Naimisharanya throughout the Puranas.

It is the place where Lord Maha Vishnu killed a demon by the name Durjaya and his followers with his Sudarshana Chakra. It is also said that when Lord Maha Vishnu killed the demon Gayasura with his Sudarshana Chakra his body was cut into three parts that fell at three places, namely Paada Gaya (Gaya Kshetra in Bihar), Naabhi Gaya in Naimisharanya and Kapali Gaya in Badri Kshetra (Badrinath). Hence Naimisharanya is also called Nabhi Gaya Kshetra. It is the place where Brahma Mano Maya Chakra struck the earth, and is now popularly known as Chakra Theertha. Swayambhuva Manu and Satrupa performed yaga and rigorous penance for 23,000 years at this place for begetting Lord Narayana as their son.

The whole episode related to Sage Dhadhichi donating his back bone to the devas happenedat at Naimisharanya.He donated his bones to the devas at this ashram to make weapons to defeat the demons (Vritrasura). Knowledge regarding the ultimate benefit for humans was imparted here along with the simplest and easiest methods of pooja (worship) and importance of Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha Katha. This is the place of origin of Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha Katha.

Pandavas visited this place during their exile and Lord Balarama visited this place during his pilgrimage. In Mahabharata it is said, “Anyone who fasts, prays, and attains perfection at Naimisharanya finds happiness in all the worlds.”