Naimiṣāraṇya (Sanskrit:नैमिषारण्य,romanized: Naimiṣāraṇya,lit. 'Naimisha forest'), also referred asNaimisha (Sanskrit:नैमिष) is a sacred forest frequently mentioned inPuranic literature, as well as both theRamayana and theMahabharata.[1][2] It is regarded to be the place where thePuranas had been narrated for the first time, before a large gathering of sages.[3] The ancient forest corresponds to modern dayNimsar, situated along theGomati river in theSitapur district ofUttar Pradesh, India.[2]
TheBrahmanas derive the name Naimiṣāraṇya from 'nimiṣā', "a twinkling of the eye"; hence Naimiṣāraṇya means "a forest or pool where in the twinkling of an eye sage Gauramukha destroyed an army ofAsuras." Naimiṣīyā figure for the first time in the Brāhmaṇas and theUpaniṣadic Literature. These words denote the dwellers in the Naimiṣa forest. They are mentioned in the Kāthaka-Saṃhitā and Brāhmaṇas being clearly of special sanctity.
In theVaraha Purana, it has been described as the region where thedaityas (a clan ofasuras) were slain within animiśa (smallest unit of time), and the place was made an abode of peace.[3]
According to theRāmāyaṇa, Naimiṣa was situated along the Gomati river. The sanctity attached to the place was such thatRāma desired to celebrateAśvamedha sacrifice in this forest, and accordingly, placing his younger brotherLakṣmana assisted by the priests in charge of the steed, himself went to the forest. It was during the sacrifice thatValmiki with his disciples came there and constructed some comfortable huts at a distance. Then Lava and Kuśa recited the whole Ramayana, which convinced Rama that they were the twin sons ofSītā. Ultimately,Bhumi appeared at Sita's invocation and, proving her innocence, accompanied her into the bowels of the earth.
In theAdi Parva of theMahabharata, the forest is mentioned as situated towards east (prācīm diśam) of the mountain regions of Himavat which contained many sacred spots. In the epic, there are frequent references to Ṛṣis living in Naimiṣāraṇya and performing sacrifices extending for years.
HereŚaunaka had performed a twelve years sacrifice which was attended by a large number of seers, of whom the most prominent and distinguished wasUgraśrava-Sauti, the son of Romaharṣaṇa. His personality attracts the attention of all the scholars of Indian culture. He is described as well-versed in thePurāṇas which he cultivated with meticulous devotion. Sauti's father Romaharṣaṇa who was a disciple of the greatKṛṣṇa-Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, had once narrated the story of Āstīka before the inhabitants of the forest at the latter's request.
It is also believed that the riverSarasvatī had turned her course towards the east to see the greatṚṣis (sages) dwelling in the forest.
Naimisaradya village lies within the Misrikh tehsil of Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. It covers an area of approximately 466 hectares and had a population of about 1,420 as per the 2011 Census. The village is situated adjacent to the main Naimisharanya pilgrimage area, and serves as one of the key local habitations supporting pilgrims and temple activities.[4]
Anogi (Hindi: अनोगी) is a village inMachhrehta block of Misrikh tehsil inSitapur district,Uttar Pradesh, India. It forms part of theLucknow Division. Th and is often associated with this pilgrimage site. It functions as an independentgram panchayat (village council).
Thakurnagar is another settlement situated in the vicinity of Naimisharanya and likewise appears in the list of 36 villages under the Naimisharanya Dham development notification. It is believed to lie along or close to the traditional parikrama (circumambulation) route associated with the Dham.[5]
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