NAIMISHARANYA

Naimisharanya, also referred as Naimish is a sacred forest frequently mentioned in Puranic literature as well as both the Ramayan and the Mahabharat. It is the place where Purans had been narrated for the first time before a large gathering of sages. The place proper was undoubtedly of much religious efficacy as it was the abode of sixty-thousand Rishis.

The ancient forest corresponds to modern day Nimsar situated along the Gomti River in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Etymology :

The Brahmans derive the name Naimisharanya from 'nimisha', "a twinkling of the eye"; hence Naimisharanya means "a forest or pool where in the twinkling of an eye sage Gaurmukh destroyed an army of Asurs." Naimisharanya figure for the first time in the Brahmans and the Upanishad Literature. These words denote the dwellers in the Naimisha forest. They are mentioned in the Kathak-Samhita and Brahmans being clearly of special sanctity.

In the Varah Puran, it has been described as the region where Daityas (demons) were slain within a nimisha (smallest unit of time) and the place was made a abode of peace.

Legend :

Ramayan :

According to the Ramayan, Naimisha was situated along the Gomati River. The sanctity attached to the place was such that Ram desired to celebrate Ashvamegh Yagya in this forest, and accordingly, placing his younger brother Lakshman assisted by the priests in charge of the steed, himself went to the forest. It was during the sacrifice that Valmiki with his disciples came there and constructed some comfortable huts at a distance. Then Lav and Kush recited the whole Ramayan which convinced Ram that they were the twin sons of Sita. Ultimately, Mother Earth appeared at Sita's invocation and, proving her innocence, accompanied her into the bowels of the earth.

Mahabharat :

In the Adi Parv of the Mahabharat, the forest is mentioned as situated towards east (pracim disam) of the mountain regions of Himavat which contained many sacred spots. In the epic, there are frequent references to Rishis living in Naimisharanya and performing sacrifices extending for years.

Here Shaunak had performed a twelve years sacrifice which was attended by a large number of seers, of whom the most prominent and distinguished was Ugrasrava-Sauti, the son of Romaharsan. His personality attracts the attention of all the scholars of Indian culture. He is described as well-versed in the Purans which he cultivated with meticulous devotion. Sauti's father Romaharsan who was a disciple of the great Krishna-Dvaipayan Vyas, had once narrated the story of Astik before the inhabitants of the forest at the latter's request.

It is also believed that the river Sarasvati had turned her course towards the east to see the great rishis (sages) dwelling in the forest.

Source :

https://en.wikipedia.org