Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Naimisha included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Naimiṣa
(NAIMIṢĀRAṆYA).
General.
Naimiṣa is very famous in the Purāṇas. It is considered to be a sacred place. Nimasar is the modern name for the place, and it is in the Sītāpur zilla of North India.
Śaunaka conducted a yajña here which lasted for twelve years. All the reputed Ṛṣis participated in it, and there Sūta (Sauti) the son of Vyāsa recited to the Maharṣis Mahābhārata composed by Vyāsa. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 1; also see under Sūta).
Other information.
Devas once came to this place and conducted a yajña there. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 196, Verse 1).
(ii) Arjuna once visited here the river called Utpalinī. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 214, Verse 6).
(iii) Half of the sin of those who visit Naimiṣa will at once be dispelled. The remaining portion of the sin also will be removed before they return from the place. He who stays for a month and bathes here will derive all the results of Gomeda yajña. He who quits his life here by fasting will attain all the sacred lokas. (Vana Parva, Chapter 84, Verse 59).
(iv) River Gomatī, Yajñabhūmi of the Devas and the yājñic vessel of Sūrya are found at this place. (Vana-Parva, Chapter 87, Verse 6).
(v) Dharmaputra once came to this place with his brothers and bathed here and made gifts of cows. (Vana Parva, Chapter 95, Verse 1).