Uttar Pradesh

Naimisharanya नैमिषारण्य

The forest where, by tradition, the Puranas were recited to thousands of sages. Naimisharanya, also called Naimisharanya Dham or Neemsar, is a revered forest tirtha in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Gomti. Traditional accounts hold that sages gathered here to hear the Puranas recited by Suta Ugrashrava, and that it is one of the oldest and most sacred pilgrimage places in Hindu tradition.

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Why it is sacred. According to tradition, the name refers to a forest (aranya) where the 'nimisha', the blink of an eye, was enough for evil to be destroyed. The Puranas also describe it as a place where Vyasa and other sages composed and recited sacred texts. The town is still a quiet centre of ashrams, kunds and temples rather than a crowded city.

What a visit looks like. Most pilgrims start at Chakra Tirtha, the circular water body believed to mark the spot where Brahma's wheel (chakra) fell, then visit the Lalita Devi Shakti Peeth, Vyas Gaddi and the Sutji Gaddi. A visit usually takes a long morning, and many people add Hanuman Garhi and Dadhichi Kund near Misrikh.

84-kosi parikrama. Around Phalguna Amavasya, pilgrims perform a traditional parikrama around the sacred area, and a fair is held. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check the panchang each year and book accommodation early.

From Varanasi. The journey is long, so most travellers go to Lucknow first and visit Naimisharanya as a day trip or overnight stay. Read our Lucknow guide and plan the whole trip with us.

Related guides: Lucknow guide · Varanasi to Ayodhya guide

Naimisharanya at a glance

State

Uttar Pradesh

From Varanasi

About 400 km from Varanasi (8–9 hours by road via Lucknow); about 90 km from Lucknow

Best time

October to March; Phalguna Amavasya fair and the 84-kosi parikrama are the major occasions

Ideal stay

1–2 days (usually combined with Lucknow)

Package price

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Popular places to visit in Naimisharanya

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/chakra-tirtha.jpgChakra Tirtha

Chakra Tirtha

A circular water body, traditionally the place where Brahma's wheel fell. Pilgrims bathe here and begin their visit with this tirtha.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/lalita-devi-temple.jpgLalita Devi Temple

Lalita Devi Temple

A Shakti Peeth temple dedicated to Goddess Lalita, one of the principal shrines of the area.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/vyas-gaddi.jpgVyas Gaddi

Vyas Gaddi

Associated with Maharishi Vyasa, the traditional compiler of the Vedas and Puranas. A calm place for reflection.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/sutji-gaddi.jpgSutji Gaddi

Sutji Gaddi

Linked to Suta Ugrashrava, the narrator who recited the Puranas to the gathered sages.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/hanuman-garhi-naimisharanya.jpgHanuman Garhi (Naimisharanya)

Hanuman Garhi (Naimisharanya)

A hilltop Hanuman shrine in the town, known for its view over the surrounding tirtha.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/dadhichi-kund-misrikh.jpgDadhichi Kund (Misrikh)

Dadhichi Kund (Misrikh)

A sacred pond near Misrikh associated with the sage Dadhichi, who is said to have given his bones to make Indra's weapon.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/manu-satrupa-tapasthali.jpgManu-Satrupa Tapasthali

Manu-Satrupa Tapasthali

The traditional place where Manu and Shatarupa are said to have performed penance.

/images/destinations/naimisharanya/gomti-riverfront.jpgGomti riverfront

Gomti riverfront

The river that flows past the town, used for bathing and quiet evening aarti.

How to reach Naimisharanya

Naimisharanya is about 90 km from Lucknow, normally 2 to 2.5 hours by road. From Varanasi, the road distance is around 400 km via Lucknow, so most travellers take a train or drive to Lucknow first and continue from there.

The nearest railhead is Nimsar (Naimisharanya) station, with Sitapur and Lucknow as larger bases. Lucknow's airport is the nearest major airport. A private car makes it easy to cover the temples and the nearby Misrikh in a single day.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Naimisharanya?

In Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh, on the Gomti, about 90 km from Lucknow.

How far is Naimisharanya from Varanasi?

About 400 km by road, usually via Lucknow, taking 8 to 9 hours. Most travellers break the journey at Lucknow.

Why is Naimisharanya famous?

Tradition says the Puranas were recited to thousands of sages here, and that Vyasa and other sages lived and taught here.

What is Chakra Tirtha?

A circular water body believed to mark the spot where Brahma's wheel fell; pilgrims begin their visit here.

What is the best time to visit?

October to March. Phalguna Amavasya, with the traditional parikrama, is the major occasion.

Can I do Naimisharanya as a day trip from Lucknow?

Yes, it is about 90 km from Lucknow and fits in a day with an early start.