Naimisharanya (Neemsaar)
A small town in Sitapur district, around 90 km from Lucknow, is one of the most sacred place of pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is only 36 km from Sitapur district. It is near the Lucknow-Delhi National High way No. 24 (as seen in Map below).The "Satyanarayan Vrat Katha"as given in Skand Puran, (a routine religious Hindu tradition) was first recited at Neemsaar Tirth. It is said that the most sacred books of Hindus “ Mahabharat” and "Purans" were written by Mahirshi Vyas at this holy place. There is a mention of this place in the beginning of Holy Satyanarayan Katha : "एकदा नैमिशारंये ऋषयः शौनकादयः "
Importance of Naimisharanya Tirth
The name of Naimisharanya Tirth comes from Naimisha Forest.The story regarding the importance of this forest is that, after the great battle of Mahābhārata, sages and saints, who were very much concerned about the beginning of Kali yug, approached Brahma. Being aware of the extreme effects of the yuga, they urged Brahma to show them a place which can stay untouched by the effects of Kaliyug. Brahma took out a sacred wheel (Chakra) and rolls it down on the earth and says, where ever that wheel stops, that would be the place. The sages followed the wheel, which stoped in the forest of Naimisharanya. Thus, sages and saints, made it their abode for further penance.As per the legends, Lord Brahma had himself indicated that in Kaliyug era, Naimisharanya would be the most sacred and holy place for meditation. It is because of its historic importance that people from all over India visit this holy place. Chakratirth, Bhooteshwar Temple, Yvas Gaddi, Havankund, Lalita Devi Temple, Panch Prayag, Shesh Temple, Shivalay Bahirav Ji Temple , Soot Gaddi, Sri Hanuman Garhi, and Panch Prayag, are some of the most sacred places to visit in addition to Mishrikh which is around 10 kms. away from this place.
Chakratirth
It is round shaped holy water pond. People take bath in it and worship. Mention of this holy place can also be traced in Mahabharat, Brahm and Skand Puran. The Sarovar (pond) is surrounded by some age old temples. Gate of the Sarovar is beautiful. It is sad that the Chakra threw by Brahma ji, ultimately reached this place and went inside the earth. Thereafter a large water source developed at this place. As the area was getting marooned, the saints requested Brahma ji to stop the high flow. As per advice of Brahma Ji, Lalita Devi re-established the Chakra at this place and regulated the flow of water. Since then a number of people use to visit this holy place, particularly on Somvati Amavasya. You can see the nearby Bhooteshwarnath Temple,Sootgaddi, Chakranarayan temple, Badrinarayan temple, Shivalay Bhairav ji and Kashikund,etc.
Lalita Devi Temple
This is an ancient temple. As per legends, by the order of Lord Brahma, Lalita Devi appeared at this place for the destructions of Asurs in Devasur Sangram. Mention of Lalita devi can be traced in Puran -Shaktipeeth(Hindus sacred books). After having a holy dip in Chakratirth, visit this famous temple for 'Darshan'.
Hanuman Garhi
Near the Pandav Kila (Fort) there is a huge size stone-carved murti of Shri Hanuman Ji. Shri Ram and Lakshman are sitting on the soulders of Hanuman ji. After winning Ahiravana in patal lok, Hanuman ji first emeged at this place, hence this place is significant in the heart of people who come from different parts of India each year. On the stairs of of the temple, one can see statues of Ganesh Ji, Makardhwaj etc. Since the Hanuman Ji is facing towards south the temple is also called Dakshireshwar Hanuman ji.
Dadhichi Kund
Around 10 km. away from Naimisharanya, Mishrikh is also a holy Tirth. As per legends, Devats requested Brahma ji to help them to destruct Vatrasur who was a source of harassment to them. Hence Maharishi Dadhichi was requested to provide his bones for making a Vajra. Before giving his bones, Maharshi took bath in this Pond which was made a combination of water from holy rivers. The significant of Mishrikh is well described in Padampuram (Aadikhand).