The Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
by Syama Charan Banerji | 1915 | 50,976 words
The English translation of the Brihaddharma Purana, one of the several minor or Upa Puranas, and represents an epitome of several important (Major) Puranas. In this book one can observe the attempts made to reconcile the three main forms of Hindu worship, viz. the Shaiva Vaishnava and Tantrika (worship of God in the form of Kali, Durga, Ganga, and ...
Chapter 13 - On the sanctity of the Naimisharanya forest
Parvati said,
“The sacred Naimisharanya is a great Tirtha where sacrificial rites are constantly performed by Munis, and where Kali[1] has no jurisdiction.”
On being asked why Kali was powerless in Naimisharanya, she narrated the following story to her companions:—
Once upon a time the Munis were afraid of Kali who had taken possession of the whole world, and went in a body to the universal lord Brahma to seek protection from him.
They said,
“Lord, now that Kali is ruling the world and destroying the good principles of mankind, we entreat you to tell us where we should perform our austerities so as to be free from his evil influence.”
Brahma on being questioned as above, entered into deep meditation, when suddenly a great sage whose lustre exceeded that of millions of suns sprang out of his eyes. He was clothed in white garments and wore garlands round his neck. He had a rosary in one hand and a water-jar in the other. The Munis gazed at him with astonishment and asked Brahma who he was.
“He is the personification of truth” said Brahma, “and his name is Nimishadeva. He has come to help you. Follow him wherever he goes and stay with him as long as he is visible on the earth. Mark the place at which he disappears and practise your sacrificial rites and austerities there. Kali will not be able to enter there.”
Accordingly, the Munis followed the sage who kept wandering about on the earth for six years, and thereafter disappeared at a place near the Saurashtra. As soon as he was out of sight, the Munis saw Vishnu on every side and were filled with astonishment. They named the place Nimishakshetra or Naimsharanya.
This Naimsharanya is the most sacred of all Tirthas, and those who live here are like Narayana himself. Sacrifices performed here are particularly efficacious. This is the place where Lomaharshana’s wise and holy son, Suta, recited many Puranas to the Rishis of old.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
For a description of Kali Yuga see Chapter LIII p [?].