Naimisharanya Katha
A Bhagavat Katha narrated by Pujya Bhaishri was held in the sacred town of Naimisharanya from 3rd February to 10th February 2010, under the inspiration of Shri Gopal Shastriji. Shri Gopal Shastriji is the founder of Kali Peeth in Naimisharanya.
Thousands of years ago, Shri Bhramaji sent his manomaya chakra with 88,000 sages and advised that the best place to hold a katha will be where the chakra stops. The chakra stopped for a nimish, meaning the time required to wink once. Lord Narayan is said to have killed a demon named Nimish at this same place the chakra stopped. The place was consequently named Animesh. In addition, according to our scriptures, Lord Narayan dwells in this place in the form of Aranya, meaning forest. Hence, this is how the name Naimasharanya was derived.
Due to the significance of this place, Pujya Bhaishri suggested that good arrangements should be made for pilgrims to stay in order to benefit from the holiness of Naimisharanya. He also said that it should be ensured that this forest is preserved well.
The Mittal family of Dhulia in Maharashtra was the chief host of the katha. Many devotees and members of the Sanskruti parivar contributed to sponsoring the pujas and celebrations. On the first day, the Shobha Yatra departed from Kali Peeth at 2pm and arrived at the katha venue amidst hari kirtan and bhajans. This was followed by deepa pragatya and introductory speeches.
Pujya Bhaishri began the katha by saying that when we visit other places, we need to make an effort to concentrate. However, here at Naimisharanya our minds unite with the surroundings without any effort and we naturally experience the rich spiritual vibes of this sacred place. On listening to the katha, the audience felt that they were being immersed into a divine fluid of the chants of Lord Narayan.
Alongside the katha, 2008 scholars recited the slokas of the Shrimad Bhagavat led by five rishikumars from Sandipani. The katha was also telecasted daily on Sanskar channel.
Shri Krishna janmotsav, Shri Goverdhan puja and Shri Rukmini vivah were celebrated with great joy. Many saints and sages who have made Naimisharanya their permanent abode graced the katha with their presence.
During his stay in Naimisharanya, Pujya Bhaishri went for darshan to Shri LakshmiNarayan temple, the sacred river Gomtiji, Lalitadevi temple and Kali Peeth.
