Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple (Naimisaranya)

Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple at Naimisaranya (modern Nimsar) in Sitapur district is one of the most historically and spiritually significant Vada Nadu Divya Desams. Naimisaranya — the "forest (aranya) of the discus (nemi/naimi)" — is the sacred grove where, according to the Puranas, 88,000 rishis gathered and where Sage Suta narrated the great Puranas including the Bhagavata Purana. The Chakra Tirtha lake here marks the spot where Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra fell. Thirumangai Azhwar sang of this kshetram with deep reverence, marvelling that the Supreme Lord who reclines on the cosmic ocean also presides in this forest hermitage among the sages. For Sri Vaishnavas, Naimisaranya represents the Lord's accessibility to seekers of knowledge — He who is the ultimate subject of all the Puranas chose to reside at the very place where those sacred texts were first revealed.