Bithoor
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Bithoor (Brahmavarta) is a centre of Hindu pilgrimage near Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Bithoor has been referred as Brahmavarta in the Puranas, and is the center of Brahman, (universe). This is where, according to Hindu mythology, Brahma, the god of creation, commenced creation of the world. Brahma is also believed to have enshrined here a lingam of Shiva, which is still worshiped as the deity Brahmeshwar Mahadeva. In some ancient texts, Bithoor has been referred as the Utpalaranya.
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[edit] Introduction
The quiet and beautiful township of Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road, 27 km from Kanpur. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, this tranquil spot is of considerable historical and religious importance.
[edit] Ancient
According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was known then, for the creation of mankind. The place, which first witnessed the creation of mankind, came to be known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. Later Brahma installed a Shivalinga, which is still worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor, the Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of a horseshoe, considered to be of Brahma's horse, while going for Ashwamedha Yajna which is embedded in the steps of the ghat, is an object of special reverence for devotees. On the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya, became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva committed penance here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela.
There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous as Sita-Kund. Sita 'Rasoi' (Sita's kitchen) is still preserved, near which stands 'Swarga Naseinee' or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination. The tower has about 48 steps leading to its top which is surmounted by a cupola, from where one can have a panoramic view of the entire area.
[edit] Post 17th Century
Bithoor does not find much mention in the historical texts and remains largely obscure , only to regain prominence in the 18th century. During 1753-75 under the rule of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula, the administration of Bithoor was entrusted to Almas Ali Khan, who erected a mosque near Lakshman Ghat on the right bank of Ganga.
Bithoor was the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to 1819. After the departure of the courts, the place was assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa. The palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the British in 1857 and the only traces remaining of it are some large well heads and broken palace walls.
The existing Valmiki temple in Bithoor is said to have been rebuilt by Baji Rao Peshwa in the 19th century.
[edit] Indian Rebellion of 1857
Bithoor has been closely associated with the Indian independence movement, especially the war of 1857. It was home to many of its heroes and the singular heroine the Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai.
During the British Raj, Bithur used to be part of Kanpur (Cawnpore as per British) district in the United Provinces. The population in 1901 was 7173. The town is notable chiefly for its connection with the uprising of 1857. The last of the peshwas, Baji Rao II, was banished to Bithur; his adopted son, Nana Sahib, made the town his headquarters. Bithur was captured by Havelock on July 19, 1857; the town was laid waste by the British who razed Nana Sahib's palace and the temples in the town.
[edit] In and around Bithoor
- Valmiki Ashram, deriving its name from the sage Valmiki is located at a height and is accessible by a flight of stairs, which is known as the stairway to heaven. From the location of the Ashram, one can have a panoramic view of Bithoor.
- Brahmavart Ghat is considered the holiest of the ghats of Bithoor. Devotees of Lord Brahma pray at the altar of the Wooden Slippers after taking a cermonial bath in the Ganga river. A peg sticking out of a small temple is the axis around which the universe is turning.
- Patthar Ghat, a ghat built of redstone and founded by Tikait Rai, a minister of Awadh State, has a temple by its side, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shivlinga in the temple is made of Kasauti, the philosopher's stone.
- Dhruva teela is the place where the child Dhruva is believed to have meditated single-mindedly as he stood on one leg. As a reward, the God granted Dhruva the divine boon to shine for all time as a star. According to Hindu mythology, Dhruv continues to shine as a star called Dhruv-tara, that is, polar star.
Other places of interest in and around Bithoor include temples of Ram-Janki, Luv-Kush; an Ashram known as Haridham (the abode of Hari, the Vishnu), and a monument dedicated to Nana Rao.
[edit] Recent developments
Recently, at Dhruv Teela, Digital Gangetic Plains- Media Lab (an IIT Kanpur initiative) has established a direct link from IIT Kanpur.
The research at MLA Kanpur-Lucknow lab will demonstrate the application of recent developments in Wireless LAN technologies for rural connectivity by provisioning wireless Internet along the Kanpur-Lucknow corridor.
[edit] How to get there
Air : The nearest airports are chakeri Airport, Kanpur. The latter has become operational since January 1996 and is serviced by some private airlines.
Rail : Kalyanpur is the nearest station, but serviced only by passenger trains. Kanpur Junction is the most suitable station for Bithoor.
Road : Major road distances are : Kanpur - 22 km, Lucknow - 109 km, Agra - 308 km, Kannauj - 103 km, Sankisa - 166 km, Delhi - 430 km, Allahabad - 224 km, Ayodhya - 252 km.
[edit] External links
- Incredible India - site dedicated to tourism in India
- UP Tourism - site with information on Uttar Pradseh
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
