Bharuch - Interesting Facts About Bharuch - Mythological Facts

Mythological Facts

• Bharuch derives its name from the great sage Bhrigu. The original name of Bharuch is Bhrigukachchha (Sanskrit: भृगुकच्छ), which was later shortened to Bharuch during the Muslim rule. Bhrigu rishi was one of the ten sons of Lord Brahma. He selected Bharuch for his residence due to nine Swayambhu (self-menifested) Shivalingas and its proximity to the holy River Narmada.
• Many years before Bhrigu rishi came here, Bharuch was the residence place of Goddess Lakshmi. At that time Bharuch was known as Shrinagar. The palace of Goddess Lakshmi was fully made of gold. Today this golgen palace is not there but a place named Soneri Mahel (Golden Palace) is still there in Bharuch.
• Bhrigu rishi was well-versed in all the Shastras. He is also known as the Father of Jyotish Shastra (Indian Astrology). The first book on Jyotish Shastra known as Bhrigu Samhita was written by Bhrigu rishi at his ashram in Bharuch.
• Shukra (शुक्र), popularly known as Shukracharya (शुक्राचार्य) was the son of Bhrigu rishi, and preceptor of the Daityas, and the guru of the Asuras, identified with the planet Venus, one of the Navagrahas. He presides over Shukravar (Devanagari: शुक्रवार) or Friday.
• Chyavana (Sanskrit: च्यवन) was also the son of sage Bhrigu and was known for his rejuvenation after penances for several years. He was well known for his knowlwdge about Ayurveda. He prepared a tonic known as Chyawanprash, which is widely used in India, as a rejuvenative, energizer and immunity booster. It is often called "the elixir of life" due to its numerous nutritional properties and benefit to the body.
• Sages like Markendeya, Dadhichi, Jamadagni and Parshurama were from the linage of Bhrigu rishi.
• In Bharuch, the celebrated Asura king Mahabali, conducted great sacrifices (ten ashwamedha yagyas). In this sacrifice, Lord Vishnu came in the disguise a dwarf Brahmin called Vamana (fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), interfered with the king's sacrifice and measured the whole universe with his three steps. Shukracharya was the priest of King Mahabali.
• Parshurama (sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) was born in the sixth generation of Chyavana.
• Bharuch is the only place in India to have the honour as a place where Lord Vishnu incarnated for three times. These three incarnations are of Dattatreya, Vamana and Parshurama. Other two incarnations, Rama and Krishna also visited Bharuch during the course of pilgrimage (tirthyatra).
• Out of nine Navagrahas (planets), three namely Chandra (or Soma), Budha and Shukra are from Bharuch. Thus out of the seven days of a week, three are named after them namely Somavar, Budhavar and Sukravar. This is a great honour for Bharuch.
• The great sage Durvasa (generally known for his anger) was also from Bharuch. He is supposed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
• Many great sages like Kashyapa, Kapila, Mandavya, Adi Sankaracharya, etc. also have performed penances in Bharuch.
• There are around 1000 temples in Bharuch city.
• According to the Skanda Purana, there are fifty-five (55) tirthas located in Bharuch.
• Bharuch finds its mention in all major Hindu scriptures like Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc.
• The priests of Bharuch were famous for their learning in the other regions too. As per the mythological stories, Agnihotri and Samvedi, the learned priests of Bharuch and Shukaltirtha were famous up to the Kashi in the northern India.