About The City

     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. 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 the horse shoe which is embedded in the steps of the ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees, considered to be of Brahma’s horse, while going for Ashwamedha Yajna. 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 penanced 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’ 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. The existing Valmiki temple is said to have been rebuilt by Baji Rao Peshwa in the 19th century. Later Brahmavarta fell into obscurity, 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 historic town of Bithoor, once famous by the name of ‘Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri’, (city of 52 Ghats) today left with only 29 Ghats.