Chitrakoot – Hill of Many Wonders

Chitrakoot Dham

Overlooking the districts of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh and Satna in Madhya Pradesh is Chitrakoot, a tiny town situated in the north Vindhyan range. It holds great importance according to Hindu mythology and the epic Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent eleven and a half of their fourteen years of exile in Chitrakoot, making it a revered site for pilgrims.

Photo of Chitrakoot – Hill of Many Wonders by Swati Singh

History

According to the Ramayana, Bharata, Ram's brother, visited Ram at Chitrakoot and pleaded with him to return to Ayodhya and establish the kingdom. Moreover, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—the three main Hindu deities—are thought to have taken incarnations here. This magnificent city is also known as the "Hill of Many Wonders," and it more than lives up to its name. The Chitrakoot mountain range is home to a number of sites with significant religious significance, including Janki Kund, Hanuman Dhara, and Bharat Milap Temple.

Some Interesting Facts

Goswami Tulsidas, the author of "The Ramcharitmanas," spent a significant portion of his life in Chitrakoot. Numerous exciting fairs are held throughout the year in celebration of various holidays and occasions. Few people are aware that the only institution in the world created specifically for people with disabilities, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped institution, is located in Chitrakoot.

Places to Visit

1. Kamadgiri Temple

Lord Kamtanath temple and Pradakshina of Kamadgiri Mountain. Kamadgiri is the main holy place of Chitrakoot Dham . The Sanskrit word ‘Kamadgiri’ means the mountain which fulfills all the wishes and desires.

The place is believed to have been the abode of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman during their exile. The Main Parikrama is approx. 6 km and takes approx 1 hr. The freshness of morning air with lots of devotees enchanting name of Lord Rama and Jai Kamatanath creats an aura of spirituality which leaves you spellbound.

2. Gupt Godavari Caves

This sacred site is some 18 km from the district of Chitrakoot. During their 14-year exile, Lord Rama and Lord Laxmana reportedly spent some time here, according to the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana. The mountain has two separate cave systems, and the water inside them is knee-deep.

One of these caves has a narrow entrance, a high roof, and a big opening, making it incredibly challenging for anyone to get through. However, the other cave is incredibly long and small. Deep inside the cave, water continues to flow continually from rocks. Then they flow into another cave before simply vanishing beneath the surface. Tourists have always been baffled by this peculiar phenomena, which is why this location is known as Gupt Godavari. Two stone carved thrones can be seen in the larger of these caverns as well. These are thought to be Lord Laxman's and Lord Rama's.

3. Ram Ghat

One of Uttar Pradesh's most visited tourist destinations, Ram Ghat, is thought to have been the scene of a prolonged conversation between Saint Goswami Tulsidas and Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxman. This is a significant factor in why it holds a particular place in people's hearts and minds.

Tourists can rent boats at the ghat, which has a row of them lining the steps leading to the river. In one part of the ghat, an enormous statue of Lord Hanuman blesses everyone who enters. At the ghat, there are a number of benches where you may sit and take in daily life. This is a location you should not skip if you have any upcoming plans to visit Chitrakoot.

4. Sphatik Shila

is located on the banks of the River Mandakini. The so-called Sphatik Shila is actually two gigantic stones that are thought to bear the impressions of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama. If you're a tourist searching for a spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this location is fantastic.

Sphatik Shila is one of Chitrakoot's most revered religious tourism destinations for a variety of reasons. They admired Chitrakoot's grandeur from this location, which also held their footprints. You are surely enthralled by the beauty. The jungle that surrounds the river gives it a tranquil image that is nothing short of breathtaking.

5. Sati Anusuya Temple

Sati Anusuya Ashram is around 18 kilometres from Ramghat, a popular tourist destination in Chitrakoot. It is one of the holiest places in the region and is part of the "chitrakoot char dham." This location got its name from serving as the ashram of Maharishi Atri and his wife Mahasati Anasuya. Because of her pious, pure, and chaste character, she is also recognised as one of the mahasatis in Hindu holy books.

Her name has an interesting backstory as well. This region is thought to have been parched due to a ten-year drought. Then, after much penance, Anasuya was able to draw River Mandakini down to land. Sati was given this name because of her ultimate sacrifice and endurance of immense hardships throughout her penance. In fact, her devotion to her husband and her responsibilities was so strong that even Goddess Sita sought her blessings during her exile with Lord Rama. She was also taught humility, devotion, and all the other virtues that a chaste, noble, and devoted woman should have.

6. Hanuman Dhara

It attracts a significant number of devotees and is located approximately 3 km from Ramghat (the centre of the largest town in this area).

The name Hanuman Dhara comes from the lovely stream that flows over the statue of Lord Hanuman. To devotees, this is maybe the most beautiful sight they have ever seen. The Bajrang Bali statue (another name for Lord Hanuman) is made of red stone marble. It looks down on the worshippers and guests as they enter the temple, adding a spiritual presence to the ambience.

Best Time to Visit

Chitrakoot is best visited between October and March. The months of October and November provide some of the best magnificent views in and around the city. From December through March, the weather is ideal for all expeditions and tourism activities.

How to Reach

By Air

Chitrakoot Khajuraho Airport is about 185 kilometres away.

By Train

Chitrakoot is 8 km from the nearest railway station, Karvi.

By Road

Chitrakoot is well connected by road, with regular bus connections to Agra, Allahabad, and other cities.