There are many religious and historical places on the holy land of India, but the importance of Chitrakoot Dham is the most unique. This divine place is located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and its beauty and spiritual power mesmerizes the devotees.
Religious and historical importance of Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot Dham, located between the Vidyachal mountain ranges and situated on the banks of the Mandakini river, is the main place of Lord Shri Ram’s exile period. Shri Ram, Mother Sita and brother Lakshman spent 11 and a half years of their 14 years of exile here. This is the same holy land where Lord Shri Ram appeared in his divine form to Saint Tulsidas at Ram Ghat. Tulsidas ji has also described the glory of this place in his scriptures.
Main places to visit in Chitrakoot
There are many religious places in Chitrakoot Dham, which attract devotees and tourists. Let’s know about these amazing places:
Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is the most prominent place in Chitrakoot. It is believed that this is where Lord Shri Ram’s feet first fell. Tulsidas ji saw Lord Ram in the form of a child here and got his darshan. The Mandakini Aarti held in the evening provides a unique spiritual experience to the devotees.
Hanuman Dhara
This is a holy place where Lord Hanuman came to extinguish the fire in his tail after burning Lanka. The water stream located here, which was made to flow by the arrow of Lord Shri Ram, remains a mystery even today. One has to climb about 600 stairs to reach this place, but now ropeway facility is also available.
Janaki Kund
This is the same place where Mother Sita used to take bath on the banks of river Mandakini. Footprints of Mother Sita can still be seen on a rock situated here.
Sphatik Shila
This place is very beautiful and full of devotion. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram had adorned Mother Sita with flowers here. It was at this place that a bird named Jayant had pecked Mother Sita, due to which Lord Shri Ram became very angry.
kaamadagiri parvat
Lord Shri Ram spent a lot of time on this mountain and performed worship. Devotees do a 5 km parikrama here, which fulfills their wishes. Bharat Milap Mandir is also situated on the parikrama route, where Lord Ram and Bharat ji met.
Satee Anusooya Aashram
This place is the Tapabhoomi of Mata Anusuya and Rishi Atri. The origin of Mandakini river is also situated here. Mata Anusuya had imparted knowledge of husbandly duties to Mata Sita at this place.
Gupt Godaavaree Guphaen
There are two caves here, in one of which Lord Shri Ram’s court was located. In the other cave, the Godavari river originates secretly. The natural beauty of these caves is amazing.
Ganesh Bag
Situated at a distance of about 11 km from Chitrakoot, this place was built by Maratha ruler Vinayak Rao Peshwa in the 18th century. It is also called ‘Mini Khajuraho’. A huge well is also located here, which is a unique example of architecture.
How to visit Chitrakoot Dham?
Chitrakoot Dham Karvi Railway Station can be reached by train from any major city of India. Ramghat is located just 20-30 minutes away from the station, which can be easily reached by auto rickshaw or taxi.
Accommodation and food arrangements in Chitrakoot
Dharamshalas, hotels and MP Tourism’s Mandakini Resort are available for stay in Chitrakoot. The price of a veg thali here ranges from ₹100 to ₹500. Dormitory facility is also available in MPT Mandakini Resort for less than ₹500.
Conclusion of Chitrakoot Yatra
Chitrakoot Dham is not only a pilgrimage site but also a place full of spiritual energy, where devotees come to experience inner peace. Mandakini Aarti, Kamadgiri Parikrama and the divine beauty of Ram Ghat make this place unique. If you want to see the confluence of spirituality and natural beauty, then definitely visit Chitrakoot once.