Chitrakoot - Land of Lord Ram
Popularly referred to as Chitrakuta, Chitrakoot is a town in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Chitrakoot Dham is well known as an ancient Hindu pilgrimage center. This town has gained cultural and religious prominence among the people of Bundlekhand region for its shrines, many of which find a mention in the Hindu epics. Bharat Mila is a place where Bharat is said to have met Lord Ram requesting him to get back to Ayodhya. Pilgrims and tourists visit Chitrakoot on special days such as amavasya, makar sankranti and diwali to offer prayers at the temples. With the Vindhya Range at the backdrop and several other hills such as Kamad Giri and Devangana surrounding the town, the place also features stunning beauty. Indian Holiday briefs you on the various places to see in Chitrakoot.
Places to See in Chitrakoot
Kamad Giri - A picturesque hill surrounded by dense forest, Kamad Giri is popular for its chain of Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, an embodiment of Kamadnathji. Ram Nabami is particularly the time when both locals and tourists throng here.
Ramghat - A number of ghats bordering River Mandakini are collectively known as Ramghat. While the serenity of the place impresses tourists, devotees attend the evening prayers and join the hymns sung by the temple priests on the riverbank.
Janaki Kund - Also known as the Pool of Sita, it is located 2km south of the town and on the banks of Mandakini. According to Hindu legends, it was the bathing ghat of Sita (wife of Lord Ram) during their years of exile from Ayodhya. The nearby rocks are said to have her imprints and is considered a sacred spot.
Hanuman Dhara - A climb of 360 steps uphill will lead you to a beautiful spring where the water tumbles over a Lord Hanuman statue. This is a picturesque site of visit. You can also visit 'Sita Rasoi', the spot where Sita is believed to have cooked food.
Sphatic Shila - A dense forest area and another Hindu pilgrimage site, Lord Ram is believed to have stayed here for a short time. There are massive rocks at this place with his imprints and are considered holy. You have to travel a short distance from Janaki Kund to visit this site.
Lakshman Pahari - This hill falls on the way to Kamad Giri and pilgrims make a stop over here. According to legends, Lakshman Pahari is the place where Lord Ram, his wife and brother stayed during their exile years.
Bharat Koop - It is an isolated spot in the outskirts of the town and has a small tank that contains holy water collected by Bharata from several pilgrimage sites of the country.
Excursions from Chitrakoot
A drive of few kilometers from Chitrakoot will take you to the following places of tourist interest:
Sati Anusuya Ashrama - A distance of 16 km from the town of Chitrakoot, this ashram features a peaceful atmosphere with the Mandakini River flowing nearby. This small ashram was once the residence of Atri muni (saint) and his family. Anusuya was his wife who gave birth to three sons, believed to be the incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar. The nearby forest of Dandaka is also ideal for walks and camps.
Gupt Godavari - Located 18 km from Chitrakoot, a pair of ancient caves is the prime attraction here. The entrance of these caves is narrow and there is a stream flowing underneath. There is a rock carved throne in one of the caves where Lord Ram and his younger brother Lakshman is believed to have held court sessions.
