Sati Anusuya Ashram in Chitrakoot

The town of Chitrakoot is well known for its spiritual legacy and the Sati Anusuya Ashram is an embodiment of that legacy.

History of Sati Anusuya

Anusuya was the very loving and devoted wife of Rishi Atri. Impressed by her loyalty, sage Narad showered her with praises. This made the wives of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar very jealous. They wanted to harm her and hit upon a plan. They asked their husbands to go and break her purity. In the absence of her husband all of them went to her and asked her to serve them food without putting on any clothes. On hearing this she sprinkled water on them and converted them to babies. In the mean time the wives of these gods were waiting for them. The wives came and saw what had happened. They felt sorry for their vicious planning. The gods were then born to her as her sons Soma, Dattatreya and Durvas.

There is yet another story associated with her. Chitrakoot did not receive rain for several years. This led to a famine. Sati Anusuya prayed hard and the power of her prayers brought the river Mandakini down to the earth. Then there was greenery all around. The human beings and animals were also relieved.

Ram and Sita are also said to have visited Sati Anusuya and she narrated to Sita the importance of loyalty to one’s husband.

Description of Sati Anusuya

The Sati Anusuya Ashram is located at a distance of about 16 km from the town of Chitrakoot. It marks the place where they lived and meditated. It is set amidst dense forests. The atmosphere of the ashram is very peaceful and the only sounds that can be heard are the sweet humming of the birds and the ripples of the small streams that join the Mandakini River. The calm and tranquil surroundings are sure to mesmerize you. It is the ideal place to visit for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Within the temple the idols of Anusuya and sage Atri are kept for worshipping.

How to reach Sati Anusuya

Sati Anusuya is located at a distance of about 16 km from the town. So after you have reached Chitrakoot either by air, rail or road you can reach the ashram only by road. The road is curved and undulating and passes through dense forests. The nearest Airport is Khajuraho and the nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham Karvi. Plenty of buses link Chitrakoot to the other major towns and cities of Madhya Pradesh.