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Archive for the ‘Chitrakoot’ Category

Chitrakut is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites of north India. It covers a vast area comprising five villages: Sitapur, Karvi, Nayagaon, Kamta, and Khohi. The mountain ranges of the Vindhya surround the area. Mixed forests spread in all directions. An aura of sanctity surrounds the place. The countryside seems to exert a peculiar power over the residents and visitors alike. Today, the main pilgrim center, Ram Ghat, on the banks of the river Mandakini is synonymous with Chitrakut.The district is bordered by Kaushambi in the North, Satna and Rewa of Madhya Pradesh in the South, Prayagraj of Allahabad in the East and Banda in the West. Chitrakoot is located in the Northern Vindhya Range, which consists of Madfa Pahar, Chitrakoot Parvat Mala and Balmiki Pahar. The district is located on the bank of the Mandakini River, which is also known as the Paishwani River.

Chitrakoot is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman, during their exile of eleven and a half years. It is also believed that all the gods and goddesses came to Chitrakoot when Lord Rama performed the ‘shraddha’ ceremony of his father. The gods and goddesses were so impressed by the beauty of the place that they were unwilling to depart.

Tourists Attractions

Chitrakoot is a popular tourist destination, which is known for its natural beauty and religious landmarks. The most important religious place in Chitrakoot is Kamadgiri. This hollow, bow-shaped mountain houses numerous caves and a big lake inside. Ram Ghat is another important sightseeing attraction, located on the bank of River Mandakini and has many temples. Sati Anusuya Ashrama, Valmiki Ashrama and Sutikshna Ashrama are few other places that tourists visit. Tourists with a flair for natural attractions can visit Mayurdhwaj Ashrama and Pramod Van. Janaki Kund is the serene stretch of river Mandakini with crystal clear greenish blue water, which is believed to be the bathing place of Sita.

Most of the spots of tourist importance are along the river Mandakini. Janaki Kund is a straight stretch of river and a series of steps on the left bank descended to the water, almost greenish-blue in color. According to a legend, it was the favorite bathing spot of Sita. Beyond Janaki Kund, the river is enchantingly beautiful. Ram Ghat is a long stretch of steps cut into the banks where pilgrims perform religious ablutions and rituals. Many compare its hallowed sanctity to Rishikesh and Benaras.

Sati Anusuya Ashrama
Sati Anusuya ashrama is in Chitrakuta, located further upstreams the Mandakini, 16 km from the town, set amidst thick forests that round to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here that sage Atri, his wife Anusuya and their three sons ( who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh), lived and are said to have meditated. Sati Anusuya ashrama at present is a very peaceful place where various streams from the hills converge and form the Mandakini River. It is said that Rama along with Sita had visited this place to meet Maharishi Atri and Sati Anusuya. It is here Sati Anusuya explained to Sita the grandeur and importance of satitva.

Ramghat
Ramghat is the most important pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot located on the banks of River Mandakini. A lot of religious activities take place at the Ramghat . A large number of devotees throng the area to offer their prayers. You can also take a boat ride in the rippling waters of the River Mandakini. The view of the banks of the river from the boats is lovely and is sure to impress you. The activity builds up in a crescendo of colour and spontaneous expressions of faith through the day, past high noon, gently diminishing as the setting sun picks out the bright colours of flower petals floating down the river, while the evening ‘arti’ lends its melodious cadences to the deepening dusk. At all times, Ramghat witnesses a deep and abiding faith which finds expression in the rituals which honour the sanctity of chitrakoot.

Janaki Kund
Janaki Kund is a beautiful stretch of the river Mandakini. The blue water of the river well compliments the crystal clear sky. Everything seems to be in absolute harmony with nature. There is not a chord which is out of place. You will surely be impressed by the tranquil surroundings of this place. There are two approaches to janaki kund: 2 km up from Ramghat by boat, or by road along a foliagelined drive. Certainly, this quiet spot seems to have been specially blessed, for an aura of total harmony and quietitude haloes it, seting it apart from the bustle of the everyday world.

Gupt-Godavari
Gupt-Godavari is situated at a distance of 18 km from town. Here is a pair of caves, one high and wide with an entrance through which one can barely pass, and the other long and narrow with stream of water running along its base. It is believed that lord Rama and Lakshmana held court in latter cave, which has two natural throne-like rocks.

Hanuman Dhara
Hanuman Dhara is a spring located on a steep hillside in Chitrakut. On foot one has to climb a steep flight of 360 steps to reach this place. There is a big statue of Lord Hanuman, on which the water of this spring tumbles over. It is believed that, Hanuman Dhara was created by Ram to assuage Hanuman when he returned after setting Lanka on fire. A couple of temples commemorate this spot which offers a panoramic view of Chitrakoot. There is an open, paved area here in the shade of a massive peepul tree, a lovely halting place after the long climb up.

Chitrakoot is located in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. It is also known as ‘the hill of many wonders. The place holds spritual significance.Accoding to hindu mythology,Lord Rama along with his brother and wife Sita spent eleven out of fourteen years of exile in these forest , Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated on this ground and the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations. Sufferers and seekers, poets and visionaries, princes and noblemen have, through the ages, sought and founds solace in Chitrakoot. The place also serves as a pilgrim centre.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place is from October to March.The time is most suitable as the place experience moderate climate during this time of the year.