As we all know India is being carried by religion, so we also wanted to start our journey from the spiritual place. There are many places in India which carries the spiritual legacy with them, Chitrakoot is one of them, which has distinctive mythological & religious significance.
It is specifically known for Lord Rama’s fourteen years of exile which he has spent in the deep and green bushes forests of Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot, situated in the northern vindhya range of mountains, is popularly known as the ‘Place of Many Wonders’ where the moment you step in you’ll feel the spirituality all around you. Local small groups chanting mantras, singing bhajan’s, and with ‘Sita Ram Sita Ram’ name all around.
Many legendary sages have chosen this place as a meditation shrine and still believed that Gods & Goddesses’ visit here.
Places of Interest
1. Kamadgiri Mountain
The first point from where every devotee will start his/her journey in Chitrakoot is the parikrama of Kamadgiri Parvat i.e. Pradakshina of Kamadgiri Mountain and Lord Kamtanath temple. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Ram, Sita Maa, and Laxman have lived here during their exile period. Lord Kamtanath is known as the Ishta Devta i.e. principal deity of the Chitrakoot. Some people also say that Lord Brahma has performed the ‘Haven’ here before creating the universe.
The parikrama or pilgrimage-path around the hill is 5.2 km, and the best time to start is early in the morning around 6:00 am. In the entire path, you’ll be accompanied by monkeys, who will not hurt anybody but yes keep your food items hidden from them.
If you are worried about aged people or toddlers that how they will do 5 km parikrama, not to worry as you can get the services of a wheelchair at the cost of Rs. 200-250/- per person.
No doubt the moment you step in to start your parikrama itself gives you the goosebumps and doing it barefoot is itself an extraordinary experience.
2. Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat, a symbol of belief, religion, and faith, situated on the bank of river Mandakini. During the exile period of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Laxman, it is said that they have taken a dip in this river. It is also believed that Lord Rama and Sita Mata appeared before Topsides and Ramcharit manas was composed to him. The place with divine touch is sacred and soothing, the ‘Aarti’ which is performed in the evening time has a spectacular view with an exceptional experience.
The famous quote ‘Chitrakoot Ke Ghat Per Bhayi Santan Ki Bheed, Tulsi Das Chandan Ghise Tilak Kare Raghuveer’ is made for this place only
The best time to visit this place is around 6:00 pm as then you’ll be able to view the Aarti as well as will be able to see the lightening up of the boats as soon as the sunsets. The beautifully decorated with multicolor ribbons and lights gives you the comfortable ride and carries rabbits along with them so that kids can enjoy too.
3. Gupt Godavari
Gupt Godavari, 18 km away from Ram Ghat in the south direction, is one of the best attractions in Chitrakoot with a divine touch. From deep inside the caves a perennial stream from the hard rocks, the river Godavari is emerging which flows further to another cave and from there it gets disappears the high range mountains.
It has two caves inside, one big & another small but longer than the bigger cave. The big cave has a pond at its end and very silent, whereas the smaller cave is with water and you’ll hear the sound of flowing water. You’ll get amused to see the work of nature which is crafted thousands of years ago.
You’ll get a chance to see a massive rock which is protruding out of the rock ceiling which is, as per locals, is the remains of the demon Mayanka, who stole the clothes of Sita Mata while she was bathing and hence was been killed by Laxman. In the entrance of the cave, beautiful sculptures of the trinities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are been carved.
4. Hanuman Dhara
A beautiful and serene place where a Hanuman temple with a waterfall is situated amidst of nature because of which it is known as Hanuman Dhara. There are 700 stairs in the Temple through the hills. The spiritual water fills the Kund from where many devotees take it to their places too. If you are in search of understanding the laws of nature and are in a search of spirituality, then you must visit the hanuman dhara.
The personified beauty of the hill can be experienced while you move up.
It is said that Lord Rama has greeted the Lord Hanuman here when he returned from Lanka after making it into ashes. The fire inside him was intact after which Lord Rama helped him to douse it by shooting an arrow and getting fountain sprung from there. This is why it is known as the hanuman dhara.
The best time to start is around 7:30 am as it will take only 2-2:30 hours to complete the same. Post which you can enjoy your breakfast.
Affordable places for stay –
You’ll find many good hotels or dharamshala’s in Chtiratkoot to stay. And if you are looking out for something comfortable yet affordable, then the following places are best as staying accommodation is equipped with what you need not in terms of luxury but in terms of necessity and food is just awesome.
- Jaipuriya Bhawan (http://jaipuriabhawan.com/jaipuria-bhawan-chitrakoot.html)
- Shree Jee Bhawan (http://shreejeebhawan.com/)
- Tulsi Peeth (https://jagadgururambhadracharya.org/contacts/)
Hi…I am Vaibhav Tiwari, people love to call me VT or Vicky. Born and brought up in the city of Nawabs, Lucknow but I like the old name of Lucknow i.e. Awadh. I love to travel, exploring new places, and meeting new people and not to forget tasting mouth-watering local cuisines which you just can’t miss.
Although, not all get the chance to live their dream or passion, so it happened with me too. Being the guy from 80s, where everybody is pushed to studies to become Engineer, Doctor, and most important anyhow crack the govt. exam and get the job, then “Life set hai boss”.