Chitrakoot Yatra
Chitrakoot,
"The hill of many wonders", nestles peacefully in
the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. This loveliest
of nature's gifts is also hallowed ground, blessed
by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims.
A city with more than legendary significance, it was
the abode of Lord Ram and Sita for eleven year when
in exile, the place where Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya
meditated, the divine spot saw the incarnations of
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. This holy city is dotted
with innumerable temples and shrines today.
Today many people gather here on each Amavasya.
Somwati Amavasyas, Deepawali, Sharad-Poornima, Makar
Sankranti and Ramanavami are special occasions for
such gatherings and celebrations. It attracts crowds
throughout the year including above occasions and
for Free Eye Hospital Camps. Noted 'Ayurvedic' and
'Yoga' centres like 'Arogyadham' are located in
Chitrakoot.
Tourist Attraction of Chitrakoot

Ramghat:
The ghats that line the Mandakini river are called
Ramghat. Here, amidst the chanting hymns and the
sweet fragrance of incense, holy men in saffron sit
in silent meditation or offer the solace of their
wisdom to the countless pilgrims who converge here.
The evening arti here witnesses a deep and abiding
faith in the sanctity of Chitrakuta.
Kamadgiri:
Kamadgiri, the original Chitrakuta, is a place of
prime religious significance. A forested hill, it is
skirted all along its base by a chain of temples and
is venerated today as the holy embodiment of Rama.
Bharat Milap:
Bharat Milap temple is located here, marking the
spot where Bharata is said to have met Rama to
persuaded him to return to the throne of Ayodhya.
Janaki Kund:
Janaki Kund is situated upstream the Ramghat where
it is said that Sita would bath in the crystal clear
waters of Mandakini river during the years of her
exile with Rama.
Sati Anusuya Ashrama:
Sati Anusuya ashrama is located further upstream, 16
km from the town, set amidst thick forests that
round to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here
that Atri muni, his wife Anusuya and their three
sons (who were the three incarnations of Brahma,
Vishnu and Mahesh), lived and are said to have
meditated.
Sphatic Shila:
A few kilometres beyond Janaki Kund is another
densely forested area on the banks of the Mandakini.
One can climb up to the boulder, which bears the
Rama's footprint and where Sita was pecked at by
Jayant in the form of crow.
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
Rama and Lakshmana held court in latter cave, which
has two natural throne-like rocks.
Hanuman Dhara:
Located on a rock-face several hundred feet up a
steep hillside is a spring, said to have been
created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter
returned after setting Lanka afire. A couple of
temples commemorate this spot, which offers a
panoramic view of Chitrakuta.
Bharat Koop:
Bharat Koop is where Bharata stored holy water
collected from all the places of pilgrimage in
India. It is small, isolated spot a few kilometres
from the town.
How To Reach Chitrakoot
By
Air:
Chitrakuta is connected by air with the nearest
airport at Khajuraho, situated at a distance of 195
km, which connects with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
By
Train:
The nearest railhead is at Chitrakuta Dham Karvi (10
km) on the Jhansi-Manikpur main line.
By
Road:
Regular bus services connect Chitrakuta with Jhansi,
Satna, Mahoba, Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi), Harpalpur
and Chhatarpur.
Best Time To Travel

March to April or August to October.
|