If you are looking for a spiritual and scenic destination in India, you might want to consider visiting Chitrakoot Parvat, a hill that is steeped in mythology, history and natural beauty. Chitrakoot Parvat, which means “the hill of many wonders”, is located in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama spent 11 years of his 14-year exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. It is also the place where Rama’s brother Bharat came to persuade him to return to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom, and where the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya meditated. Chitrakoot Parvat is dotted with many temples, caves, waterfalls and forests that attract pilgrims and tourists alike.
What to see in Chitrakoot Parvat
There are many attractions in and around Chitrakoot Parvat that you can explore. Here are some of the highlights:
- Kamadgiri: This is the main hill of Chitrakoot Parvat, where Rama is said to have lived in a hut with Sita and Lakshmana. Kamadgiri means “the hill that fulfills all desires”, and devotees perform a 5 km circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings. There are many temples along the way, such as the Kamtanath Temple and the Bharat Milap Temple.
- Ram Ghat: This is the ghat on the banks of the Mandakini River, where Rama used to bathe daily. It is also the place where he met Bharat and where the poet Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas. The ghat is bustling with activity, especially during the evening aarti, when lamps are lit and chants are sung.
- Janaki Kund: This is a cave on the left bank of the Mandakini River, where Sita used to bathe. The water here is crystal clear and cool. There are also temples dedicated to Rama, Sita and Hanuman nearby.
- Sphatik Shila: This is a small boulder on the river bank, where Rama and Sita used to sit and admire the beauty of nature. The rock has some footprints that are said to belong to them. It is also believed that this is where a crow pecked at Sita’s feet, and Rama cursed it to become black.
- Anusuya Ashram: This is an ashram near the origin of the Mandakini River, where the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya lived. Anusuya was known for her devotion and chastity, and she once turned Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva into babies when they tested her. She also blessed Sita with a son when she visited her with Rama.
- Gupt Godavari: This is a pair of caves about 18 km from Chitrakoot Parvat, where Rama and Lakshmana held a secret meeting with Sugriva, the king of monkeys. The caves have natural rock formations and a stream of water that flows through them.
- Hanuman Dhara: This is a waterfall on a steep hillside, where Hanuman rested after setting fire to Lanka with his tail. The water here is said to have cooled his burns and quenched his thirst. There is also a temple of Hanuman on top of the rock.
How to reach Chitrakoot Parvat
Chitrakoot Parvat is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Khajuraho Airport, about 175 km away. The nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi, about 10 km away. There are buses and taxis available from both places to reach Chitrakoot Parvat. You can also drive from nearby cities like Allahabad, Varanasi, Lucknow or Bhopal.
When to visit Chitrakoot Parvat
The best time to visit Chitrakoot Parvat is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The monsoon season from July to September can be avoided as it may cause flooding and landslides. The summer season from April to June can be very hot and dry.
Chitrakoot Parvat is a place that offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture and nature. It is a place where you can experience the divine presence of Rama, the serenity of the Mandakini River, the charm of the Vindhya Mountains and the richness of the ancient heritage. It is a place that will leave you with many wonderful memories.