The Sacred Pilgrimage of Chitrakootdham
Chitrakoot Dham, also known as the 'Hill of many wonders', is a place of great religious and cultural significance. It is believed that Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, spent 11 years and 6 months of their 14-year exile here.
A pilgrimage to Chitrakoot is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding. The Dham Yatra takes you through various sacred spots associated with Lord Ram's life during his exile period. Each location has its own spiritual significance and divine energy.
Walking through the same paths that Lord Ram once traversed, bathing in the holy waters of Mandakini River, and circumambulating the sacred Kamadgiri hill are experiences that can cleanse your soul and bring inner peace.
Places to Visit During Your Yatra
Kamadgiri
Kamadgiri is a sacred hill considered to be the embodiment of Lord Ram himself. The parikrama (circumambulation) of Kamadgiri is a must for all pilgrims visiting Chitrakoot. The 5 km path around the hill is dotted with temples and sacred spots.
Ramghat
Ramghat is located on the banks of the Mandakini River where Lord Ram used to take his daily bath during his exile. The evening aarti performed here is a spectacular sight with hundreds of lamps illuminating the ghat.
Janaki Kund
Janaki Kund is the place where Goddess Sita used to bathe during her stay in Chitrakoot. The serene and picturesque kund (pond) is surrounded by lush greenery and has a small temple dedicated to Sita.
Sphatik Shila
Sphatik Shila is a crystal rock where the footprints of Lord Ram and Lakshman are believed to be imprinted. According to legend, this is where the brothers would sit and discuss various matters during their exile.
Bharat Milap Temple
This temple marks the spot where Bharat came to meet Lord Ram to persuade him to return to Ayodhya. When Ram refused, Bharat took his sandals to place on the throne, symbolizing Ram's authority during his absence.
Hanuman Dhara
Hanuman Dhara is located on a steep hill with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to legend, when Hanuman returned after setting Lanka on fire, Lord Ram ordered him to cool down here, and a stream of water began to flow.
Dham Yatra Guide
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Chitrakoot is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, making outdoor exploration challenging.
The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery to the region but can sometimes cause inconvenience due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding of the Mandakini River.
Special Festival Times:
- Ram Navami (March-April): Celebrates Lord Ram's birthday
- Deepotsav (October-November): Grand celebration during Diwali
- Maha Shivratri (February-March): Special celebrations at Kamtanath temple
How to Reach
By Air
Bamrauli airport at Allahabad is the nearest airport, 106 km. away from Chitrakoot. Next is Khajuraho Airport which is 167 km away from Chitrakoot. Both the airports have daily flight services to Delhi.
By Train
From Chitrakoot to Hajrat Nizamuddin (N. Delhi) via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Allahabad, Mughal Sarai, Hawraha via Manikpur.
From Chitrakoot to Kurla (Mumbai) via Jhansi.
From Chitrakoot to Lucknow via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Varanasi via Manikpur.
By Road
From Chitrakoot to Mirzapur via Allahabad.
From Chitrakoot to Rajapur.
From Chitrakoot to Panna via Attra & Naraini.
From Chitrakoot to Banda, Kanpur & Lucknow.
From Chitrakoot to Sagar via Mahoba.
Accommodation Options
Chitrakoot offers a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Dharamshalas: Run by various trusts and religious organizations, offering simple and affordable accommodation.
- Government Guest Houses: Comfortable stay options managed by the government tourism department.
- Private Hotels: Several budget to mid-range hotels are available in and around Chitrakoot.
- Ashrams: Some ashrams offer accommodation for spiritual seekers with simple facilities.
It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
Essential Tips for Pilgrims
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you'll be walking a lot.
- Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer.
- Remove footwear before entering temples as a mark of respect.
- Photography may be restricted in some temple areas; always ask for permission.
- Maintain silence and decorum in temple premises.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a better understanding of the historical and religious significance.
- Plan for at least 2-3 days to cover all the important religious sites comfortably.