Chitrakoot is a town located in Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. It is considered to be a holy place as it is associated with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that it was here, in the forests of Chitrakoot that Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent their time in exile. The Chitrakoot forests were also believed to be home to many holy saints. Most of the places here are in some or the other way connected to Lord Rama and Sita. Here are the five places that are not only of religious significance but also places of natural beauty.
1. Gupt Godavari
Gupt Godavari is perhaps the best spot in Chitrakoot and is a cavern from where the river Godavari was said to emerge as a stream. There is a big as well as a small cave here, with a pond in the former and water in the latter. It is a great experience to take a walk around the caves wading through the water and looking at the naturally formed caves, a miracle of nature. Beautiful sculptures of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu can be seen carved at the entrance.
2. Ramghat
As the name suggests, this was a place frequented by Lord Ram and Sita during their exile, and hence it is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of River Mandakini, Ramghat is also synonymous with Chitrakoot. Apart from the various religious rituals that happen daily, tourists can also tour the ghat on a boat and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
3. Sati Anusuya Temple
Sati Anusuya temple is an ashram situated in the forests of Chitrakoot. Anusuya was the wife of Sage Atri and legend goes that the trinities, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva appeared before them as sages and asked for ‘bhiksha’ or alms. She realised that they were Gods and sprinkled some water on them, upon which the trio turned into children. Hence the ashram has great religious significance.
4. Bharat Milap Mandir
As the name goes, it is believed that Bharat Milap Mandir was the spot that Bharat came to meet Lord Ram to convince him to return to Ayodhya. There is a temple now at the spot and footprints of Lord Rama and his brothers are still visible on the rocks here. Devotees throng the temple all during the year to witness the spot that see the selfless and immortal love of the four brothers.
5. Kamadgiri Mountains
Kamadgiri Mountains is a forested mountain surrounded by many temples. The place has much religious importance for it is believed that the place and surroundings served as home to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita during their exile and it is also believed that it was here that Lord Brahma conducted havan to create the universe. Devotees take a walk around the mountain and pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. It is also a great place to spend some time relaxing and taking in the fresh air and beauty of the surroundings. The serene atmosphere prevalent at the spot will definitely rejuvenate your senses; no wonder sages found this place to be a great place for penance and meditation.
Chitrakoot is definitely a must visit destination for every traveler who loves to experience the locations mentioned in our holy books. Though it can be visited any time of the year, it is during the festival of Diwali, that a large number of tourists and devotees visit the town.
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