Bharat Milap Temple, Chitrakoot
Believed to the place of the meeting of four brothers during the period of Exile of Lord Rama; Bharat Milap Temple is located along the Parikrama of Kamadgiri, a visit to this temple is a must while in Chitrakoot. One can also see the footprints of Lord Rama and his family here.
Gupt Godavari, Chitrakoot
This is a pair of caves, in which there is a tiny entrance, through which one can barely pass. Water trickles down in streams through the other cave, which can rise up to the length of our knees.
It is said that Lord Rama and Lakshman once held their secret meetings, which is validated apparently by the throne like structures present in the cave.
Although Chitrakoot is primarily a spiritual destination, there are some hidden surprises for bold adventure hunters. Gupt Godavari is the series of caves. This is a place that is slowly emerging as one of the most popular destinations of India, owing to the enigmatic charm of nature. So if you're visiting Chitrakoot, this is a must have site on your itinerary.
Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot Overview
Kamadgiri is a forested hill with the base surrounded by multiple Hindu temples on all sides. Place is considered to be the Heart of Chitrakoot. The name is derived from Kamadnathji, another name of Lord Rama and it meant fulfiller of all wishes.
It is believed that a circumambulation (Parikrama) around this hill will be ended and their wishes will come true by doing so. There are several temples on the 5 kilometres path of the Parikrama, one of them is the famous Bharat Milaap Temple.
Hanuman Dhara, Chitrakoot
There is a stream of water falling upon the deity of Lord Hanuman releasing in a kund. Place is abundant of Langoors believed to be associated with Hanuman, the monkey God.
Hanuman Dhara is the name of the spring which sprouted from a rock when Lord Ram shot an arrow into it to calm down an enraged Hanuman when he came to this place to extinguish the fire that was caught in his tail after he returned from burning Lanka.
Sati Anusuya Ashram
Sati Anusuya Ashram is the place where River Mandakini Originates. This place is mentioned in epic Ramayana. The legend goes that Sitaji told story of her marriage with Lord Rama to Sati Anusuya at this place. And the Ashram of Rishi Atri is located adjacent to it.
You can sit in the forests along flowing river which is more a rapid than River at this place. Ponder over the splendor of place.
Marpha, Chitrakoot
Marpha is famous for its natural beauty. You can enjoy here natural rapids made by jovial and youthful Mandakini River falling over plateau.
Ramghat, Chitrakoot
Mandakini River is lined up by ghats called Ramghat. Ramghat is where lord Ram, Sita and Lakshmana appeared in front of the famous poet Tulsidas and he used to sit on the river side and write Ram Charitra Manas.
The fragrance of incense sticks and the hymn of holy chants by the saints in saffron clothes make the soul calm and touched. You can go for boating in the river and enjoy the beauty of this place until the evening and attend the Aarti with beautiful diya lightings, sounds of bell and holy chants.
Sphatik Shila, Chitrakoot
Sphatik Shila is a place with two massive rocks which are believed to have the footprints of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Sphatik Shila literally means crystal rock and is located amidst dense forests, close to Janki Kund on the banks of river Mandakini.
It is said that Sita and Rama were relaxing here and a crow pecked the feet of goddess Sita which agitated lord Rama and he took off the eyes of the crow, however the crow was actually a form of Jayant, son of Lord Indra.
Janki kund, Chitrakoot
Janaki kund is situated along the banks of Mandakini River and it is believed that this is where goddess Sita used to bathe during the period of exile.
One can also see marks of footprints by the river side which is believed to be hers.
Ganesh Bagh, Chitrakoot
Located just 11 KM on the Karvi-Devangana road, Ganesh Bagh is a place with a architecturally beautiful temple, baoli with seven storeys and ruins of a palace exist.
The whole complex was built by Peshwa Vinayak Rao as a summer retreat and is also known locally as mini-Khajuraho.