Chitrakoot, also referred to as the “hill of many wonders”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous not only because of its scenic natural beauty but because it is an epicentre of important events of Hindu mythology. Chitrakoot, located in the northern vindhayas, is a place also famous for the temples and the archaeological magnificence one could witness here. The population of Chitrakoot is rather low and is a part Satna district.
Chitrakoot is a place of high veneration among the religious people of India. It has become so important because of the many historical and religious events that have happened here in the past. According to the holy and religious book of Ramayana the Hindu god Rama accompanied by his wife Sit and brother Lakshman had visited Chitrakoot while they were in exile. Chitrakoot also happens to be the place of meditation of the great Hindu sages Atri and Sati Anasuya. Apart from all these Chitrakoot is also the place of incarnation of the three major gods of Hindu mythology namely Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Legend has it that the famous poet Tulsidas who also happens to be the creator of the literary masterpieces Ramcharitmanas came to this place for divine enlightenment.
Of the many attractions of Chitrakoot one of the most famous one is Hanuman Dhara. Legend has it that this spring was created by lord Rama in order to provide relief to Lord Hanuman after he burnt down Lanka. Other places of significance are Ramghat, Janaki Kund, and Sati Anusuya Ashram. Many religious activities are carried out at Ramghat. This place is famous because during the exile of Rama and Sita, they often visited this place. It is situated on the banks of river mandakini. Sati Anusuya Ashram, located at a distance of 16 km from Chitrakoot, is the place where Sati Anusuya and her husband Rishi Atri meditated. It is surrounded on all sides by forests and the entire ambience at this place is serene. The Bharat Milap temple is also quite popular. It marks the place of meeting of Lord Rama and his brother Bharat where in Bharat had come to request his brother to leave the exile and become the king. At this temple one could see the foot prints of Rama, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan.
Thus without any equivocation Chitrakoot is a very important place to visit for the travellers not only because of the natural beauty or the temple; but because only by visiting Chitrakoot could one come close to the religious and mythological side of India.