CHITRAKOOT Tourism, CHITRAKOOT Travel Guide
About Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, located between Khajuraho and Allahabad, is a beautiful place of religious and historical importance. Chitrakoot is situated on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, (132km south of Allahabad & 175 km from Khajuraho). Chitrakoot is a peaceful place with about 30 temples in the town, and many bathing ghats along the Mandakini River.
According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama spent first 11 years of his exile along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman in Chitrakoot. As per Hindu Mythology, Chitrakoot was also the home of the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya. It was at Chitrakoot that the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh took birth as Soma (the Moon), Dattatreya and Durvasa as the children of Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya.
‘Chitra’ literally means “beautiful” and ‘koot’ means “mountain.” It is also called ‘The hills of many wonders’ nestled in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. Chitrakoot gives a heavenly feeling with natural forests, gurgling streams and beautiful falls.
Chitrakoot - Tourist Attractions
Chitrakoot History
Mythological History of Chitrakoot: Chitrakoot is celebrated in the entire Indian literature and sacred books as the abode of Lord Ram, his spouse Sitaji and his brother Lakshman during their exile for about eleven years and a half.
Chitrakoot is teerth of teerth: According to the Hindu belief, Prayagraj (modern name- Allahabad) is the king of all teerths; but Chitrakoot is rated as more elevated. When Chitrakoot did not go to him as all the other teearths did, Prayagraj was told that Chitrakoot enjoyed a higher status and it was Prayagraj who was expected to go to Chitrakoot and not vice versa. It is said that Prayagraj comes every year to wash off his sins by bathing in the Payaswini. It is also said that all the gods and goddesses came to Chitrakoot when Ram performed the Shraddha ceremony of his father to partake of the shuddhi (i.e. a feast given to all the relatives and friends on the thirteenth day of the a death in the family). They were captivated by the beauty of Chitrakoot. Lord Ram's presence at Chitrakoot added spiritual dimension to it. Vashishtha, the family priest sensing their desire to stay and in accordance with the wishes of Lord Ram, forgot to utter the visarjan (departure) mantra. Thus, all the gods and goddesses have made Chitrakoot their permanent abode and are always present there.