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CHITRAKOOT

Chitrakoot, 'the hill of many wonders', is peacefully situated in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades, quiet rivers, and streams where there is a calm and repose always pervades. This loveliest Nature’s gift is blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. For it’s spiritual legacy stretches back to legendary ages: it was in these deep forests that Ram and Sita spent eleven years of their exile. This is the place where great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated; and it’s the same place where the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations.
Nestled in Northern Vindhyas, the sacred town of Chitrakoot embraces green forests, gurgling streams and tranquil rivers. Chitrakoot is a hub of Hindu religion and culture. The holy place of Chitrakoot was regarded as a significant place in Tretayuga, the third epoch of the Hindu cosmology. It is believed that the legendry hero of Ramayana, Ram with his beautiful wife Sita visited Chitrakoot during their exile. It was here where the great sages Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated. The holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh assumed incarnations here. Chitrakoot is an epitome of Hindu thought and philosophy. Goswami Tulsidas who lived during Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign, is believed to have visited Chitrakoot to seek divine inspiration when he was about to begin his chronicling of Ram's life in his masterpiece Ramcharitamanas. It is located on the banks of Payaswini River; it also lies at the tip of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh.
The terrace built by the Bundela chief, Chhattarsal is popular amongst pilgrims who indulge in a ceremonial circumnavigation.
Chitrakoot which has earned for itself the prestigious title of Hill of Many Wonders is referred to be in many legends and mythological stories. There are several tourist attractions in Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot is the ideal destination for those who are in search of solitude bliss.
The deep forests of Chitrakoot once gave shelter to Ram and Sita when they were passing their days in exile and was also the meditating grounds of Atri and Anusuya.
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life then this town nestled by the northern spurs of the Vindhyas is surely going to impress you with its calm and serene atmosphere. Nature has indeed bestowed Chitrakoot with plenty. The scenic beauty is enhanced by the streams and rivers. The tranquility of the surroundings will cast a spell over you.
Ramghat
This is the most important pilgrimage centre in Chitrakoot. Ramghat is the most important pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot located on the banks of River Mandakini. The importance of this place is so immense that the place Chitrakoot has almost become synonymous with Ramghat.
Description
A lot of religious activities take place at the Ramghat. A large number of devotees come through different areas to offer their prayers. You can also take a boat ride in the rippling water of the River Mandakini. The view of the banks of the river from the boat is lovely and is sure to impress you.
How to reach Ramghat
The nearest airport is Khajuraho. It is located at a distance of 175 km. Chitrakoot is the nearest railway station and it is well connected to the other towns of Madhya Pradesh like Chitrakoot Dham, Mahoba, Jhansi and Satna. There are plenty of buses that are available from these towns.
Kamadgiri
This is a hill with several temples at the base. The most notable of them is the Bharat Milap Temple. Kamadgiri is an important religious centre of the Hindus. This place is often referred to the original Chitrakoot and its historicity. The holiness of the place has been retained till date.
History
The legendary hero and heroine Ram and Sita of the epic Ramayana spent 11 years of their exile in Chitrakoot. This is why there are several places that are associated with them. Kamadgiri is one of them. The Bharat Milap Temple is also located here. This is the spot where Bharat, the devoted brother of Ram met him to convince him to come back to Ayodhya and sit on the throne instead of being in exile.
Description
This forested hill is bordered with several temples. Ram is worshipped as the main deity in all these temples. Prayers are offered to him by the devotees who visit the place regularly. It is also popularly believed that if the pilgrims go around the hill (parikrama) they will receive the blessings of the lord and all their wishes will be fulfilled. Make sure that you visit the Shree Kamatanath Temple and the Bharat Milap Temple. If you walk further uphill, you will notice a temple on top of the hill which is dedicated to Lakshman, the brother of Ram. The hill has also been named after him.
How to reach Kamadgiri
For those interested in traveling by air the nearest airport is Khajuraho which is at a distance of about 175 km. From there one can take a bus to reach Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot is very well connected to all the major towns of Madhya Pradesh by road. The bus service is very good. You can also go by train to Chitrakoot for there is a railway station at Chitrakoot by the name of Chitrakoot Dham Karvi.
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