Chitrakoot: Exploring the Sacred Land of Lord Rama's Exile
Dive into the mystical tales of Chitrakoot, a land imbued with the spiritual essence of the Ramayana. Discover the serene Gupt Godavari caves, the iconic Ram Ghat, and the Bharat Milap Temple, where divine footprints whisper tales of devotion. Walk along the Sphatik Shila, adorned with the imprints of Lord Rama's feet, and explore sites like Hanuman Dhara and Bharat Koop that echo legends of courage, love, and humility. Chitrakoot is not just a place—it's a spiritual journey into the timeless legacy of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman.
Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent most of their exile years in the woods of Chitrakoot. They spent 11 years, 11 months and 11 days in the forests of Chitrakoot, in present-day Uttar Pradesh and some parts in Madhya Pradesh.
GUPT GODAVARI:—
CHITRAKOOT is eighteen kilometers away from Gupt Godavari. It is said that during part of their banishment, Lord Rama and Lakshman resided here. The two-cavern Gupt Godavari system is located inside a mountain where the water is knee-high. Two stone thrones that are thought to be the property of Rama and Laxman can be found in the larger cave.
SATI ANSUIYA ASHRAM:— Sita, Ram and Lakshman visited this place during the exile years.There is large statue of Lord Krishna riding a chariot with Arjun sitting behind him which depicts a Mahabharata scene. Inside it are more sculptures with interesting artwork, kept for sacred darshan.
SPHATIK SHILA:—
The sphatik shila is a small boulder situated on the banks of River Mandakini, upstream from the Rama Ghat. This place is believed to be the spot where Mother Sita did her Shringaar (makeup). Also, legend has it that this is where Jayant, Lord Indra’s son, disguised as a crow pecked Sita on her foot. It is said that this boulder still bears the imprint of Rama’s feet.
RAM GHAT:—This riverside is known to be the place where Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman interacted with Saint Goswami Tulsidas. Ram Ghat is a place with much activity and a seething crowd as it is one of the main Ghats of Chitrakoot.
BHARAT MILAP TEMPLE:—
The site where Bharat met Lord Rama during his exile and convinced him to return to the throne of Ayodhya is thought to be marked by the Bharat Milap temple. It is said that the four brothers' reunion was so powerful that it melted the Chitrakoot mountains and rocks. These rocks still bear the footprints of Lord Rama and his brothers.
HANUMAN DHARA:—
This Hanuman temple is situated on top of a huge rock. A steep climb of several carved steps lead to the temple. Legend says that inside this temple Lord Rama stayed with Lord Hanuman, after Lord Hanuman set Lanka on fire and returned back.
RAM DARSHAN:—
Ram Darshan temple is one unique temple where puja (worship) and offerings are prohibited. This temple helps people enter integral Humanism by imparting them the valuable moral lessons.
BHARAT KOOP:—
Bharat Koop is a huge well near Bharatpur village, located around 20 KMs west of Chitrakoot. It is believed that Lord Rama’s brother Bharat brought water from all the holy places to honour Lord Ram as the King of Ayodhya. Bharat was unsuccessful in persuading Lord Ram to return to his kingdom.
In the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma, stories are not merely historical lore — they are living mirrors of consciousness. Contemplate how the virtues portrayed in this narrative can guide your decisions today.
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