Chitrakut - Ramalakshmana Mandir

Mention Chitrakut, there flashes across our mind the most holiest spot on earth exuding the magnificence of brotherly affection and heartless royal obligation. It is on this holy spor Bharata, the loyal, regal brother demonstrated his peerless swarthatyaga and inimitable brotherly affection. It also witnessed Sri Rama's Rajadharma and the glory of Pitruvakyaparipalana, which the mother Earth has not seen similar. Together with these lakshmana s righteous indignation and poor knowledge of psychology also. Viewed from any angle, this sacrosanct place holds out the glory of the eternal values of Hinduism. Bharata met here his dear-most elder brother Sri Rama in exile and pleads with tears for his return in atonement of a great sin perpetrated by his power crazy mother, guided by blind Putravatsalya. Explaining the weight and merit of father's word, Rama convinces him to go back and rule Ayodhya as desired by Mother, when the accumulated ripe wisdom of the maharshis failed to bring effect on Bharatha.

Besides, this sacred name conjures up a host of legendary and historical figures, who imprinted their immortal names on the sacred hills, holy banks and many consecreted sports. Its sthalapurana takes us back to Tretayuga of the Ramaavatara period and shows us the august places of his dwelling, walking, counselling etc. It was here sati Anasuya made river Ganga flow to rejuvenate the drought hit area and later gained the name of Mandakini. It is here Tulasidas was blessed with the vision of Sri Rama and lived adoring the image of Sri Rama applying sandal paste everyday for long. It is in its vicinity lived Valmiki and sage Bharadwaja and finally it is here Bharata accepted to be the ruler of a Rama's deputy. And here lies the famous Bharatakupa into which Sri Rama threw the waters collected from all the rivers for crowning of Bharata. Consecrated by several auspicious episodes, this holy region has been luring a great influx of pilgrims since then.
Later, celebrated rulers built imposing shrines numbering nearly thirty. the main one is dedicated to Sri Rama and Lakshmana. And they are at Sitapur lying close to Chitrakuta hill. The temple is ancient and lies on the bank of river Mandakini. It is quite imposing and vast in dimensions. On account of immense spiritual pre-eminence of the hill, its surrounding area has developed into townships catering to the needs of the visiting yatris and paryatakas. 'Ihe river too has many convenient bathing ghats with well-built steps for the benefit of theists. Pious theists undertake the Panchakroshi - going round the hill as pradakshana for merit. Another temple next in importance to Ramalakshmana, is lakshmi Narayana temple built by the Maharaja of Rewa. And is visited devoutly by all. Nityanaimithika worship is offered with unparalleled devotional fervor.

Daily worship is offered with great zeal to those holy images as laid down in agamas. Periodical festivals like Sri Rama Navami and Diwali are celebrated with great pomp and splendour. Having turned out one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage, it enjoys a steady influx of pilgrims throughout the year. For Ramabhaktas, it is as important as Ayodhya.

It lies 90' km off Prayaga of Uttar- Pradesh and about 5 km off Chitrakoot railway station, accessible by four wheelers.

[ Back ] [ Temples Of India ] [ Up ]