What is the significance of Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple?

Chitrakoot is where Lord Rama spent 11 of his 14 years in vanvasa (forest exile) along with Sita and Lakshmana. The sage Valmiki wrote the Ramayana here. Atri Muni and Anasuya devi resided here. The Mandakini river flowing through Chitrakoot is considered as sacred as the Ganga. The 5 km Kamadgiri parikrama (circumambulation of the sacred hill) is done barefoot.

Where is Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple located?

Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple is located in Chitrakoot, Satna District, Madhya Pradesh / Chitrakoot Dham, UP border.

Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple

💎 About Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple

The sacred hill where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent 11 of their 14 years in exile, considered one of the most important Ram pilgrimage sites.

📜 History & Origin

All the major events of Aranya Kanda (forest period) of the Ramayana occurred here. Bharata walked from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot barefoot to request Ram to return. Ram Ghat is where Ram and Sita bathed daily. The great saint Tulsidas had his vision of Rama here in the 16th century and wrote part of the Ramcharitmanas at Chitrakoot.

🏛 Architecture & Structure

The Kamadgiri hill itself is the deity - no temple on top. The hill is circumambulated barefoot. Key temples around the hill: Kamadgiri Mandir, Bharat Milap Mandir (where Bharat met Ram), Sphatik Shila (crystal rock where Ram-Sita sat), Ram Ghat on Mandakini river.

🆣 Puja & Rituals

The 5 km parikrama of Kamadgiri hill is the main religious act - done barefoot, traditionally early morning. Ram Ghat aarti at sunrise and sunset. The Mandakini river boat ride to view ghats is recommended. Pind daan for ancestors at Ram Ghat.

🎉 Major Festivals & Occasions

Diwali - celebrated as the day Ram returned from exile; Ram Navami; Vivah Panchami; Makar Sankranti; Kartik Purnima.

🚌 How to Reach

Rail: Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) Station (8 km) on Manikpur-Chitrakoot line. Air: Allahabad Airport (130 km). Road: Allahabad (130 km, 3 hrs); Varanasi (230 km); Lucknow (270 km, 5 hrs); Satna (80 km on NH-35).

📍Address: Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot, MP/UP border, 210204

🏠 Where to Stay

MP Tourism Hotel Chitrakoot. Numerous ashrams offer accommodation. Ram Ghat dharamshalas. Satna (80 km) has better hotel options.

🏭 Nearby Temples

Bharat Milap Temple Janaki Kund Gupt Godavari Caves Sati Anusuya Ashram Hanuman Dhara waterfall

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the darshan timings of Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple? +

Parikrama and ghats open 24 hours; temples 5 AM to 9 PM

How do I reach Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple? +

What is the entry fee for Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple? +

Free

What is the best time to visit Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple? +

October to March; Diwali (Ram arrived here); Makar Sankranti; Vivah Panchami

What is the dress code at Chitrakoot Kamadgiri Temple? +

Traditional attire for parikrama and temple entry.