Kamadgiri

Chitrakoot is a popular center of pilgrimage and also Nagar panchayat, which is in the Satna district of state Madhya Pradesh. It is a cultural, religious, archaeological and historical place located near the region of Bundelkhand. The town is situated in Chitrakoot's historical region. The place is especially known for its famous temples.

The meaning of Chitrakoot is 'Hill of many wonders'. Over the states in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the mountains of northern Vindhya range spread. The district Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh was made on the 4th of September in the year 1998. The Parvat Mala of Chitrakoot includes the Kamadgiri, Janki Kund, Hanuman Dhara, Lakshman Pahari, etc.

Kamadgiri-

In Chitrakoot Dham, Kamadgiri is a very famous holy place. The Sanskrit word 'Kamadgiri' means mountains that fulfill all sorts of desires and wishes. It is believed that kamadgiri Chitrakoot, is a place that was an abode of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxman during the time of their exile.

There is Lord Kamtanath, his other name is Ishta Deva who is said to be the principal deity of not just Kamadgiri Parvat but also, the entire of Chitrakoot. There are many religious people who believe that the 'teertha' places or the holy places are in its 'parikrama' or the pilgrimage path. Around the hill, there is a pilgrimage path which is almost 5km long.

In the path of 'Parikrama', there are many temples. The place is always green, except for just summertime. From any place in Chitrakoot, it appears to be like a bow. Kamadgiri is a very important religious center for all the Hindus. This area is very often referred to as original Chitrakoot, that is the time when the historicity of the area is seen. The area is still called holy as a place.

Kamadgiri's History-

There were Lord Ram And Goddess Sita, who were the legendary hero and the heroine of Ramayana, they spend entire 11years in Chitrakoot, of their exile. That is the reason; there are so many places which are in ways acclimated with them. And one of them is Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot. There is also another temple named the Bharat Milap Temple. That was the spot where Lord Ram's devoted brother Bharat, came to meet Lord Ram and tried to convince him that he should return and go to Ayodhya. So that he can make him sit and maintain the throne instead of staying in exile.

The Miracle Lake present inside the mountain Kamadgiri-

It is said, that the Kamadgiri mountain is actually hollow from the within and there is a lake in it. It is one of the most heard stories related to Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot. On the bank, of the lake, there are many Chiranjeevi and immortal saints who live. Also, not everyone can live inside the mountain, only people with a pure soul are able to find their entrance in the mountain.

People also say, that during the monsoons, when it rains, there is rainwater that fills the entire lake, and about 24 springs rush out of the mountain, because of the rainwater.

How can you reach Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot?

People who want to travel by air, for them Khajuraho is the nearest airport. The airport is distanced at 175km. From there you can take any bus from reaching Chitrakoot. By road, Chitrakoot is connected very well with every major town of Madhya Pradesh. There is a very nice and efficient bus service. If you want you can also move by the train route to Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot Dham Karvi is the station of Chitrakoot.

Places to visit around Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot-

• Gupt Godavari-

There is one pair of caves, where, there is a very tiny entrance, one can barely even pass through it. There is water trickling down in streams, from the other cave, and that water level can rise even up to knee lengths.

People believe that, at a time, Lord Ram and Lord Lakshman once used to have their meetings secretly in this cave, apparently there are some structures that look like thrones validating this belief.

Chitrakoot is definitely a very spiritual destination and place of pilgrimage, but for travelers and people who hunt for adventures, there are a few hidden surprises. One among them is the Gupt Godavari.

Despite the cave being so mystically charming it is not so known among people like the Ajanta, Elephanta and Ellora Caves. This place is very slowly growing as a popular Indian travel destination. Therefore, never forget to visit this place if you are in Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot.

• Hangman Dhara-

There are many langoors found in the area. A water stream is there which falls upon the Lord Hanuman's deity, and the water gets released in a kund. As Hanuman is the Monkey God, the languors of that area are very well related to him.

When Lord Ram once shot an arrow on a rock and there was a spring which sprouted out from it, Hanuman Dhara is basically that spring of water. Lord Ram did that for calming down Hanuman who was really enraged and also had a fire on his tail because he came from Lanka after burning it.

• Ramghat-

The river Mandakini has ghats which are lined up after the river, these ghats are called Ramghat. When Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman came in front of Tulsidas, the very famous poet, was in Ramghat. Tulsidas used to sit by the river bank and write the Ram Charitra Manas.

The beautiful incense stick fragrance and the holy chanting of hymns by the saints wearing clothes of saffron color, calm down your soul and touch your heart. There is a river where people go for boating and there they enjoy the beauty of this place and serenity. Also, attend the evening aarti where you will get to see the beautiful sightings of Diya, holy chants and sounds of the bell.

These are some of the places where you can visit around Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot.

The Kamadgiri temple is beautifully surrounded by some prominent Hindu Temples, which makes the entire place a very religious center for the Hindus.

There are lush green hills that beautifully add to the sight making it absolutely mesmerizing and it just adds a sense of freshness to the place. Therefore one must definitely visit Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot when in Madhya Pradesh. There is no entry fee charged for visiting the temple. It is open from 5 AM to 8 PM.

Therefore, Kamadgiri, Chitrakoot is a very beautiful place to visit when in Madhya Pradesh.