Kamadgiri is a forested hill with the base surrounded by multiple Hindu temples on all sides and is considered to be the heart of Chitrakoot. The pilgrims perform Parikrama around this hill with the belief that all their sorrows will be ended and their wishes will come true by doing so. The name of Kamadgiri is derived from Kamadnathji, another name of Lord Rama and it meant fulfiller of all wishes. There are several temples on the 5 kilometres path of the Parikrama, one of the most famous being Bharat Milaap temple, where Bharat met Lord Ram and convinced him to come back to his kingdom. Some part of Kamadgiri Mountain falls in Uttar Pradesh, while some in Madhya Pradesh. Kamadgiri sees a throng of devotees during the Chaitra month (first month of the Hindu calendar) to revel in the festivities of Ram Navami and Deepavali. A grand fair is also held here every month on Amavasya (full moon day).
Ramghat is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chitrakoot. The serene ghat lining the Mandakini River is where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman appeared in front of the famous poet Tulsidas and he used to sit on the riverside and write Ram Charitra Manas. Ramghat is the centre of all religious activities in Chitrakoot and the most popular bathing ghat. It is believed that taking a dip at Ramghat would absolve a person of all sins. The fragrance of incense sticks and the hymn of holy chants by the saints in saffron clothes at Ramghat makes the soul calm and touched. You can go for boating in the river and enjoy the beauty of this place until the evening and attend the arti with beautiful diya lightings, sounds of bell and holy chants.
There is a stream of water falling upon the deity of Lord Hanuman releasing in a kund and there are langoors in this area. Hanuman Dhara is the name of the spring which sprouted from a rock when Lord Ram shot an arrow into it to calm down an enraged Hanuman when he came to this place to extinguish the fire that was caught in his tail after he returned from burning Lanka.
Sphatik Shila is a place with two massive rocks which are believed to have the footprints of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Sphatik Shila literally means crystal rock and is located amidst dense forests, close to Janki Kund on the banks of river Mandakini. It is said that Sita and Rama were relaxing here and a crow pecked the feet of goddess Sita which agitated lord Rama and he took off the eyes of the crow, however the crow was actually a form of Jayant, son of Lord Indra.
Believed to the place of the meeting of four brothers during the period of exile of Lord Rama, Bharat Milaap Temple is a very important temple of Chitrakoot. Located along the Parikrama of Kamadgiri, a visit to this temple is must here. One can also see the footprints of Lord Rama and his family here.
Janaki kund is situated along the banks of Mandakini river and it is believed that this is where goddess Sita used to bathe during the period of exile. One can also see marks of footprints by the river side which are believed to be hers.
Located just 11 km on the Karvi-Devangana road, Ganeshbagh is a place with a architecturally beautiful temple, baoli with seven storeys and ruins of a palace exist. The whole complex was built by Peshwa Vinayak Rao as a summer retreat and is also known locally as mini-Khajuraho.
This is a pair of caves, in which there is a tiny entrance, through which one can barely pass. Water trickles down in streams through the other cave, which can rise up to the length of our knees. It is said that Lord Rama and Lakshman once held their secret meetings, which is validated apparently by the throne like structures present in the cave. Although Chitrakoot is primarily a spiritual destination, there are some hidden surprises for bold travelers, especially those with a taste for adventurous, sometimes risky trips. Among such surprises is the series of caves named Gupt Godavari. One would be surprised as to how this cave is largely unknown to the world, despite its mystic charm matching the likes of Elephanta caves, Ajanta and Ellora caves as the list goes on. This is a place that is slowly emerging as one of the most popular destinations of India, owing to the enigmatic charm of nature. So if you're visiting _Chitrakoot, don't even dare to miss this site.
The story of Anusuya says that she sprinkled some special water over the holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar and this led to their incarnations. Also it is said that Anusuya offered sincere dedication to praise the god to end famine and thus the town was blessed with the river Mandakini.
