Chitrakoot is one divine pilgrimage that is south of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh district where Lord Ram and his devotee Hanuman are worshipped with great fervour. The small town boasts of a distinct beauty coupled with serenity that make this place a must visit.

Chitrakoot is a town through which river Mandakini flows. Mandakini is a tributary of Ganga. Most important location that is often frequented by the tourists is Ram Ghat. Ram Ghat is the destination where most of the spititual activity happens. With distinct shaped boats on the river that offer a ride to Janaki Kund among other places, Ram Ghat can be considered the center of the district. Several hawkers occupy the brinks of the steps which lead into the river for a holy dip. The extremely slippery steps should be trodden with caution. There is no point in going to his holy place if you miss the evening aarthi.

Janaki Kund is the legendary place where Sita is believed to have bathed. Several believers take a boat up to the unusual caves and bath there to seek her blessings.

The original Chitrakoot however is not the places we described above. The Kamadgiri is where the location was originally. The forest on a hill where the Bharat Milap Temple is located is of prime importance. All pilgrims go around the hill in circumambulation to seek blessings of God.

Moving further away from the city, there is a Hanuman Dhar temple where a stream of water flows down a steep hill. Climb over 360 steps to reach the top where the temple lies in a cave that is filled with knee deep water. Wade in through the water and relax your feet in a natural therapy that soothes your feet from the long climb. The caves are also bat infested adding to the experience of the pilgrimage.

Finally visit Sphatik Sila, the locale from where both Ram and Sita enjoyed the natural beauty of the city of Chitrakoot sitting on two immense rocks which are worshipped even today.

Believer or not, you will definitely feel the vibes of this place. The rituals are a visual treat to the non-believers, and a spiritual one to the devout pilgrims. If you are planning a visit to Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi or Allahabad, make sure you add this to the destinations.

(AW- Anil)