Air: The nearest airports are Khajuraho (175km) and Varanasi (260km). Neither is very easy to reach.

Train: The closest train station is at Chitrakoot Dhama Karvi on the Jhansi-Manikpur main line about 10km from Chitrakoot. From there you can get a train to Allahabad, Delhi, Luck­now, Mathura and Varanasi.

Bus: There are many buses going to Chitrakoot from places in the area, including Allahabad, Satna, Mahoba, and Jhansi. The bus stand for some buses going north is located next to the UP Tourist Bungalow, slightly north of town.

Sri Kaisoranandadeva Gosvami, a disciple of Rasikananda  wrote a book in Oriya, the language of Orissa, telling how the Gopinatha Deity came to Remuna from Chitrakoot.

The book relates that in Treta-yuga, more than a million years ago, the Supreme Lord Ramacandra and His wife, Sita Devi, lived for some time at Chitrakoot, in north central India. Once during the rainy season a strong storm forced Rama and Sita to take shelter in the ashrama of some sages. On seeing the many cows in the ashrama and hearing their mooing, Lord Ramacandra told Sita, “Seeing all these cows, I’m reminded of My pastimes in Dvapara-yuga.” Lord Rama was referring to His later appearance as Lord Krishna.

Sita Devi said, “What do You mean? Please tell me about those pastimes.”

Lord Rama replied, “Just wait a week. With an arrow I’ll carve some pictures of those pastimes in a black rock, and you will be able to see them.”

But after four days Sita said, “I can’t wait any longer. Please show me what You’ve done.”

To please her, Lord Ramacandra then showed her the carvings. He had completed a Deity of Gopala Krishna (His back still attached to the stone) and, on the stone itself, drawings of Krishña's eight principal gopis (cowherd girlfriends) and four maid-servants to the gopis. Also depicted were twelve cows, Lord Balarama wrestling Mustika, Lord Krishna wrestling Canura, and a few other scenes.

Pleased to see all this, Sita began worshiping the Gopala Deity at Chitrakoot.

After a few days Rama and Sita left, so Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, came and took over the worship of the Deity (a service he was to perform through the rest of Treta-yuga, through Dvapara-yuga, and for several centuries of Kali-yuga).

When Lord Ramacandra returned to India from Lanka after killing the demon Ravana, He stopped for four days at the place now known as Remuna in orissa. Sita Devi wanted to bathe there in the Ganges, so Lord Rama shot seven arrows into the ground and brought forth the Ganges. Today that place is called Saptashara, “seven arrows.” A deity of Lord shiva named Gargasvara was later installed there. Near-by stands a deity of Durga Devi known as Ramachandi. Because Lord Ramacandra felt pleasure (raman) at that place, it came to be known as Remuna.

In the thirteenth century King LangulaNarasimhadeva from Orissa was travelling to holy places with his queen and many great sages. At Chitrakoot they saw the Deity of Gopala. Not knowing that Lord Brahma was coming there daily, the king was astonished that no one was worshiping such a beautiful Deity.

That night the Deity appeared to the king in a dream and asked to be taken to a more populated place. The king decided to take Gopala to JagannathaPuri.

The king selected some qualified brahmanas to worship the Deity and started for Puri. But when they reached Remuna, a beautiful cowherd village, Gopala again appeared to the king in a dream and asked to be installed and worshiped there. The village people, delighted, gave the Deity large quantities of milk and milk products every day. The queen noticed that the Deity was accompanied by carvings of the eight principal gopis, so she named Him Gopinatha, “Lord of the gopis.”

NOT LONG AFTER the time of CaitanyaMahaprabhu, a king who was a Deity hater was going around smashing Deities in temples. When the people of Remuna heard he was coming, they hid Gopinatha in a pond three miles away. The king was upset that he could not find Gopinatha, so he struck and partially broke Ramachandi, the Durga deity.

Meanwhile, a great devotee named Rasikananda received an order in a dream to excavate the pond where Gopinatha had been hidden. He recovered the Gopinatha Deity, built a temple for Him, and took charge of His worship.

Rasikananda was the foremost disciple of Shyamananda, who had helped transport from Vrindavana to Bengal the writings of the Gosvamis, leaders in Lord Caitanya’s movement. Shyamananda had spread Krishna consciousness extensively in Orissa, where Rasikananda had become his disciple.

When Rasikananda decided it was time to leave the world, he went into the Gopinatha temple and disappeared. He had been performing sankirtana in the temple courtyard with seven of his associates, and now his associates were so overwhelmed by spiritual separation that they too gave up their bodies and entered the spiritual world.

The samadhis (tombs) of Rasikananda and these associates stand outside the temple. Each spring the people of Remuna hold a twelve-day festival to commemorate the passing of Rasikananda.

 

SripadMadhavendraPuriGoswami once while travelling to puri came here. While here he had a desire to taste the famous Khira (sweet rice) offering made for Gopinath . He wanted to cook a similar offering for his deity of Gopal at Govardhan. Reciprocating with his desire, Lord Gopinathstole a pot of sweet rice and kept it behind the altar.  Pujari of the temple got a dream of Gopinath telling him that he has stolen this pot and that it should be handed over to his dear devotee MadhavendraPuri. From that day on Gopinath came to be called as KhirachoraGopinath.

Visiting Remuna

THE BEST WAY to get to Remuna from Calcutta is to take a train from Howrah station to Baleshwar (Ballasore), about a five-hour trip, depending on the train. From Baleshwar you can go the twelve kilometers to Remuna by taxi, auto riksha, or bus.

Glories of Chitrakoot in Scriptures and other Holy Places

In Srimad Bhagavat  5.19.16 following reference to Chitrakoot and Kamadgiri comes.

bharate ’py asmin varse saric-chailah santi bahavo malayo mangala-prastho mainakas trikuta rsabhah kutakahkollakah sahyo devagirir rsyamukah sri-sailo venkato mahendro varidharo vindhyah suktiman rksagirih pariyatro dronas citrakuto govardhano raivatakah kakubho nilo gokamukha indrakilah kamagirir iti canye ca sata-sahasrasah sailas tesam nitamba-prabhava nada nadyas ca santy asankhyatah.

TRANSLATION

In the tract of land known as Bharata-varsa, as in Ilavarta-varsha, there are many mountains and rivers. Some of the mountains are known as Malaya, Mangala-prastha, Mainaka, Triküta, Rishabha, Küttaka, Kollaka, Sahya, Devagiri, Rishyamuka, Sri-Shaila, Venkata, Mahendra, Varidhara, Vindhya, Shuktiman, Rikshagiri, Pariyatra, Drona, Citraküta, Govardhana, Raivataka, Kakubha, Nila, Gokamukha, Indrakila and Kamagiri. Besides these, there are many other hills, with many large and small rivers flowing from their slopes.

SB 5.20.15

tesam varsesu sima-girayo nadyas cabhijsatah sapta saptaiva cakras catuhsrngah kapilas citrakuto devani kaurdhvaroma dravina iti rasakulya madhukulya mitravinda srutavinda devagarbha ghrtacyuta mantramaleti.

In those seven islands there are seven boundary mountains, known as Cakra, Catuhsringha, Kapila, Citraküta, Devanika, Urdhvaroma and Dravina. There are also seven rivers, known as Ramakulya, Madhukulya, Mitravinda, Shrutavinda, Devagarbha, Ghritacyuta and Mantramala.

SB 7.14.30-33

 

 

The sacred lakes like Puskara and places where saintly persons live, like Kurukshetra, Gaya, Prayaga, Pulahashrama, Naimisharanya, the banks of the Phalgu River, Setubandha, Prabhasa, Dvaraka, Varanasi, Mathura, Pampa, Bindu-sarovara, Badarikashrama [Narayanashrama], the places where the Nanda River flows, the places where Lord Ramacandra and mother Sita took shelter, such as Citraküta, and also the hilly tracts of land known as Mahendra and Malaya all of these are to be considered most pious and sacred. Similarly, places outside India where there are centers of the Kånna consciousness movement and where Radha-Krishna Deities are worshiped must all be visited and worshiped by those who want to be spiritually advanced. One who intends to advance in spiritual life may visit all these places and perform ritualistic ceremonies to get results a thousand times better than the results of the same activities performed in any other place.

Ram Ghat

On the banks of the river Mandakini, and as a center of ritual activity, this Ghat is the most frequented in Chitrakoot. The “Aarti” performed in the evening is particularly beautiful. During the exile period Rama, Lakshmana and Sita took bath here. It is also known as the place where the sage Tulsidas (who wrote Ramacharitamanas) got darshan of his Lord Rama. The devotees usually take a dip here before going for Parikrama and darshan of Kamtanath ji. There is a group of temples here on the Ghat which is known as Puri and some devotees go around this group of temples also in the Parikrama. Many important places like Raghava Prayag Ghat, Mattgajendreshwar Swami, Parna Kuti and Yagya Vedi are nearby.

Kamadgiri

The sanskrit word ‘Kamadgiri’ means the mountain which fulfills all the desires. Kamadgiriis a place of prime religious significance. A forested hill, it is skirted all along its base by a chain of

temples and is venerated today as the holy embodiment of Rama. Lord Rama is also known as Kamadnathji which literally means fulfiller of all wishes.The Hill appears like a bow seen from any place in Chitrakoot. The pilgrimage path around this hill is about 5 Km long

A forested hill of prime religious significance, this is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The Bharat MilapTemple is located here. Pilgrims perform a ritual circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings.

Räma’s brother Bharata had been away from Ayodhyä when Räma was exiled. When Bharata returned, he learned that he was supposed to be the king in Räma’s absence. Greatly disturbed by this news, Bharata went with a large retinue to Chitrakut to ask Räma to come back and rule the kingdom. Today, the Räma-BharataMilap commemorates the spot where they met.

Lakshman Pahadi

A small hillock, parallel to and to the east of the Kamadgiri, about half- way in the Parikrama, is known as LakshmanPahadi. Lakshman used to guard Sri Ram and Sitaji from here, while they rested on the Kamadgiri. There is a Lakshman Temple here and also a Lakshman-Stambh. The visiting pilgrims embrace this pillar with the same reverence as if they were embracing LakshmanJi himself. There is a flight of steps from the ParikramaMarg leading to this hillock.

Saryu Dhara

There is a small streamlet above the fourth Mukharvind of KamtanathJi known as SaryuDhara. It is believed that Hanuman Ji lives here and there is a popular legend that Tulsidas used to recite the Ramayan here everyday before him. The devotees feel spiritually charged after resting here for a while

Mattagajendreshwar Swami

The famous temple of Mattagajendreshwar or MadganjanSami is situated on the Ramghat. According to a pauraniklegnd, Lord Brahma offered penance here in the Satyug and installed a Shivling here as Kshetrapal (i.e. protector of the area) which was known as Mattgajendreshwar Swami.

Later when Sri Ram came to Chitrakoot, he did Rudrabhishek here after bathing here in the Payaswini. Much later, Raja AmanSingh,the King of Panna built a temple here.

Raghav Prayag Ghat

This is to the south of the Ramghat of the Payaswini and is the convergence point of the three rivers—the Payaswini ,theMandakini and the Gayatri (or the Savitri ,a river not visible to the eye) meet here. Lord Ram performed the pitratarpan ceremony (sacred offerings to a deceased father by his son) for King Dashrath, who had died after Lord Ram’s exile. It is believed that even the king of teerths, Prayagraj also comes once every year to absolve himself of all the sins by taking a dip here.

Although Bharata was sorry about Räma’s exile, Räma was undisturbed. Bharata insisted again and again that Räma should come back to Ayodhyä, and many others who had come with Bharata agreed. But Räma repeatedly refused the kingdom. “No, I’ve given my promise to my father. That’s more important.”

Finally, Räma gave the decision over to JanakaMahäräja, his father-in-law.

Räma said, “JanakaMahäräja is very experienced, religious, and expert—let him decide whether I should stay here in Chitrakut and complete the term of exile or go back to Ayodhyä and take up the kingship.”

JanakaMahäräja, knowing the purpose of the Lord, said that Räma should stay in Chitrakut.

When Lord Ram refused to come, Bharat carried Lord Rama’s holy sandals with him. Even today the holy foot prints of both Ram and Bharat are imprinted here.

YAGYA-VEDI

This is near the ParnKuti on the Ramghat. It is said that Lord Brahma performed Yagyas here. Hence, the name.

JanakiKund

Temples are also at Jänaki-kunda, where Sitä, or Jänaki, would bathe. There are two Jänaki-kundas. One is at Gupta Godävari, and the other is three kilometers from Räma-ghäta.. The rocks nearby bear the foot prints of JanakiJi.

SphatikShila

This picturesque spot is marked by two immense rocks. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita feasted their eyes on the beauty of Chitrakoot. This bears the Rama’s footprint and Sita. It is said that Lord Rama with his own hands did Shringar of his wife Sita and where Sita was pecked at by Jayant(indra’s son)in the form of crow.

 

 ‘Sphatik’ is a Sanskrit word meaning a crystal. There is a huge rock resembling a reddish-white crystal, about 1 Km. away from Janaki-kund on the left bank of the Mandakini. Sri Ram and JanakiJi used to rest here perhaps while going to and coming from the Atri Ashram.

Once, Jayant, the son of Indra pecked at the feet of SitaJi to test the might of Sri Ram. Thereupon, Ram, sitting in the veerasan Posture, released a grass as an arrow at him. Jayant could not find anyone who could protect him against this grass-arrow and ultimately sought shelter with Lord Ram himself, who pardoned him after taking one of his eyes as punishment. The rock bears the foot prints of Sri Ram, SitaJi and Jayant.

Hanuman Dhara (waterfall)

Four kilometers from Ramghat it is one of the mountain ranges close to Mandakini Ganga. 360 steps climb lead you to this waterfall. Local people say that Hanumanji after burning lanka was advised by Lord rama to come here and bathe in the sweet cool nectarean waterfalls and thus get relieved from heat. This waterfall is originating from within the mountain slopes. 100 steps more up is a place called Sitarasoi (Sitas kitchen) where Sitadevi would cook simple  food – roots and fruits for Lord.

Vanadevisthan

3 kms from Ramaghat, on the way to Hanuman dhara. Kula devi of Ayodhya known as Vanadevi came to reside here when Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman left Ayodhya and came here. Goddess Sita footprints are still seen here.

Gupt Godavari

This is a tiny rivulet which flows into tanks at the end of an underground cave. The source of this rivulet remains unfathomable. Two natural throne-line rocks in the cave have led to the belief that Lord Rama and his brother Laxman held court here.

2 beautiful caves on the mountain were made by demigods knowing of Lord Ram’s coming here. To serve Lord Ram, Godavari was invoked here from the cave. Hence named as Gupt (hidden) Godavari.Devoteesvisting this place can enter this cave even today and experience the divine atmosphere of walking in knee deep Godavari waters.

Bharat Koop (well)

Situated on Allahabad highway, this is famous well where Bharat emptied the entire water which was carried by him for Lord ram’sabhishek in Chitrakut. This collection of water was from various holy rivers and ponds. Finding it of no use, the sages advised bharat to empty them all in this well

Just near Bharatkoop there is a temple of Mandvi, the consort of Bharat and there is also a Bharat Mandir nearby.

Sati Anasuya ashrama

13 km from Ramghat. It was here that Atri Muni, his wife Anasuya meditated and had their residence. An ashram in Anasuya’s name is located here. It is believed that the Mandakiniriver emerged as a result of Anasuya’s meditation.

Sati Anusuyaashrama is set amidst thick forests that round to the melody of birdsong all day.

As per description of Valmiki at one time there was no rain in Chitrakuta for ten years. There was a severe famine and nothing was left to eat or drink for animals and birds. Sati Anusuya performed hard and intensive austerities and got the river Mandakini down on earth. This led to the greenery and forests to grow which removed the sufferings of all sages and the animals.

Currently, Sati Anusuya ashrama is a very peaceful place where various streams from the hills converge and form the Mandakini River. It is said that Rama along with Sita had visited this place to meet Maharishi Atri and Sati Anusuya.

It is here that Sati Anusuya explained to Sitathe famed lessons on Chastity. The dense forests of Dandaka start from this place. It was ruled by Ravana. Ravana had appointed strong rakshasas like Khara and Viradha as its rulers. The place was infected by the terror of rakshasas.

RAM-SHAIYYA

This place is near the Bihara village about 3 kms west of kamadagiri mountain. At this place situated between two mountains one can still see body markings of both ram and sita and marking of Lord ram’s bow between the two.

LAKSHMAN-CHOWKI

About 100 Mt. away from the Ram-Shaiyya rock and overlooking it there is another rock which is known as Lakshman-Chowki. It is believed that Lakshman used to be on guard here to protect Sri Ram and SitaJi. This beautiful rock bears a mark resembling the head side of a bed. It also has imprints which are believed to have been made by Lakshman sitting down with his bow by the side. The Ram-Shaiyya rock is clearly visible from here.

SARBHANG ASHRAM

This Ashram is situated at a distance of about 20 Km. to the south east of Sati Anasuya Ashram. There is a Ganga-Kund and a Shiva Temple here. Beside the Ashram, there are 108 YagyaVedikas at the foot of the hill. Sri Ram accorded darshan to the sage Sarbhang here during his forest sojourn. Bathing in the Ganga-Kund of this Ashram has a special religious significance. The saying is that one dip in the Sarbhang Ashram equals repeated bathing in the sacred Ganges.

SUTIKSHNA ASHRAM

This is one of the most beautiful and charming sites in Bundelkhand. Ram appeared to MaharshiSutikshna here in compliance of the latter’s desire to have His darshan. A beautiful stream flows down from amidst the mountains falling in a kund below, probably giving its current name Dharkundi. This Ashram is situated about 4 Km. to the north of Sarbhang Ashram.

VIRADH – KUND

About 6 Km. to the east of the Shabari Fall (near Jamunihai village ) and at the meeting point of Bambiha and Tikariya villages on the Amrawati Ashram road, there is a vast reservoir of water known as Viradh–Kund. According to a popular belief, this reaches down to the PatalLok . There is a well accepted legend that a terrible monster Viradh used to live here and was later killed by Sri Ram during his exile. This Kund was the monster’s place of shelter and through it he could escape down to the another world ( i.e. Patal ).