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The Sacred Land of Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot's spiritual significance as the place where Lord Rama spent his years of exile.

By Spiritual Heritage · 2026-02-17

Chitrakoot, situated on the banks of the Mandakini River at the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, spent 11 of their 14 years of exile here. The Kamadgiri hill is believed to be the main abode of Rama and is circumambulated by pilgrims. Ram Ghat on the Mandakini is where Rama is said to have bathed. Other sacred sites include Bharat Milap temple (where Bharata met Rama), Hanuman Dhara, Gupt Godavari caves, and Sati Anusuya ashram. The great saint-poets Tulsidas and Kabir are also associated with Chitrakoot. It continues to attract millions of pilgrims annually.