This blogpost elucidates on the reason behind why Chitrakoot is an extremely important and revered place in the Indian Mythology.
LOCATION
Chitrakoot: Nestled in the Vindhyas
Chitrakoot was created as a district in 1998 is located in the beautiful range of Vindhyas. It is nestled between many beautiful hills and mountains of the Vindhyas range in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The hills in Chitrakoot are named with beautiful names of famous and important gods of Indian mythology and Hindu religion. Hills like Laksham Pahari, Kamad Giri and Janki Kund are some of the famous hills that are situated in the range of hills in Chitrakoot. They are given these names due to the rich mythological history that surrounds the district of Chitrakoot.
MYTHOLOGY
Home to Lord Rama for 12 Years
The place earned its critical importance due the choice Lord Rama made when he decided to go for his 12 year old exile. Lord Rama chose Chitrakoot to live in for more than a decade and that made Chitrakoot a place of curiosity and earned the place a reverent status. Chitrakoot’s mention in the Indian mythology first came in through Ramayana. The place was exalted for its natural abundance and beauty. Sage Valmiki wrote about Chitrakoot as an abode to abundance of all species of flora and fauna and home to all kinds of amazing animals. He suggested Chitrakoot to Lord Ram to spend his exile at.
SIGNIFICANCE
Land of Sages and Pilgrimage
Even before Lord Ram reached Chitrakoot to spend his 12 years, the place was revered and preferred by many important and wise sages like Rishi Agastya and Atri Muni. Chitrakoot, due to its natural beauty and nestled location in the calm hills and Vindhya Range became a preferred location for many wise individuals to practice meditation and search for wisdom at.
Chitrakoot, got a very warm and revered mention and description in the accounts and writing of Tulsidas. He also spent a significant amount of time in the woods of Chitrakoot and wrote about his time in the midst of the natural beauty of Chitrakoot. With his works like Ramcharit Manas and Kavitawali, he explains the beauty and importance of Chitrakoot. Another important mention of Chitrakoot in Indian Literature can be found in the epic, ‘Raghuvansha’ written by Kalidas where he describes and exalts the unique beauty of Chitrakoot and why it is a perfect place to practice meditation and reach wisdom. He mentions the characteristic natural beauty of Chitrakooti in his work, Meghdoot.
PLACE DURING DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS
Eternally Eminent for Pilgrims
With the mythological importance and the naturally beautiful location in the hills, Chitrakoot has become increasingly popular amongst the devotees and tourists. Every year, several tourists and devotees visit this place where Lord Ram spent his exile. They want to witness all the important landmarks of Lord Ram’s journey and worship the gods at the temples of Chitrakoot. It is considered as one of the most important ‘Teerth’ places.
Abundant Indian Mythology
With the decision of Lord Ram, many important sages and poets like Tulsidas, Chitrakoot has gained a permanent place in the mythology of India and still attracts several tourists every year with its natural beauty.
To know more about places like Chitrakoot, keep reading blogposts on Sameedh.
