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Ramghat, Chitrakoot
Mandakini River · Land of Rama’s Exile · Madhya Pradesh
॥ श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम ॥
Ramghat is the chief ghat of Chitrakoot on the bank of the gentle Mandakini river, where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have bathed and dwelt during their forest exile. The heart of one of the holiest landscapes of the Ramayana, the ghat fills each evening with the river aarti, with boats and lamps upon the water, in the land the lord himself called the dearest of all.
The river of Rama’s exile
The Mandakini flows quiet and clear through Chitrakoot, and tradition holds that Rama spent the happiest years of his fourteen-year exile here, bathing at this ghat and worshipping by its bank. Saints and sages have dwelt at Chitrakoot ever since, drawn by its sanctity, and the river is held among the holiest in the land of the Ramayana.
The evening aarti
At Ramghat the day closes with the aarti of the Mandakini, when lamps are raised to the river and floated upon it, and boats carry pilgrims along the bank past the bathing steps. The ghat is the gathering-place of Chitrakoot, lined with shrines and the seats of holy men, and busy with the rites of pilgrims through the day.
The sacred round of Chitrakoot
From Ramghat the pilgrim sets out on the sacred round of Chitrakoot — to the Kamadgiri hill that is circled in worship, to the Anusuya ashram where the Mandakini is said to rise, to Gupt Godavari and Hanuman Dhara. Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami and the Amavasya days fill the ghat with the faithful.
How to reach Ramghat
- By road: Ramghat is in the heart of Chitrakoot, on the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh border.
- By train: Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) is the nearest railhead.
- By air: Prayagraj (Allahabad) airport is the nearest, about 120 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ramghat, Chitrakoot?
Ramghat is the chief ghat of Chitrakoot on the Mandakini river, where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have bathed and dwelt during their forest exile.
Why is the Mandakini sacred?
Tradition holds that Rama spent the happiest years of his exile by the Mandakini at Chitrakoot, and the river is revered among the holiest in the land of the Ramayana.
What is the evening aarti at Ramghat?
At dusk, lamps are raised to the Mandakini and floated upon it, and boats carry pilgrims along the bank past the bathing steps.
What can pilgrims see around Ramghat?
From Ramghat pilgrims set out on the sacred round of Chitrakoot — the Kamadgiri hill, the Anusuya ashram, Gupt Godavari and Hanuman Dhara.
What are the main festivals?
Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami and the Amavasya days fill the ghat with the faithful.
How do I reach Ramghat?
It is in the heart of Chitrakoot; Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) is the nearest railhead and Prayagraj airport about 120 km away.
॥ जय श्री राम ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Lord Rama (Ramayana land) |
| Type | River ghat on the Mandakini |
| Significance | Where Rama dwelt in exile |
| Special | Evening aarti of the Mandakini |
| Nearby | Kamadgiri, Anusuya ashram, Hanuman Dhara |
| Main Festival | Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami |