Hanuman Dhara

The district of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh is one of the holiest places in Uttar Pradesh. You come across temples and other places of immense religious importance at regular intervals. Hanuman Dhara is one such place. Located about 3 km from Ramghat (considered to be the center of the main town in this place), it attracts devotees in large numbers.

This place is called Hanuman Dhara because of a gentle stream that flows over the statue of Lord Hanuman. To the devotees, this is perhaps the most beautiful sight to come across. The statue of Bajrang Bali (another name for Lord Hanuman) has been built of red stone marble. It overlooks the devotees and visitors entering the temple, lending a divine presence to the atmosphere.

In the distance, your eyes meet miles and miles of greenery, with a few settlements seated in between. There is fascinating mythology behind how this place got its name. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, after setting fire to Lanka, returned to this spot. He was fuming with anger and could not contain it in any way whatsoever. It was Lord Rama, finally, who helped him pacify his anger. Lord Hanuman then took a bath under the stream of water that flowed from above which then cooled him from within.

The temple is accessed through a flight of stairs. Along the way, you come across several statues of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxmana. Once you reach the top, you are treated to the panoramic views of the surroundings. There is also a small structure inside the temple named Sita Rasoi. This is also a major attraction for the tourists here.

History of Hanuman Dhara

The story goes that the spring was created by Rama to give relief to his follower Hanuman when he returned after having set fire to Lanka.

Architecture of Hanuman Dhara

The spring is reached after climbing a flight of 360 steps. Apart from the spring, several temples are located here. The deity of Panch Mukhi Hanuman Dhara is worshipped. This five-headed idol is highly revered by the people. It is also believed that the kitchen of Sita is located on top of this hill. But what is best about this place is the great view that it offers of the historic town of Chitrakoot. You will be surprised by the fantastic view.