Sati Anusuya Ashram
Sati Anusuya Ashram has located about 18 km from Ramghat, a famous tourist attraction in Chitrakoot. It is one of the holiest places in the region and is considered a part of the "Chitrakoot Char Dham". This place gets its name from the fact that it served as the ashram of Maharishi Atri along with his wife Mahasati Anasuya. She is also regarded as one of the mahasatis in holy scriptures of Hinduism because of her devout, pure, and chaste character.
There is also an interesting story behind her name. It is believed that this region was parched because of no rains for ten years. Then, Anasuya performed hard penance and finally succeeded in bringing River Mandakini down on earth. She was called Sati for her supreme sacrifice and enduring immense hardships during her penance. Her dedication and love towards her husband and her duties were so great that even Goddess Sita sought her blessings during her exile with Lord Rama. She also received lessons in humility, devotion, and all other qualities that a chaste, noble and devoted woman should possess.
The ashram itself is surrounded by thick vegetation and hills on all sides. This plays a big role in lending it that serenity and tranquillity, not to mention the spiritual aura, that is famous for. There is an enormous temple dedicated to Mahasati Anasuya along with her husband, Maharishi Atri, and their son, Dattatreya. Apart from statues inside the temple of the three noble souls, there are depictions from Sati’s life that lend an aesthetic appeal to it. In addition, there is also a statue of Lord Krishna riding the chariot with Arjuna seated behind him. Women can often be seen performing a circumambulation of the temple and paying their respects to the purest soul of all time - Mahasati Anasuya.
History of Sati Anusuya Ashram
Anusuya was the very loving and devoted wife of Rishi Atri. Impressed by her loyalty, sage Narad showered her with praises. This made the wives of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar very jealous. They wanted to harm her and hit upon a plan. They asked their husbands to go and break her purity. In the absence of her husband, all of them went to her and asked her to serve them food without putting on any clothes. On hearing this she sprinkled water on them and converted them to babies. In the meantime, the wives of these gods were waiting for them. The wives came and saw what had happened. They felt sorry for their vicious planning. The gods were then born to her as her sons Soma, Dattatreya, and Durvasa.
There is yet another story associated with her. Chitrakoot did not receive rain for several years. This led to a famine. Sati Anusuya prayed hard and the power of her prayers brought the river Mandakini down to the earth. Then there was greenery all around. The human beings and animals were also relieved.
Ram and Sita are also said to have visited Sati Anusuya and she narrated to Sita the importance of loyalty to one's husband.
Architecture of Sati Anusuya Ashram
The Sati Anusuya Ashram is located at a distance of about 16 km from the town of Chitrakoot. It marks the place where they lived and meditated. It is set amidst dense forests. The atmosphere of the ashram is very peaceful and the only sounds that can be heard are the sweet humming of the birds and the ripples of the small streams that join the Mandakini River. The calm and tranquil surroundings are sure to mesmerize you. It is the ideal place to visit for those who seek a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Within the temple, the idols of Anusuya and sage Atri are kept for worship.
