Hanuman Dhara

Getting there

• By air

  Prayagraj Airport is the nearest airport, about 115 to 126 km from Chitrakoot.

• By train

  Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) station is the closest railhead, about 10 to 20 km from the region's main attractions.

• By road

  National Highway 35 links Chitrakoot to Prayagraj, Varanasi and Ayodhya.

Why devotees come here

Hanuman Dhara is a Hanuman temple on top of a huge rock in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. Legend says Rama drew a stream of cold water from the rock here with an arrow.

Hanuman Dhara is dedicated to Hanuman and sits on top of a huge rock above Chitrakoot. Legend says Rama stayed here with Hanuman after Hanuman returned from setting fire to Lanka. In this place Rama helped calm his anger.

Another telling says that Hanuman was so furious on his return that Rama shot an arrow into the rock. A stream of cold water came out of it, and Hanuman bathed in it to cool off. Both are told as legends.

The temple is built on a hill. Small idols of Hanuman line the way up, so you can offer worship on the climb, and the steps give a spectacular view of Chitrakoot below. The town itself lies on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, along the northern Vindhya range.

Festivals

• Chaitra Ramnavami, Deepawali, and Amavasya (new moon)Ramnavami, Deepawali and Amavasya

  These days bring the largest pilgrim crowds and a vivid festive atmosphere, though with significant congestion.

Tips for your visit

• Small idols of Hanuman along the climb can be worshipped on the way up.
• Kamadgiri hill has a 5 km parikrama path with many significant temples along it, a walk for those with time to spare.

Questions people ask