About Kamadgiri Temple
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, morning and evening aarti
Suggested Duration: 4-5 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Chitrakoot Dham Karwi, about 12 km away
Nearest Airport: Chitrakoot Airport, about 18 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Chitrakoot bus stand, about 3 km away
When you step onto the red-stone courtyard at Kamadgiri Temple in Chitrakoot, it feels like you're entering a holy Ramayana scene. The winds rustle through the thick Vindhya trees, echoing centuries of devotion, making it one of the best places to visit in Chitrakoot. A red shikhara tops the simple yet beautiful sanctum and features Lord Ram (Kamtanath) accompanied by Sita and Lakshman by his side.
Many pilgrims start their journey with a dip in the Mandakini River at Ram Ghat at dawn. Then they walk the five-kilometre parikrama path that winds around the forested hill. They stop at shrines along the way like Bharat Milap, Mukharvind, and Baraha Hanuman. Walking barefoot, you can feel the spiritual energy and the pulse of myth. As it is believed that Rama, Sita, and Lakshman lived here during their exile, and Brahma is said to have performed his original yajna.
By mid-morning, the soft sunlight shines through the neem and ficus trees, lighting up the singers and the prayer flags that are fluttering in the wind. Kamadgiri Temple is a mountain that fulfils your spiritual and sensory desires. Whether you come to ask for blessings, peace, or a vivid encounter with a living legend, it will leave a lasting impression.
Kamadgiri Temple Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the divine at the Kamadgiri temple, Chitrakoot, believed to be the place where lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided during their exile period.
• Embark on the 5 km parikrama, walking barefoot from Ram Ghat, circling Kamadgiri Hill through shaded forest and shrines.
• Visit some of the key sites from Ramayana along the route, like Bharat Milap, Mukharvind, Choupada, and Baraha Hanuman, each recounting divine exile episodes.
• Marvel at the North Indian Nagara style architecture, with intricately carved pillars, statues, a soaring spire, and a Lakshmi‑decorated gateway.
• Pray to the divine trio of Ram, Sita and Lakshman as the main deities, honouring their exile‑era presence on Kamadgiri Hill.
How To Reach Kamadgiri Temple
By car/taxi: Kamadgiri Temple is about 3 km away from the Chitrakoot city centre, via Parikrama Path. It will take you around 10 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Kamadgiri Temple
Peak Season (October-March):
- Weather Insights: Crisp and pleasant weather, days range around 10- 30 °C, occasional fog in December-January
- Things to Do: Embark on parikrama, attend winter festivals like Diwali
Moderate Season (July-October):
- Weather Insights: Heavy rain, with temperatures ranging from 28- 35 °C
- Things to do: Witness the full scope of nature, attend aarti
Low Season (April-June):
- Weather Insights: Hot and dry with low water levels, with temperatures ranging from 29- 47 °C
- Things to do: Early-morning parikrama, boat rides on the Mandakini River in the early hours
Kamadgiri Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the temple.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the temple without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the temple authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
- Walk barefoot during parikrama, as shoes are not allowed on the path; leave them at nearby stalls.
- Carry bottled water and light snacks, as shops are sparse; it is also advisable to carry basic medications.
Embark on 5 km Parikrama
The 5 km parikrama around Kamadgiri Hill is paved and takes 3 to 4 hours to walk. People walk barefoot from Ram Ghat to Mukharvind, Bharat Milap, Choupada, Baraha Hanuman, and Lakshman Pahari. These other shrines represent episodes from the Ramayana and invite meditation and devotional chants.
Visit key shrines
Within the 5 km parikrama, pilgrims come across important Ramayana sites. These include Bharat Milap, which marks Rama and Bharat's emotional reunion. Prachin and Dwitiya Mukharvind, where it is believed that Sita came back after her exile. Choupada is a shrine to Rama's footprints, and Baraha Hanuman, which celebrates Hanuman's boar-like form that saved Lakshman.
Participate in Sacred Rituals & Beliefs
Before parikrama, devotees bathe at Ram Ghat, which is believed to wash away sins and make wishes come true. Some do dandavat parikrama, which means bowing down at each step. People say that Lord Brahma did a yajna here, which makes the hill even more holy. A full circuit promises spiritual merit, blessings, and inner peace.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kamadgiri Temple FAQs
How long does the 5 km parikrama take around Kamadgiri Hill?
The paved path around Kamadgiri Hill takes about three to four hours to walk all the way around. Devotees walk barefoot from Ram Ghat to major shrines like Bharat Milap, Mukharvind, Choupada, and Baraha Hanuman, all of which are connected to stories from the Ramayana.
What facilities are available along the parikrama around Kamadgiri Temple?
The path is paved and shaded by neem, fig, and peepal trees. There are small shops and kiosks along the way that sell water, snacks, and religious items. There are benches and places to rest. Clergy-run ashrams help pilgrims. Wheelchairs and a ropeway make it easy to get to Lakshman Pahari.
Can I walk barefoot, and where do I keep my shoes?
Yes, you have to walk barefoot for the parikrama. Shoe stalls near the entrances to temples offer safe and low-cost storage. Try to start early so that the stones stay warm enough to be comfortable. Avoid peak afternoons, especially during summer months when the ground gets unbearably hot.
