Ram Ghat

Ram Ghat is the most popular and blessed ghat nestled on the banks of the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Located along the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh is the most serene place where devotees can immerse themselves in a tranquil atmosphere.

Renowned for its quiescent charm, historical significance, and profound inner spirit, Ram Ghat attracts Hindu pilgrims across India and worldwide. Whether it’s the quiet wee hours ceremony, the vibrant evening Mandakini aarti, or the peaceful atmosphere, this ghat is a symbol of both faith and devotion.

Mandakini Aarti

In the evening, this place looks majestic as you can witness the Mandakini aarti that takes place around 6 PM, and it is carried out for an hour. During this holy spiritual ceremony, the devotees gather here to offer their prayers. They also light oil lamps or diyas. It is an act of respect and gratitude to the holy river Mandakini. It sanctifies the place and creates a marvelous atmosphere.

Mandakini aarti is similar to the Ganga aarti in Varanasi and is performed by the group of pandits. Compared to the grandeur of Ganaga aarti, it is much simpler but very appealing.

Vedic hymns are recited during the ritual. Sounds of bells, conches, and cymbals are heard that make a divine connection to the supreme god.

Ram Ghat is very famous for religious baths. Bathing in this river would absolve a person from all the sins. Boats are well decorated with LED lights, looking like a bride. Boating in the river is the most interesting thing to do here. Pets like rabbits are kept inside the boat to entertain children and also adults.

Sthala Purana of Ram Ghat

When the place was hit with drought for several years, all the beings in Chitrakoot suffered heavily. Sati Anusuya, feeling compassion for all living beings, performed severe penance and brought River Mandakini to earth. Thus, this river became a main source for all living beings.

Lord Sri Rama, along with his wife Sita Devi and his brother Lord Lakshman, bathed here during their 14-year exile.

Also, on the banks of the Mandakini River, Goswami Tulsidas was making sandalwood paste to apply to the devotees who had come there to bathe. On such an occasion, he had a divine darshan of Lord Sri Rama and Lord Lakshman, with the help of Hanuman in parrot form.

Things to Do in Ram Ghat

Take a Holy Dip: Pilgrims take a bath in the pure, sanctified water of the Mandakini River. It cleanses the body and soul of a devotee and bestows them with divine blessings.

Offer Prayers: Devotees pray to Lord Rama to seek his blessings. They offer their prayer by singing songs, performing aarti, offering flowers, garlands, fruits, etc. They also recite the mantras and hymns to please Lord Sri Rama.

Attend Aarti Ceremony: Evening Aarti is a spectacular event, truly a sight to behold. To invoke the spiritual grace and joy, lamps are lit, hymns are sung, and prayers are offered to the river.

Timings of Ram Ghat

Ram Ghat is open throughout the day. There is no specific time for devotees to perform any ritual. They can bathe in the sacred Mandakini River at their convenience.

Entry Fees of Ram Ghat

Pilgrims need not pay a single penny to visit Ram Ghat. It is accessible to everyone irrespective of any time and day.

Nearby Attractions

Kamadgiri Hill: Atop this hill, Lord Rama, Sita Devi, and Lord Lakshman resided during their exile. The name Kamadgiri translates to “the hill that satisfies desires,” which is why it draws a large number of devotees. Located in Chitrakoot, pilgrims perform a 5 km circumambulation, known as Parikrama, around the hill.

Bharat Milap Temple: It is the place where Bharatha (brother of Sri Rama) came from Ayodhya to meet Lord Sri Rama to persuade him to occupy the throne.

Gupt Godavari Caves: It is a natural cave where Lord Rama, along with his brother Lord Lakshman, stayed during their exile. It is a fascinating two-cave system where there is knee-deep water always present in this cave.

Tulsidas ji Temple: Also known as Tulsi Birla Manas Mandir, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is a sacred site where Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramacharitamanas.

How to Reach Ram Ghat

If you plan to visit the Ram Ghat and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s World famed Ayodhya Exclusive Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.

If you wish to travel by yourself, here are a few options.

By Air: The nearest airports are Khajuraho Airport (167 Kms) or Prayagraj Airport at Allahabad (130 Kms). From here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chitrakoot.

By Railway: Chitrakootdham Karwi Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is just located 7 Kms away. From here, you can hire a taxi or take local transport to reach the ghat.

By Road: The roads are well connected to major cities like Allahabad, Kanpur, Jhansi, Banda, Varanasi, and Satna. Private vehicles, taxis, or auto-rickshaws can be hired. There are frequent buses available.