Shri Kamadgiri Temple or Lord Kamtanath Temple is a Hindu temple located on Kamadgiri Hill, Chitrakoot and is one of the most sacred places in Madhya Pradesh. Kamadgiri Hill is shared by both the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Pilgrims to this religious site frequently circumambulate to receive blessings. It is the holiest place in Chitrakoot Dham and is located in the southern part of the state.

It is associated with several historical legends. Kamadgiri is a Sanskrit word that means “one who satisfies all desires.” This hill is surrounded by a pilgrimage path that is approximately 5 kilometres long. Devotees believe that all tirthas, or holy places, are located along the religious path. Lord Kamtanath is the main deity of Chitrakoot. Apart from the main temple, there are numerous temples dedicated to Lord Kamtanath.

Significance of Kamadgiri Temple

According to legends, the Kamadgiri Mountain is the most sacred because Lord Brahma performed the first yagna before creating life (shristi) here. According to various mythological sources, this is where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita spent their twelve-year exile. Visitors to this popular tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh say it exudes a spiritual aura. A large part of this is due to the incredible landscape of this location, which is characterised by dense forests and vegetation.

It is believed that the Kamadgiri Temple is located on the hill where Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita dwelled during their exile. Visitors to Kamadgiri, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most popular tourist destinations, often walk around the hill barefoot. This is thought to bring good luck and wash away one’s sins.

History of Kamadgiri Temple

It is said that when Lord Ram performed his father’s Shraddha ceremony, all the gods and goddesses came to Chitrakoot to partake in the shuddhi (a feast given to all relatives and friends on the thirteenth day of death in the family). The beauty of the location captivated them. The presence of Lord Ram added a spiritual dimension to it. As a result, they were hesitant to leave. Vashishtha, the family priest, sensing their desire to stay and follow Lord Ram’s wishes, forgot to utter the visarjan (departure) mantra.

As a result, all of the gods and goddesses have made this their permanent home and are always present there. Even today, when a mere tourist visits this place strewn with ancient rocks, caves, ashrams and temples with sages engaged in holy and spiritual sadhana, he unwittingly loses himself in the atmosphere charged with unending holy rites and enlightening sermons and partakes of the bliss of a world very different from our own. Thousands of pilgrims and seekers of the truth from all over the world flock to this location, drawn by an insatiable desire to better and elevate their lives.

The passage used for circumambulation was built by Bundelkhand kings, according to historical sources. Devotees spend three to four hours performing the parikrama. Apart from its religious significance, this location is also known for its serenity and ambience. If you want to spend a day in complete peace and meditation, this religious site in Chitrakoot is for you.

The architecture of Kamadgiri Temple

According to legend, Lord Brahma performed a ‘yajna’ with 108 ‘havan kund’ at this holy place of Chitrakoot while creating this beautiful creation. During his exile, Lord Rama also spent some time at Kamadgiri.

It is a widely held religious belief that circumambulation (‘pradakshina’ & ‘parikrama’) and ‘darshan’ of Kamadgiri fulfil devotees’ wishes. Kamadgiri’s five-kilometre circumference is shared by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It has four entry gates, one in each of the four directions. The main gateway of Kamadgiri is the northern gate. This gate houses the Kamatanath Temple. The temple’s gate is adorned with an image of Goddess Laxmi sitting among worshipping elephants and lions.

The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. After taking a holy dip in the Mandakini River at Ram Ghat, devotees circumambulate Sri Kamadagiri by entering through the main gate. A paved path has been created around the mountain. The ‘parikrama’ includes many temples such as Mukharvind Temple, Sakshi Gopal Temple, Bharat-Milap Temple, Barha Hanuman ji Temple, Saryu Dhara Temple, Pilikothi Temple, Bihariji Temple, and others.

Several ashramas run by Vaishnavite saints care for the poor and religious people. A religious site is the Lakshman Temple, which is located on a small hill on the southern side of Kamadgiri. Lakshman is said to have sat here while guarding Lord Ram and Mother Sita in exile. Every Amavasya (‘no moon’ or ‘new moon’ day), a large number of Chaitra Ramnavami and Dipawali pilgrims and devotees gather in Chitrakoot to bathe at Ram Ghat, pray at Kamtanath Temple, and perform ‘pradakshina’ of Kamadgiri.

Facts about Kamadgiri Temple

• Kamadgiri is one of the most important religious sites in Chitrakoot’s historic district. The Kamadgiri Temple is said to be located on the hill where Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita lived during their exile.
• Kamadgiri translates to “the hill that fulfils desires,” and as a result, it attracts a large number of pilgrims. The temple is surrounded by other prominent Hindu temples, making the hill a Hindu religious centre.
• The lush green hills in the temple’s background are mesmerising, adding a sense of tranquillity to the setting. When visiting Chitrakoot, one must go to Kamadgiri.
• The Bharat Milap Temple is also located on the hill. This is a location where Lord Ram’s devoted brother Bharat met him to persuade him to return to Ayodhya and reclaim the throne rather than remain in exile.
• The Kamadgiri forested hill is surrounded by temples. In all of these temples, Ram is worshipped as the main deity.
• A temple dedicated to Ram’s brother Lakshman can be seen on top of the hill if you walk further uphill. He has also had a hill named after him.
• This place is called Chitrakoot Dham and is situated on the Mandakini River’s banks. There is a hilly mountain in the area. Chitrakoot is Lord Rama’s Karma Bhoomi, as he spent 11 years in the forest.

Famous Festivals In Kamadgiri Temple

• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and enjoy the temple complex.
• Ram Navmi – Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Rama, one the most popularly revered deities in Hinduism, also known as the seventh avatar of Vishnu.
• Diwali – Diwali is the festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.

How to Reach Kamadgiri Temple

The best time to visit the Temple is between September and February, and during RamNavmi which is celebrated grandly here.

By Air: The nearest airport is located in Satna, which is 81 km away from Kamadgiri Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Chitrakoot is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi. It is located at a distance of almost 22 km.

By Road: State Transport Bus services connect Chitrakoot with Mathura, Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Gwalior and others. The nearest bus stand is Chitrakoot Bus Stand which is 2.2 Km from the temple.

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