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Sitamani Temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated in the town of Janakpur, the site is believed to mark the exact place where Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, was ‘re-absorbed into the Earth’ after the great ordeals of the Ramayana epic. While lesser-known than other pilgrimage sites in India, in the past century the Sitamani Temple has become increasingly important in attracting pilgrims and tourists. The breathtaking views that the temple provides, built upon the hills of Chhattisgarh, will surely mesmerise the visitors.
Quick Details
- Location: Janakpur, Koriya District, Chhattisgarh, India
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
- Time Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Nearest Railway Station: Baikunthpur Railway Station (60 km)
- Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (245 km)
About
Photo: Pankaj Oudhia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The temple is a favourite stop for the devotees of Sita and Ram. The centre of the temple features a small step where devotees pray to Sita Mata. Over the years, the temple has been renovated many times, but still, its appearance is ancient and quiet. The presence of smaller shrines located all across the compound further adds to the general aura of consecration surrounding the main temple, each of which is dedicated to either Lord Rama, Lakshmana, or Hanuman, or a figure or scene from the Ramayana.
Location
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sitamani Temple is located in the town of Janakpur in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh. It is 60 km from Baikunthpur and 245 km from Raipur. Sitamani Temple is also a mythological site; it’s believed that Sita landed here when she came back from Heaven at the end of her retributory stay on Earth following the period of her living as the wife of Lord Rama.
How To Reach Sitamani Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Getting here is relatively simple, as Janakpur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here is a list of the different forms of transportation and the destinations:
By Air: The closest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, 245 km from Janakpur. Taxis and buses to Janakpur are available from Raipur.
By Train: The nearest railway station is situated in Baikunthpur, which is about 60 km away from Janakpur. You can hire a local taxi and a local bus from Baikunthpur Railway Station to reach Janakpur.
By Road: Janakpur is very well connected by road, and on a decent, straight highway, one can easily reach Janakpur from surrounding towns such as Baikunthpur by taxi, private vehicle, or bus.
Places To Visit Near Sitamani Temple
Sitamani Temple is located in a region rich in history and natural beauty. Here are some nearby attractions that visitors can explore:
1. Amritdhara Waterfall
Photo: uday / Wikimedia Commons
Amritdhara is a well-known and famous waterfall surrounded by thick forest. The water comes down in a powerful flow and has a cooling effect with a lot of mist that bathes tourists on arrival. The surrounding dense forest is cool and calm, especially in the summer months. Monsoon is the best time to visit Amritdhara, as the waterfall is in full flow. There are many well-worn woodland trails to explore, and one can enjoy birdwatching and spot animals in nearby forests and woods.
Location: Near Janakpur, Koriya District
Distance From Temple: 20 km
Entry Fee: Free
2. Baikunthpur Palace
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sitamani Temple is approximately 60 km away from this palace. The Baikunthpur Palace is one of the most beautiful architectural attractions in this region. The architecture of the palace is a mix of Victorian and Indian styles and is further adorned with high ceilings and carefully designed windows. Beautiful lawns add to the splendour of the place, and it is always a delight to visit when the sunsets and lights up the palace walls.
Location: Baikunthpur, Koriya District
Distance From Temple: 60 km
Entry Fee: Free
3. Guru Ghasidas National Park
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Guru Ghasidas National Park is one of the largest national parks in Chhattisgarh. The park is home to many sorts of animals, such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, and so forth. Above all, it is famous for its diverse populations of birds. Guided safari camps are conducted every day in the park to explore the thick forests and open grasslands for wildlife viewing or just observing the beauty of nature. Various camping sites are available for tourists.
Location: Koriya District
Distance From Temple: 80 km
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indian citizens, ₹600 for foreign nationals
4. Ramgarh Hills
Photo: Bhadani / Wikimedia Commons
90 km away from Sitamani Temple are the Ramgarh Hills, the hidden gem in the troubled landscape of Chhattisgarh. Apart from being a beautiful landscape, the Ramgarh caves in these hills are known for being the place where Kalidasa, the renowned poet of ancient India, is said to have composed parts of his most famous poem, Meghaduta. The walls of the cave are also inscribed with ancient inscriptions, making them a delight for archaeologists and historians. Multiple trekking routes through the hills exist, varying in difficulty and rated from easy to tough.
Location: Surguja District
Distance From Temple: 90 km
Entry Fee: Free
5. Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Snehrashmi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Alt Text: Entrance gates carved with wood to one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in India.
This forms part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, and while tigers are fairly rare, the sanctuary is rich in wildlife, including gaurs (Indian bisons), chitals (Axis deer), wild boars, langurs, and more. The vegetation consists of a combination of sal and teak forests, besides open grasslands on the rolling plains that make wildlife viewing a joy. The sanctuary is free of the usual commercialisation that blights other national parks, easily accessed, and perfect for those seeking quiet solitude.
Location: Surguja District
Distance From Temple: 85 km
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indian citizens, ₹400 for foreign nationals
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Bhaskaranaidu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The average cost of the trip to the Chandrahasini Temple in Chhattisgarh is around ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per person depending upon the accommodation choice made by the visitors.
Things To Consider
- Footwear: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. Make sure to wear easily removable footwear for convenience.
- Clothing: Although there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious environment.
- River Safety: If you’re spending time by the Mahanadi River, be cautious while walking near the water, especially during the monsoon season when water levels can rise unexpectedly.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try local Chhattisgarhi cuisine at nearby eateries. Popular dishes include Chana Samosa, Aamat, and Sabudana Khichdi, which you can find at local food stalls.
- Carry cash: Since the temple is located in a rural area, ATM access may be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash for any donations or purchases.
It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in the surrounding waterfalls, the history of the nearby water palaces, the unassuming simplicity of human existence, or the melancholic view of things passing away. Visit Sitamani Temple if you want to feel the immense joy of living in a unique and majestic place. Start your journey to this spiritual destination with TripXL and explore the spiritual side of Chhattisgarh, the county that represents a beautiful fusion of myth and history entrenched in nature.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
