Hanuman Dhara is a hillside shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the wooded hills of Chitrakoot. The site is known for a natural stream of cool water flowing over the idol of Hanuman, and is reached by climbing 360 steps. It is one of the sacred sites in the Chitrakoot area, which has deep associations with the Ramayana.
Quick Facts
- Location: Chitrakoot (on a wooded hill), approximately 5 km from Ram Ghat (verify distance locally)
- Steps: 360 steps from the base to the shrine
The Traditional Legend
According to the traditional account associated with this shrine: after Hanuman set Lanka on fire and destroyed it, he flew away with his tail still burning. To cool the intense heat, he stood under a stream of icy water flowing from the rock. That stream — later named Hanuman Dhara — is said to have been flowing continuously since that time. This is a traditional/Puranic account.
Visiting the Shrine
The idol of Hanuman stands beneath a natural flow of cool, crystal-clear water. Pilgrims climb 360 steps to reach the shrine and seek Hanuman’s blessings. The hillside setting within the forested hills of Chitrakoot makes the approach itself part of the pilgrim experience.
Note on This Page
Information on specific darshan timings, facilities, and current access conditions is not available from existing source material. Visitors should verify practical details locally.