Which of the following places is popularly described as the ‘place of many wonders’?

The correct answer is Chitrakoot.

Key Points

• Chitrakoot is popularly referred to as the 'place of many wonders' due to its rich cultural, historical, and religious significance.
• It is located in the Vindhya mountain range and spans across the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in India.
• Chitrakoot is deeply associated with the epic Ramayana, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent a major part of their 14-year exile.
• The region is famous for its sacred rivers, temples, caves, and ghats, such as the Ram Ghat, Kamadgiri, and Bharat Milap.
• It is also a site of historical importance, as many saints like Tulsidas and Valmiki have referenced it in their writings.

Additional Information

• Kamadgiri: A forested hill in Chitrakoot considered sacred. Devotees perform a parikrama (circumambulation) as a ritual of worship.
• Ram Ghat: A significant riverbank on the Mandakini River where Lord Rama and Sita are believed to have taken baths during their exile.
• Gupt Godavari Caves: Twin caves near Chitrakoot associated with Lord Rama and Lakshmana, where natural springs flow through the rocks.
• Bharat Milap Temple: This site commemorates the meeting of Lord Rama and his brother Bharat during the exile.
• Religious Tourism: Chitrakoot attracts thousands of devotees and tourists annually, making it an important pilgrimage destination in India.