Bharat Milap Temple, Chitrakoot | History & Visiting Time
The holy site where Bharata met Lord Rama to convince Him to return to Ayodhya and give away the fourteen-year vanavasa is marked by the Bharat Milap Mandir in Chitrakoot. It is situated in the holy area of Chitrakoot in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, along the parikrama trail of Kamadgiri Hill. The Ramcharitmanas and the Valmiki Ramayana both make specific reference to this hallowed location.
The lotus footprints of Lord Ramachandra and His brother Bharata can be found at this temple. According to the Sri Ramcharitmanas’ source, the two brothers’ union thrilled even the stones and rocks. It continues to be the epitome of heavenly fraternal love.
Lila of Bharat Milap Mandir
The Ramayana has a detailed account of Bharata’s encounter with his brother, Lord Rama. A prime example of devotion to Lord Ramachandra is Bharata. Bhakti-bharita-bharata: The devatas were also alarmed by his submission to Lord Ramachandra. King Dasharatha, a descendant of the Surya-vamsha, or Solar, dynasty, ruled over Ayodhya during the Treta-yuga. The King declared Lord Rama’s coronation when he believed that he was qualified to lead the realm. Aware of this, Queen Kaikeyi’s servant Manthara reminded the queen of King Dasharatha’s pledge of two boons.
Manthara convinced the queen that the two boons she could request from the king were the crown for her son Bharata and the 14-year banishment of Lord Rama into the jungle. Queen Kaikeyi, who was not convinced by Manthara, insisted that King Dasharatha do the same. The queen called for Lord Rama to explain her choice. When the Lord heard the decision, he graciously accepted it.
Lord Rama obeyed His father and King Dasharatha without hesitation, leaving the realm for the jungle with His brother Lakshmana and His consort Sita Devi.
Bharata sets out to bring back Lord Rama
During these incidents, Bharata was not in Ayodhya. He was informed of everything when he arrived in Ayodhya. As a highly loyal and dharmic brother, Bharata could not bear to remain in Ayodhya without the protection of his devoted and affectionate brother, Lord Rama.
When Lord Rama was the most qualified king and even the most adored by His subjects, he could not imagine holding the throne of Ayodhya. He grew enraged with Queen Kaikeyi for her choice since he was astounded that Lord Rama could possibly be exiled in the wilderness. He immediately made the decision to return Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Lord Rama refused to return to Ayodhya in order to honour what His father had told Kaikeyi. Bharata was also unable to return and govern Ayodhya by himself. He travelled to Nandigrama, which is close to Ayodhya, with Lord Rama’s padukas, or shoes.
After placing Lord Rama’s padukas on a pedestal and adoring them, Bharata reigned from Nandigrama on his behalf. Every Ayodhya minister used to travel to Nandigrama to confer with Bharata on administrative issues. This practice persisted until 14 years after Ravana’s murder, when Lord Rama returned.
Deities of Bharat Milap Mandir
The Bharat Milap Mandir complex features the lovely deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana, and Bharata. Lakshmana met Shatrughna, Sita Devi met Queen Kaushalya, Lord Rama hugged Bharata, and the gods of Lord Rama gave Bharata His Padukas. Not to be overlooked is Sri Tulsidas, the Deity.
Footprints are the main attraction here
The main draw of the temple is the footprints. Actually, Bharat Milap Charan Chinh Mandir is mentioned on the temple’s entryway. Three pairs of footprints can be seen here.
The footprints of Lord Rama and Bharata are shown on the first block of rock. The footsteps of Lakshmana and Shatrughna are depicted on the second slab of rock. The footprints of Sita Devi and Queen Kaushalya are also depicted on the third block of granite.
In the North Indian architectural style, these imprints are shielded by a thin wall covering with a tiny gopura-like structure above.
Temple Timings of Bharat Milap Mandir
You can Bharat Milap Mandir anytime between 5AM early morning to 9 PM in the night.
