Perched high on a steep hill, Hanuman Dhara is a unique temple where a natural spring of cool water flows directly over the idol of Lord Hanuman, calming Him since the days of the Ramayana.
Begin the ClimbWhile Ram Ghat offers peace and Kamadgiri offers devotion, Hanuman Dhara offers a mix of all that – plus a breathtaking climb. Located on a steep hill in Chitrakoot, this temple is famous for the continuous stream of water that falls on Lord Hanuman’s idol.
The journey to Hanuman Dhara is as memorable as the destination. Each step takes you higher above the town, closer to the wind, the view and the story of how Lord Rama Himself cooled down Hanuman here.
The story of Hanuman Dhara is linked to the end of the war in Lanka. After burning Lanka with his fiery tail, Hanuman returned with his body still burning with heat and anger.
He came to Lord Rama in Chitrakoot, seeking relief from the intense heat. To calm His beloved devotee, Lord Rama shot an arrow into a rock on this hill. From that spot, a cool stream of water burst forth.
The newly formed stream fell directly onto Hanuman’s body, cooling His tail and extinguishing the inner fire. From that moment onwards, the flowing water became famous as Hanuman Dhara – the stream of Hanuman.
Even today, devotees believe that the same miraculous spring continues to flow from the rock and falls on the idol of Lord Hanuman inside the temple, symbolizing divine grace and inner calm.
Reaching Hanuman Dhara itself is a spiritual trek. You climb several hundred steps (roughly 360–600, depending on the route) along a steep hillside pathway.
The steps are well-built with railings and resting points. For most people, the climb takes about 30–45 minutes at a relaxed pace. Take small breaks, sip water and enjoy the view as you go up.
For elderly devotees or those who find climbing difficult, a ropeway (cable car) facility is available. It glides over the trees and rocks, offering a beautiful aerial view of the forested slopes.
Even if you love trekking, taking the ropeway one way and walking the other way can give you the best of both experiences.
At the top, inside the temple, you see the idol of Lord Hanuman with a stream of water falling gently over Him from the rock above. The sound of flowing water, bells and chanting creates a powerful yet soothing atmosphere.
Many devotees sit for a few minutes here in silence, feeling their own anger, stress and restlessness slowly cool down, just like Hanuman’s did.
Once you reach the top, most of the tiredness disappears instantly. From here, you can see the town of Chitrakoot, green forests and far-off hills stretching to the horizon.
On clear days, the landscape looks like a painting – especially around sunrise or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.
The path to Hanuman Dhara is home to many langurs and monkeys. They usually stay occupied among themselves but can become curious if they see food.
Avoid carrying open food packets, chips or biscuits in your hands. Keep mobiles, glasses and bags secure. Treat them with respect and they are unlikely to disturb you.
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for the climb – the sun is softer, and the breeze at the top feels especially pleasant.
Carry drinking water, wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid rushing. Those with knee or heart issues may prefer the ropeway or climb very slowly with breaks.