Anusuya Ashram Chitrakoot

Amidst dense forests in Chitrakoot is located Anusuya Ashram, nearby Sphatikshila. By the locals, the ashram is called as Anusuyaji, out of sheer reverence. Anusuyaji, the famous pilgrimage place on the south bank of Payaswini, is renowned for having been the residence of famed legend Anusuya. It is said that Anusuya, the wife of great sage Atri, was one of Daksha’s daughters. According to the Puranas, she practised severe penance for a thousand years, and by virtue of her religious merit, she created the river Mandakini, and by its waters maintained the fertility of the country during a 10-years long drought. Her endeavour to bring Mandakini to the region recalls legendary story of King Bhagiratha. Bhagirath was ancestor of Ram and had brought the sacred river Ganga on the earth after great penance. Anusuya is one of the seven ‘pativrata’ women in Hindu scriptures - Sita, Savitri, Ahilya, Anusuya, Tara, Draupadi and Mandodari. They are very often referred to as example to be followed by all the wives.