Sphatika Shila is in the serene environment of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh. Located on the banks of Mandakini River, upstream from the Rama Ghat, this place disperses spiritual vibes and guarantees spiritual upliftment to the devotee. Sphatika Shila is a smooth rock bearing the impression of Lord Rama’s and Mother Sita’s footprints.
The rock astoundingly turned as delicate and smooth as silk to give all comfort to Sri Rama, at whatever edge He laid on this stone to unwind. This was the favourite spot of Lord Sri Rama in the Chitrakoot region while He lived here during the vanavasa. Lord Rama would decorate mother Sita from the flowers and materials collected from the forest. It is here He would spend time with Mother Sita in ekanta.
Kakasura or Jayanta was delivered at Sphatika Shila
Sphatika Shila is the spot where the crow species were cursed to be partially visually impaired by Lord Rama. Once when Sri Rama along with Mother Sita and Lakshmana were relishing the picturesque Chitrakoot, Indra’s son Jayanta appeared at the scene in the disguise of a crow and had the courage to peck at Mother Sita’s breast while Prabhu Ramachandra lay on He lap.
Jayanta mistook Lord Ramachandra to be an ordinary human being. Under the influence of the demon Kuranga, who was living in his eyes, Jayanta committed the gravest offense at the feet of Sita Devi.
Due to the drops of blood oozing out and falling on the face of Lord Ramachandra, Prabhu Ramachandra woke up. He saw that Mother Sita’s breast was bleeding and the crow was standing nearby with its beak anointed with blood. He understood the situated and enraged with Jayanta, Lord Rama shot a blade of grass to kill him. He actually invoked the Aishika astra in the blade of the grass.
Jayanta tried escaping from the wrath of Rama’s arrow but to no avail. He arrived at Indralok – the abode of Lord Indra, his father. But Jayanta was disheartened when his father refused to help him in any way. Then he visited various other lokas from Kailasha to Satyaloka. But no one had courage or power to stop the arrow of Prabhu Ramachandra.
Frightened, guilt-ridden, and filled with sorrow, he returned to Sphatika Shila in Chitrakoot and threw himself at Lord Rama’s feet, pleading pardon. As destiny would have it, Lord Rama pardoned him but the blade of grass, cut one of his eyes and partially visually impaired it since the target of Rama’s arrow has to be vanquished.
Actually Lord Brahma had given a boon to the demon named Kuranga (Kakasura) to live in the eyes of the crows. When Jayanta took the form of crow, he became influenced by this demon. After the removal of one eye, Jayanta came to his senses and surrendered to Lord Ramachandra.
Today also one can remember this lila by having darshan of footprints of Prabhu Ramachandra at Sphatika Shila. Also the footprints of mother Sita, The sitting place of the divine couple, the footprint of Lakshmana, the foot print of Jayanta and the eye of Jayanta can be seen here.
How to Reach Sphatika Shila?
Sphatika Shila is located in Chitrakoot, a district located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Although it does not have its own airport, it is connected to the major cities in India, as well as those located in close proximity, by train, air and road. The best way to visit Sphatik Shila is to join our Ayodhya Kashi Yatra. For bookings call 9844700850
Here is the best way of reaching it on your own.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi. Sphatik Shila is located at almost 22 km from the railway station. You can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach this place, with the drive taking you about 40 minutes.
By Air: Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport located in the city of Prayagraj, at about 108 km. After landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi by calling 9844700850 to reach this place. The entire driving time should take you 2 hours 40 minutes approx.
By Road: Chitrakoot is connected by NH 35 to the major cities in India as well as those located in proximity like Varanasi (246 km), Prayagraj (115 km), Ayodhya (270 km), Vindhyachal (171 km).
0
Leave a Reply