With Kaushalya temple, state to inaugurate Ram Van Path on Oct 7 - Times of India

RAIPUR: The state government will inaugurate much awaited Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit with Mata Kaushalya temple in Chandkhuri on October 7—the first day of Navratri. Preparations are on full swing as the grand launch will be a three-day celebration at Chandkhuri.
It is believed that Lord Ram took halts at a few places across the state—like Ramgarh, Shivrinarayan, during his 14-year exile.
Under Chhattisgarh government's ambitious project of Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit Development nine sites were selected in the first phase to be developed as tourism pilgrimage. These sites include Sitamadi- Harchouka, Ramgarh, Shivrinarayan, Turturiya, Chandkhuri, Rajim, Sihawa, Jagdalpur and Ramaram.
These spots will be beautified and developed as tourist places.
As per official of tourism department, a phase of development and beautification of the ancient Mata Kaushalya temple in Chandkhuri near Raipur has been completed. This temple is an important part of the Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit.
The state abounds with stories of Ram, Laxman and Sita living in exile in the forests of Chhattisgarh and several stories and songs inspired by Lord Ram have been narrated and sung in communities here through the generations.
Quoting the historians, the officials said that during the exile period, Lord Ram had entered Chhattisgarh from Koriya district. Sitamadi-Harchouka in Janakpur of Bharatpur Tehsil is believed to be his first stop in Chhattisgarh. There are 17 chambers in the caves here on the bank of Mawai River. This place is also known as 'Sita Ki Rasoi'. There is a 'Shilakhand' here which is believed to be the footprint of Lord Rama. The cave situated on the Mawai river bank has been cut into 17 chambers, where there is a 'Shivling'. This place is known as Harchouka (kitchen). Lord Ram had reached Sitamarhi-Ghaghra on the banks of Rapa river from Harchouka. There is a four-chambered cave about 20 feet above, in the middle of which Shivling is established. In the onward journey, he left Ghaghra and reached Ramgarh hill in Sarguja district via Kotadola.
Located 50 km from Sarguja district headquarter Ambikapur, Ramgarh is a site of historical, archaeological and cultural importance. It is located about 3,202 feet above sea-level. This place is considered to be the place, where Kalidas gave the shape to his unique composition "Meghdootam". This place is also known as the oldest rock theatre in the world. The caves of "Sitabengra" and "Jogimara" are believed to date back to the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BC.
The officials added that evidence of inscriptions in Brahmi script of Mauryan period in Jogimara cave and inscriptions in Brahmi script of Gupta period are present in Sitabengra cave. Another feature of Jogimara cave is that it houses the oldest specimens of Indian murals.
Maheshpur Vanasthali near Ramgarh was the 'Tapobhoomi' (place of spiritual practice) of Maharishi. About 10 feet above on this site, word "Kalidasam" is inscribed. There is an accessible tunnel route on the side of Sitabengra, which is called Hathi Pol. It is about 180 feet long, with entrance of about 55 feet high.